Murujuga

Bird tracks etched into the stone at Deep Gorge on the Burrup Peninsula of Western Australia
Bird tracks etched into the stone at Deep Gorge on the Burrup Peninsula of Western Australia

NEED TO KNOW

LOCATION Murujuga begins at Dampier, around 785 miles (1,265 km) north of Perth, Western Australia
DATING FROM Around 8000 BC
DAYTIME TEMPERATURES Jan: 91°F (33°C); Apr: 93°F (34°C); Jul: 82°F (28°C); Oct: 91°F (33°C)

The remote Burrup Peninsula, or Murujuga, of northwestern Australia, is part of the Dampier Archipelago. It is home to what is claimed to be the world’s largest array of rock carvings, dating back some 10,000 years or more.

According to estimates there are as many as a million carvings to be found here, showing an astonishing range of images including animals (kangaroos, emus, snakes, dogs, turtles, and whales) and humans, some depicted carrying traditional objects such as boomerangs and wearing ceremonial head- dresses.

The threat of industrial development to the archipelago’s archaeological treasures has become a cause célèbre for conservationists and, in 2007, most of the area was added to Australia’s National Heritage list. There are ongoing appeals for it to be given UNESCO World Heritage status.

Practical Information

Getting There and Around

Fly to Perth, then catch a connecting flight to Karratha Airport, from where you can rent an off-road vehicle for the 25-mile (42-km) drive to the Burrup Peninsula.

When to Go

The cooler winter months from May to October are best.

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