Southwest Queensland's Mithaka Cultural Landscape has been added to the National Heritage List in recognition of its Indigenous heritage value.

The listing covers more than 33,000 square kilometres in Channel Country on the traditional lands of the Mithaka People, who have maintained cultural responsibilities for thousands of years.

The area was once the centre of a wide production, trade, exchange and ceremonial network known as the East Lake Eyre Trade Route, which supported many Aboriginal groups across north and central Australia.

Traditional Owners contributed directly to the nomination, marking the first time an Australian National Heritage proposal included sections written by the community itself.

Mithaka Aboriginal Corporation said the listing provides an opportunity in caring for country for generations to come.

"This listing means better protections for nationally significant sites on Mithaka Country for many generations to come, while also ensuring practical day to day activities continue," they said.

The landscape contains a rare concentration of cultural places which show how communities lived, worked and maintained relationships across the region.

These include ancient quarries, hearths, rare standing Indigenous houses known as gunyahs, and stone arrangements linked to Australia's oldest known Indigenous trade network, active for at least 2600 years.

Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt, said the listing acknowledges the importance of the landscape and supports ongoing cultural management.

"By listing the Mithaka Cultural Landscape, we are supporting Traditional Owners to protect and manage the site's cultural and natural values for future generations," he said.

"The area tells the story of some of Australia's earliest manufacturing and trade.

"It provides fascinating insight into village life on an important trade route, and holds an ongoing, meaningful cultural connection to the Mithaka People."

He said Traditional Owners played a central role throughout the nomination process.

"The Mithaka Traditional Owners have been extremely hands-on in seeking this National Heritage Listing, which will protect this significant site into the future," Mr Watt said.

Other National Heritage sites include Quinkan Country, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and the Beechworth Administrative Precinct.