Smiths Creek Ridge Emus

Summary: An Aboriginal engraving site above Smiths Creek, the large rock platform has a pair of clearly-cut emus, a large fish and a shield.

High on a ridge above Smiths Creek, beyond the Wilkins Track, is an Aboriginal engraving site. It features two large emus – both over four metres in height – which were documented by W.D. Campbell in 1898 and later by Fred McCarthy in 1983.

IMG 0520 LR Smiths Creek Ridge Emus

Although McCarthy doesn’t provide an interpretation of the site, he states that the pair of emus could be “a) copulating, b) dead and laid side-by-side on the ground, c) standing one behind one other or d) a giant mythological pair”.

Montage2 stitch LR 2 Smiths Creek Ridge Emus

The two emus are still very distinct, having been described by Campbell as “clearly cut”. A lot of detail is still visible in the carvings.

  • IMG 0568 LR Smiths Creek Ridge Emus
  • IMG 0570 LR Smiths Creek Ridge Emus

A third emu, below the main pair, is more weathered and hard to make out. Near the emus is a “broad fish”, almost six feet in length..

IMG 0578 LR Smiths Creek Ridge EmusIMG 0579 LR Smiths Creek Ridge Emus

At the end of the site is a sheod

shield stitch LR Smiths Creek Ridge Emus
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Aboriginal Sites by National Park

Aboriginal Rock Art in the Greater Blue Mountains
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.