Discovering the Spirit of NSW: Six Immersive Aboriginal Sites

Sandstone Caves walking track 
Credit: John Spencer | DCCEEW

New South Wales is home to some of the most significant Aboriginal sites in Australia, where visitors can connect with ancient traditions and stories passed down for thousands of years. From intricate rock art to sacred landscapes, these six destinations offer a profound insight into the world's oldest living culture.

1. Sandstone Caves, Pilliga National Park

Nestled within Pilliga National Park, the Sandstone Caves hold a deep connection to the Gamilaroi people. This site features stunning rock art and engravings that have stood the test of time. Visitors can embark on a self-guided walk along the Sandstone Caves track or join an Aboriginal Discovery Ranger for a guided tour, providing valuable insights into the significance of these sacred spaces.

2. Mutawintji National Park

Mutawintji National Park 
Credit: John Spencer | DCCEEW

Located in the remote Outback, Mutawintji National Park is a living museum of Aboriginal heritage. The land of the Wanuwakul, Malyanuppa, Bungaguli, Wilyakali, and Barkandji peoples, this park is home to one of the most extensive collections of rock art in NSW. Visitors can explore open-access sites such as Wright’s Cave, while the restricted Mutawintji Historic Site is accessible via guided tours. Keep an eye out for the rare yellow-footed rock wallaby, one of the national park’s treasured inhabitants.

3. Mungo National Park

The breathtaking landscapes of Mungo National Park transport visitors back in time, with its striking lunar-like terrain and ancient human history. As part of the World Heritage-listed Willandra Lakes Region, this sacred land of the Paakantji, Ngyiampaa, and Mutthi Mutthi people is home to Mungo Man and Mungo Lady—Australia’s oldest human remains, dating back over 40,000 years. Guided tours along the Walls of China provide an unparalleled opportunity to learn about the cultural and environmental history of this remarkable site.

4. Bingi Dreaming Track, Eurobodalla

Bingi Dreaming Track, Eurobodalla
Credit: Jason Lerace

Stretching 14 kilometers along the South Coast, the Bingi Dreaming Track follows ancient Song Lines of the Brinja-Yuin people. These paths, once used for navigation and knowledge-sharing, link important Aboriginal sites, including ceremonial grounds, water sources, and shell middens. Walking this track offers a unique opportunity to step into a story woven through time, with breathtaking ocean views and the possibility of spotting migrating whales during peak seasons.

5. Aboriginal Cultural Ways Trail, Ballina

For an interactive cultural experience, the Aboriginal Cultural Ways Trail in Ballina brings together modern technology and ancient wisdom. This Northern Rivers pathway on Bundjalung land features interpretive signboards and QR codes that share local Aboriginal stories, language, and traditions. The trail offers a window into the deep spiritual connection between the Bundjalung people and their environment.

6. Brewarrina Fish Traps (Baiame's Ngunnhu)

Brewarrina Fish Traps (Baiame's Ngunnhu) 
Credit: John Spencer | DCCEEW

The Brewarrina Fish Traps, known as Baiame’s Ngunnhu, are an extraordinary example of Aboriginal ingenuity and sustainability. Located in northern NSW, this complex network of stone weirs and pools was designed by the Ngemba, Murrawarri, Euahlayi, Weilwan, Ualari, and Barranbinya peoples to catch fish as they migrated upstream. Thought to be over 40,000 years old, these fish traps are one of the world's oldest human-made structures. Visitors can explore the site with a guided tour and visit the Brewarrina Aboriginal Cultural Museum to gain a deeper appreciation of its historical and cultural importance.

These six immersive Aboriginal sites offer a rare and invaluable opportunity to experience the deep connection between Australia’s First Nations people and the land. Whether through ancient rock art, sacred pathways, or stories told through generations, each site provides a meaningful journey into the heart of Aboriginal heritage in New South Wales.