Bulgandry Aboriginal rock engravings

In the Brisbane Water National Park, not far off from the road that links Kariong with Woy Woy is a very impressive Aboriginal engraving site.

The name Bulgandry is given to a large engraving of a man thought to represent an ancestral hero. He is adorned with a head-dress, and holds a club or a boomerang.

This would have to be one of the best rock engraving galleries in the area. The local Brisbane Water National Park authorities have taken great care in making the location accessible, whilst ensuring minimum impact to this fragile, sacred site.

Access to the site is easy. There is a small carpark which you can find by following a short dirt road off the main road. Park here and follow the pebblecrete track that winds through beautiful bushland for about 10 minutes.

Please stick to the main track and wooden pathway to avoid causing any damage to the site.

The best time to view carvings like these is at the beginning or end of the day, when the sun is low and forms long shadows. Alternatively, an overcast and wet day is good too.

Off to the side of the main site are some small waterholes in the flat sandstone rock platform. If you look closely you will see axe grinding grooves. These grooves were formed by a stone being rubbed repeatedly to form an axe head. The water may have been used to lubricate the stone in the axe head making process.

The main "gallery" is surrounded by a circular wooden path. Wallabies, human figures, fish, dolphins, eels and birds can be discovered. The human figures nearby suggest that this is a hunting scene.

The Bulgandry Aboriginal Site is rich in ancient art that gives an insight into Aboriginal traditions. It’s also an optional stop on the tour.

For more information and directions please visit the National Parks & Wildlife Service page: Bulgandry Art Site Aboriginal Place