Information Sheet: Shipwrecks - Legislation and Conservation

As an island nation, shipwrecks are an important part of Australian heritage. They are not only evidence of a tragic event – the shipwreck itself – they can also offer glimpses into all aspects of our past. Shipwrecks and their associated artefacts are a finite resource that hold a wealth of information. As keepers of heritage, museums have a responsibility to care for and preserve shipwreck artefacts held in their collections.