World’s densest-known area of petroglyphs recognised in WA

On 11 July 2025, the Murujuga Cultural Landscape in WA’s Pilbara region achieved World Heritage status after a nomination process led by the Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation on behalf of the Ngarda-Ngarli people.

The area now joins five other Western Australian sites recognised for their natural values on the World Heritage List.

Murujuga, which encompasses the Burrup Peninsula and the islands of the Dampier Archipelago, has the world’s densest-known concentration of petroglyphs – images carved into the surface of rocks.

There are estimated to be between one and two million petroglyphs across more than 100,000 hectares, representing around 50,000 years of Aboriginal cultural practise. The Ngarda-Ngarli people are now Custodians of the site.

The petroglyphs provide a record of how the area was traditionally used over many thousands of years. Images depict animals, ancient megafauna, cultural ceremonies and activities, and also include the oldest known image of a human face.

Murujuga will remain accessible to visitors, and recreational activities such as fishing and camping in the area will continue. Organised tours through the area will also continue.

In addition to a commitment to the protection of Murujuga, the World Heritage listing will create a greater awareness of its significance and open up more opportunities for visitors to travel to the area and learn more about it.

The Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation (MAC) currently runs tours through Murujuga guided by MAC Rangers, who are also Murujuga Traditional Custodians.

Although you can visit the area on your own, a tour will take you to sites of great cultural significance with a guide who can provide insightful commentary along the way to enrich the experience of visiting this ancient landscape.

Images courtesy of Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation