Petroglyphs and pictographs

About 30,000 years ago: Earliest known Australian rock art

Petroglyphs and pictographs

About 30,000 years ago: Earliest known Australian rock art

National Museum of Australia

Earlier 1700

Theme

Indigenous Australia

Year level

Learning area

History

<p>A scientist and a First Nations ranger collect a sample of Gwion Gwion rock art for dating, Northern Kimberley</p>

Photo: Sven Ouzman

In a snapshot

Rock art is an extremely important part of First Nations cultures in Australia. There are more than 100,000 rock art sites in Australia. First Nations peoples consider many rock art locations to be sacred sites. Viewing and studying rock art helps us understand how people lived in Australia since they arrived between 65,000 and 80,000 years ago.