Discovering and revealing stories of the past through physical traces.
Australia has a rich and deep archaeological record which extends for more than 60,000 years. Our technical excellence in this field has been honed through 35 years of archaeological survey, excavation and analysis. Our archaeologists are carefully selected and collectively have experience working on archaeological sites across Australia, particularly throughout NSW, North Queensland and the Torres Strait, and internationally on sites in Europe, Papua New Guinea, and parts of Southeast Asia.
One of our advantages is our expertise and ability to investigate sites that extend through the period of European settlement and back through the full time-range of Indigenous occupation. We work with clients, First Nations Peoples and communities to explore, and analyse archaeological evidence so that stories from the past are revealed for current and future generations.
Archaeological investigation is often an important part of the suite of environmental investigation that precedes development, and our team of experienced archaeologists are adept at designing methodologies to suit projects that range in complexity and scale while ensuring they deliver sound archaeological practices and heritage outcomes.
Scientific analysis
Contemporary heritage and archaeology are strongly founded in scientific principles and techniques. With its focus on evidence, the scientific approach brings rigor and objectivity to ensure our work and advice meets international best practice and standards and satisfies the requirements of government agencies.
Our in-house expertise and specialist partner network provides you with access to the very best available people and facilities in Australia. Many of our staff have a scientific background including working for some of Australia’s leading universities in academic and research roles.
NOHC uses scientific approaches to understand how sites were formed and used by people in the past, to date sites and heritage materials, and to identify and analyse materials and structures to better understand how they were made and used.
We also have in-house expertise in the identification of human and other skeletal remains including ageing, sexing and palaeopathology studies.
Our staff have significant experience in designing and managing large multidisciplinary heritage and archaeological projects. We also provide research training in various aspects of heritage, archaeology and archaeological science and in publishing reports and articles in scientific journals and other outlets.
Our archaeologists, bio-archaeologists, physical anthropologists and geospatial specialists can deliver a range of archaeological projects including:
- Archaeological advice
- Archaeological predictive modelling
- Cultural heritage assessments and management plans
- Aboriginal cultural heritage assessments
- Archaeological assessments and impact statements
- Archaeological management and zoning plans
- Archaeological research designs and excavation methodologies
- Permit applications for Indigenous and historic archaeological investigations.
- Site recording, site survey and GIS mapping
- Site inspections and archaeological monitoring
- Archaeological test and salvage excavations
- Post-excavation analysis and reporting: including specialist analysis of faunal remains, shell, lithics and other materials
- Artefact collection, management and return to country projects
- Archaeological interpretation planning, design and content
