Summary: Aboriginal red ochre and charcoal figures in a tall and long shelter near Woy Woy. An impressive site unfortunately damaged by graffiti.

Unfortunately while this overhang near Woy Woy which overlooks Brisbane Water has some of the most impressive Aboriginal cave paintings near Sydney, it has suffered from graffiti over many decades. The very tall and long rock shelter has a large panel with multiple motifs in red ochre and charcoal.

The main panel was documented by Campbell in 1899: “The figures comprise deity forms, shields, and boomerangs. Other figures near these have been drawn in charcoal, but have been greatly obliterated by mischievous persons.”

Although the graffiti has damaged some of the figures, what’s perhaps most concerning is the accelerating rate of decay from oxidisation or fungae covering the artwork.


The charcoal figures are harder to discern.

From the top of the ridge above the shelter there are some great views over Brisbane Water.

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1 Comment

Elliot Scanes · November 16, 2022 at 5:37 pm

Hi there, I am a local resident and would like some more detailed directions to find this art. I would love to be able to visit and appreciate it.
Thanks

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Aboriginal Sites by National Park

The Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area protects over 3,000 known Aboriginal heritage sites, and many more which are yet to be recorded. This area includes the Blue Mountains National Park, Gardens of Stone, Wollemi National Park and Yengo National Park.