Aboriginal archaeology & Anthropology

Trusted by Traditional Owners. Relied on by industry.

Aboriginal cultural heritage is at the foundation of everything Trace Archaeology does. It was the service that started Trace — and years on, it remains the discipline where our expertise runs deepest. As specialist heritage consultants based in Perth, we deliver Aboriginal archaeology and anthropology services across Western Australia, the Northern Territory and beyond.
‍
We work with two groups of clients whose needs are very different, and we take both seriously. For Aboriginal Corporations, Traditional Owners and Native Title Holders, we provide the independent archaeological and anthropological expertise needed to identify, document and protect the cultural heritage of your country. For developers, miners, exploration companies, infrastructure builders and government agencies, we deliver the heritage surveys, ethnographic assessments, heritage impact assessments and cultural heritage management plans required under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 to satisfy regulatory requirements and keep projects moving forward.
‍
Our team of archaeologists, anthropologists and osteologists covers the full spectrum of Aboriginal cultural resource management across WA and the NT. Every project begins with a due diligence and desktop assessment — reviewing existing heritage registers, spatial data and project boundaries to understand what cultural heritage may be present before any fieldwork begins. Where fieldwork is required, our team conducts thorough archaeological surveys and ethnographic surveys, engaging respectfully with Traditional Owners and documenting sites to the standards required by the relevant regulatory bodies. We operate across the full breadth of WA — from the Perth metropolitan area to the Pilbara, Kimberley and beyond.
‍
When project activities could impact registered Aboriginal heritage places, we prepare and lodge Section 18 consent applications under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 — managing the process through the DPLH ACHknowledge portal from submission through to decision. Our team also conducts social surrounds consultations and community engagement, manages watching briefs for construction activities near sensitive sites, undertakes archaeological excavation and salvage where required, and provides specialist artefact analysis for excavated assemblages.
‍
We build genuine, long-term relationships with Traditional Owners and Native Title Holders — built on respect, transparency and a track record of delivering what we promise. Those relationships are why Aboriginal Corporations trust us as their independent heritage advocate, and why developers, miners and exploration companies trust us to navigate the cultural resource management and approvals process on their behalf.
‍
Trace Archaeology is a division of Trace Enterprises — Perth's only fully integrated heritage, environmental and planning consultancy. When your project also requires environmental assessments or planning approvals, our Trace Ecology and Trace Planning teams work alongside us, giving you a single point of accountability across every discipline.