Registering your Dig
How to register your dig and obtain digging permits:
First, check if the site you are digging on is subject to any heritage listing, archaeological inventory, heritage overlay or Aboriginal cultural heritage risk. These sites are protected under law, and you may need to also check for local council planning overlays or any easements, which may restrict digging.
When you find your optimal digging site, you must report it to officials by submitting a site card within 30 days, but if you are just searching for it or surveying the area, you still need to submit a Notice of Intention. Registering normally means that it just establishes a site formally in the system, and not getting an approval to dig, you will need a separate consent or permit.
If you want to disturb or excavate a known historical archaeological site, then you need consent under the Heritage Act 2017 via Heritage Victoria. Depending on the proportion of the dig site, you will need a different consent, including consent to uncover, consent to excavate or consent to damage. Below is a guide for the whole process, as well as some links to help.
1. Check the site
Before digging, check if your dig site is protected or restricted:
- Victorian Heritage Register / Inventory
- Local Council Heritage Overlays
- Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Areas (Via ACHRIS)
- Easements or Planning Restrictions
Victorian Heritage Database | VicPlan | ACHRIS
2. Register or report the site
If you find a potential site:
- Submit a Site Card within 30 days
- If you’re surveying only, submit a Notice of Intention (NOI)
Attention: Registering a site does not grant permission to dig.
3. Apply for excavation consent
To dig or disturb a known site, apply to Heritage Victoria for the right consent:
- Consent to Uncover – exposed relics
- Consent to Excavate – planned digs
- Consent to Damage – works affecting a site
Archaeology Consents – Heritage Victoria
03 7022 6390 | 📧 heritage.victoria@transport.vic.gov.au
4. Get approval & conduct your dig
- Wait for written consent before starting.
- Follow all permit conditions (qualified archaeologist, recording, artefact care).
- Stop work and notify Heritage Victoria if you find unexpected relics.
5. After the dig
- Submit your final report to Heritage Victoria.
- Apply for consent if you wish to retain (claim) or dispose of artifacts.
6. Aboriginal & Indigenous heritage
If artifacts or sites may be Aboriginal: Contact First Peoples – State Relations
1800 762 003 | aboriginalvictoria.vic.gov.au