Cultural Landscape, Sites and Artefacts

Artefacts, sites and other evidence of Aboriginal occupation in the ACT region, are extremely important to the Ngunawal people. 

Whilst some places were used for ceremonial or initiation grounds, the great majority of Aboriginal places relate to the pursuance of everyday activities, such as campsites. Never the less, all sites are regarded as sacred to Aboriginal people as they provide a physical link to their ancestors, heritage and culture.

Some Aboriginal heritage sites are of great antiquity, and have been dated using scientific techniques to long before the European occupation of Australia. Other sites have been dates to within the last 200 years or so. Some places of significance to Aboriginal people include contemporary places where events of importance have only taken place recently.

Many Aboriginal heritage places have been discovered as a result of archaeological and heritage surveys and information provided by the local Aboriginal community, while others have been reported by interested members of the public who have come across them in their everyday activities, such as bushwalking. At present there are more than 3,000 known Aboriginal heritage places in the ACT. However, the whole of the ACT has not been subjected to comprehensive surveying, so there is no complete record of all the Aboriginal places that could be in the Territory. 

• Plant Use
• Scar Trees
• Grinding Grooves 
• Rock Shelters
• Stone Arrangements and Artefacts
• Rock Art
• Ngunnawal Tools and Weapons

Aboriginal Interpretation Activities on the use of plants, tools and weapons in the ACT region, gives an insight into local Ngunnawal Culture and fosters respect for the Aboriginal sites and traditional custodians of the area.

Ranger Guided Activities and Cultural Awareness Programs are held at various locations and provide a hands on interpretive experience of local Aboriginal Culture. 

Further Information

• Map of some of the significant Aboriginal Sites in the ACT Region ( PDF 1.2Mb)
• Brochure on Indigenous Heritage ( PDF 1.6Mb)
• The Bogong Moth Story
• Connections to Country 

Please respect Aboriginal heritage sites and objects. It is an offence to damage, disturb or destroy Aboriginal heritage places and objects.