Heritage interpretation is a means of communicating ideas and feelings which help people understand more about themselves and their environment. There are many different ways of communicating these ideas, including guided walks, talks, drama, displays, signs, brochures and electronic media.
Heritage interpretation is often used in national parks, museums, zoos, botanic gardens, Aboriginal keeping places, galleries, historic sites, science centres, state forests, urban parks, and reserves. Interpretation is used increasingly by guided tour operators, conservation organisations and local history associations.
The benefits of interpretation are to:
- enrich the visitor's experience by making it more meaningful and enjoyable;
- assist the visitor to develop a keener awareness, appreciation and understanding of the heritage being experienced;
- accomplish management objectives by encouraging thoughtful use of the resource by the visitor; and
- promote public understanding of heritage management organisations and their programs.