(either individually or in association with midden sites). In regard to shipwrecks, the location of the Bertha remains undiscovered and it is also possible that there are further shipwrecks that have gone unrecorded in present documentation. The place possesses uncommon, rare or endangered aspects of the cultural or natural history of New South Wales. Bass Point has been the focus of attention from archaeologists since the late 1960s as an area that has potential to reveal significant information about pre-contact history in NSW. Twelve midden sites and one camping/meeting place have been identified at Bass Point and archaeological excavations have revealed the environmental change and evolution of the area over time and the development of techniques used by the Aboriginal people to hunt and gather available resources. Alongside Burrill Lake rock shelter (which is of similar antiquity), Bass Point is considered to be one of the most significant Aboriginal archaeological sites to be excavated in NSW. The place is important in demonstrating the principal characteristics of a class of cultural or natural places/environments in New South Wales. Bass Point is representative of prominent headlands in the Illawarra region and contains the coastal vegetation found throughout the area. Bass Point is also representative of places that had established occupation by Aboriginal people due to the plentiful and sustained food resources occurring naturally in the environment. See also Protected areas of New South Wales Stone Fleet (New South Wales) References Bibliography Attribution External links New South Wales State Heritage Register City of Shellharbour Aboriginal communities in New South Wales Basalt Mining in New South Wales Nature conservation in New South Wales Farms in New South Wales Timber industry in Australia Event venues in New South Wales Parks in New South Wales Articles incorporating text from the New South Wales State Heritage Register