Murujuga National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage site protecting one of the world’s largest concentrations of rock art on Western Australia’s Burrup Peninsula.
At a glance
Murujuga National Park encompasses 48.51 square kilometres on the Burrup Peninsula in the Pilbara region of north-western Western Australia. The park is a landscape of immense archaeological significance, containing thousands of petroglyphs—rock carvings created over thousands of years by Indigenous peoples.
History
The rock art of Murujuga represents one of the world’s oldest and most extensive records of human artistic expression. The carvings document Indigenous life, spiritual beliefs, and environmental knowledge accumulated across millennia. The site carries profound cultural meaning for the Aboriginal peoples of the region, whose ancestors created and maintained these artworks.
What you see
Visitors encounter thousands of petroglyphs across the park’s rocky terrain. The carvings depict animals, human figures, and abstract patterns pecked and ground into the basalt surfaces. The density and diversity of images reflect different periods and artistic traditions. The landscape itself—volcanic rock formations shaped by ancient geological forces—frames these human creations within their natural context.
Cultural significance
The art at Murujuga holds deep spiritual and historical importance for Indigenous Australian communities. The site represents continuous cultural practice and knowledge transmission across thousands of years. Its UNESCO World Heritage designation recognises the global importance of this artistic and archaeological record as evidence of human cultural development and connection to country.
Key facts
- Location: Burrup Peninsula, Pilbara region, Western Australia, Australia
- Area: 48.51 square kilometres (18.73 square miles)
- Coordinates: -20.58333333, 116.83333333
- UNESCO World Heritage status: Yes
Practical information & getting there
The park is located in the Pilbara region of north-western Western Australia. Access and visiting conditions should be confirmed locally, as some areas may require permits or guided tours to protect the rock art and respect Indigenous cultural protocols.
Sources & resources
- Murujuga National Park – Wikipedia
- Cultural Heritage Online
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