The national tourism symbols are designed to be used consistently throughout Australia. The criteria for each are explained below.
National tourism attraction symbols
Tourist symbols - what they mean and how to use them.
These nationally approved tourist symbols have been developed so that users can enjoy a consistent experience as they visit Australia’s tourism destinations.
They are intended for use on roadside signs, maps, guidebooks, directories and tourism websites.
Other symbols may be added in future, as the need and funding arises.
All symbols have been consumer tested according to Australian Standards and have been adopted for use by all Australian states and territories. Some states or territories may choose not to use some symbols so you should consult the officer in charge of tourist road signing at your State or Territory road authority to determine whether they are applicable in your area.
Before you use each symbol you must gain the approval of your State or Territory road and tourism authority, as they may have their own additional criteria for use.
Waste dump symbol (white on blue background)
Denotes a purpose-built facility for the legal discharge of effluent (‘black’ water) from caravans, motor homes and camper vans/trailers.
Golf course symbol (white on blue background)
Denotes the location of a golf course open to the general public on a casual basis. Does not include mini-golf, stand-alone golf driving ranges, golf practice venues and golfing retail venues. It should not be used to denote private golf courses open only to members and/or their invited guests.
Heritage symbol (white on brown background)
Denotes the location of attractions, display/interpretive centres, sites, monuments and other objects of historical interest. This symbol is not used to denote towns of historic interest (in which case the words ‘historic town’ or ‘historic village’ are considered more appropriate on road signing).
Museum symbol (white on brown background)
Denotes a building used as a museum regularly open to the public, which displays items of a general or thematic nature and features a high level of interpretation. Does not include small historical centres or interpretive displays attached to visitor information outlets, in which case the heritage symbol may be more appropriate. Use of this symbol in some states/territories may be subject to the approval of and/or accreditation by Museums Australia or other appropriate agencies.
Whales symbol (white on brown background)
Denotes an area designated for the seasonal viewing of whale migratory activity, although it may also feature other marine life. The area must incorporate adequate car parking, viewing areas and safety precautions/traffic management facilities that meet State and Local Government requirements. The area should feature high-level interpretive information, which will be of interest to the public during periods when whales are not visible.
Winery symbol (white on brown background)
Denotes a winery that holds a Vignerons Licence or a licence that permits direct sales to the general public, and which features a purpose-built facility (cellar door) for the tasting and interpretation of wine. Note: this symbol denotes all variations of wine production and sales, including fruit wines.
Walking trail symbol (white on brown background)
Denotes a trail designed for the safe passage of pedestrians that complies with all safety requirements of State and Local Government authorities. Generally trails using this symbol will also provide some level of interpretation.
Lookout symbol (white on brown background)
Denotes a lookout point readily accessible to vehicular traffic that complies with all safety and traffic management requirements of State and Local Government authorities.
Aboriginal attraction symbol (white on brown background)
Denotes an attraction, cultural centre or a site of Aboriginal significance, which has been approved for general visitation by relevant traditional owners and/or other authorised authorities. Such sites should feature interpretive material, although for cultural reasons this may not always be appropriate. It is not to be used to denote purely retail attractions, nor for commercial galleries. Note: In some jurisdictions approval to use this symbol has not been granted by the relevant Aboriginal authority. Proponents should consult with their State/Territory road authority for clarification.
These symbols were endorsed by the National Tourism Signing Reference Group in November 2006.
Using these tourist symbols
Criteria for the use of each symbol has been agreed to at a national level, but some states and territories may choose to apply additional criteria to meet local needs and/or policies. You should consult your state or territory road authority and/or tourism commission for clarification about how they are to be applied in your region.
These symbols are copyright protected, but they may be used by authorised individuals, agencies and commercial organisations only for the purpose for which they are intended and according to the base criteria.
The development of a set of national tourist symbols has been a major project of the National Tourism Signing Reference Group (NTSRG) since 2000.
Find out more about:
To request to use or find out more about the symbols, please contact your relevant road authority.