Murujuga viewing access improved
Access for viewing culturally significant rock art at Murujuga National Park in the Pilbara has been greatly improved through the opening of a new walking trail.
The 700 metre, universal access Ngajarli Trail is the first infrastructure of its type to be built in the National Park. It will enable visitors to view a rich array of rock art, with some of the petroglyphs estimated to be more than 47,000 years old.
Interpretive signage has also been added to educate visitors of the cultural importance of the area to traditional owners.
The project was managed by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, with guidance and advice from the Murujuga Park Council and Circle of Elders.
Murujuga, ecologically and biologically diverse, is home to one of the world’s largest, densest and most diverse collections of rock art, or petroglyphs. These capture at least 47,000 years of human existence and provide an archaeological record of traditional use of the area over this time.
The engravings show human images, extinct animal species such as megafauna and Thylacines (Tasmanian tiger), as well as existing avian, marine and land animals. The area also features middens, fish traps, rock shelters, ceremonial places and stone arrangements.
A nomination for Murujuga to be recognised for full World Heritage status is making significant progress.
