Collingridge Point Aboriginal engravings

Summary: An Aboriginal engraving site near Collingridge Point has three motifs and a number of axe grinding grooves - as well as a non-Aboriginal (European) dinosaur carving,

  • Site type: Axe Grinding Groove (AGG), Rock engraving
  • Number of motifs: 3
  • Motif/s: Fish, Indeterminate figure
  • Condition of site: Good
  • Year first recorded: 1982

In thick scrub above Collingridge Point is Ploddy the Dinosaur, a non-indigenous engraving of unknown provenance. Perhaps it was carved whenthe scrub was less thick, and the rock platform easier to reach. One theory espoused by bushwalker Anthony Dunk (which makes a lot of sense) is that it was carved by the artist and writer George Collingridge, whose house was built just below here at Collingridge Point in the early 1880s. “The dinosaur species depicted, Diplodocus, was first discovered as fossils in 1877, so the timeline fits with Collingridge moving to the area”.

coba point dinosaur stitch Collingridge Point Aboriginal engravings

Near the dinosaur carving are a small number of Aboriginal engravings. The most obvious are two fish, which are next to each other.

AWAT6757 LR Collingridge Point Aboriginal engravings

A short distance away is an indeterminate figure, which looks like an oval with a ear or tail.

AWAT6774 LR Collingridge Point Aboriginal engravings

A small waterhole has a number of axe grinding grooves next to it – many now covered by vegetation.

AWAT6766 LR Collingridge Point Aboriginal engravings
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