Brisbane Water formed part of the traditional lands of the Guringai (or Kuring-gai) Aboriginal people, who fished in the rivers and lived on the surrounding land. There is debate as to whether the traditional lands of Darkinyung or Darkinung people extended to the coast (not to be confused with the Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council, who are the self-appointed caretakers of the Central Coast area and do not claim to be the traditional owners of this area). There are many significant Aboriginal site around Brisbane Water, including Bulgandry, Daleys Point and Staples Lookout. This area has one of the highest densities of Aboriginal heritage sites around Sydney.

The Girrakool Aboriginal site has a carving of a man located on a rock platform along the Girrakool Loop walking track.
An Aboriginal engraving site above Green Point Creek near Pearl Beach, which has very weathered carvings.
Multiple Aboriginal axe grinding grooves on a large rock platform along the Hawkesbury Track.
An Aboriginal engraving site in Kariong, which has a pair of emus situated on what was an old road.
A single fish engraving near a firetrail in Kariong.
An Aboriginal engraving site in Kariong which has ten unusual figures, many of which resemble rabbits (ceremonial figures).
A single engraving of a snake near a firetrail in Kariong.
Large emu on a small rock located in the scrub near the Kariong Rifle Range.
Single mundoe (footprint) near the Rifle Range Firetrail.
Aboriginal red ochre and charcoal figures in a tall and long shelter near Woy Woy. An impressive site unfortunately damaged by graffiti.
Shelter below Koolewong Ridge, which has Aboriginal charcoal art (indeterminate motifs) and a midden.
Aboriginal cave art in a long shelter below the Koolewong Ridge Firetrail. There are over 30 ideterminate motifs in charcoal and ochre.
A large weathered whale (over six metres in length) along the Koolewong Ridge Firetrail. It was first documented by W.D. Campbell.
A very weathered Daramulan figure, shield and boomerang on a sloping rock platform to the west of Mount Leochares.
Twelve axe grinding grooves (some are silted over) on a small rock platform to the west of Mount Leochares.