Visitor books: a tool for planning and evaluating visitor management at rock art sites

Abstract

A formal interpretive planning process, based on culturally appropriate and effective negotiations with Traditional Owners, was used to evaluate existing interpretation and visitor management infrastructure on Stanley Island, Flinders Group National Park, in north Queensland, and to develop a new interpretive plan to provide the basis for revamping interpretation of the island group. In addition to consultation, comments in visitor books kept over a number of years were used to evaluate existing interpretation and visitor management of rock art sites, through assessing change in visitor attitude to Aboriginal cultural heritage and conservation after installation of two boardwalks and signs. the visitor books were used in evaluation to develop the interpretive plan and new interpretive signs by identifying common misunderstandings, negative stereotypical beliefs, and the level of cultural awareness among visitors so the new interpretation directly addresses these barriers to visitors' cultural awareness and understanding.