Mount Grenfell facts for kids
Mount Grenfell Historic Site is a very special place in central west New South Wales, Australia. It's about 40 kilometres northwest of Cobar. This site is home to amazing rock art created by Aboriginal people. It's a spiritually important place for its traditional owners, the Ngiyampaa Wangaaypuwan people. You can find hundreds of ancient drawings here, showing humans, animals, and the natural world.
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Discover Mount Grenfell Historic Site
Mount Grenfell is located in the dry, open lands of central New South Wales. Getting there involves a drive, with the last 30 kilometres on a dirt road off the Barrier Highway. Despite being a bit remote, it's worth the trip to see this incredible historical site.
A Special Place for Indigenous People
For the Ngiyampaa Wangaaypuwan people, Mount Grenfell is more than just a place with old drawings. It holds deep spiritual meaning and connects them to their ancestors and culture. The rock art tells stories and shares knowledge that has been passed down through many generations.
Amazing Rock Art
The main attraction at Mount Grenfell is its incredible collection of rock drawings. These artworks are very old, some dating back thousands of years. They show a variety of subjects, including:
- People
- Different kinds of animals
- Scenes from daily life
- Symbols representing the natural environment
These drawings give us a unique look into the lives and beliefs of the Aboriginal people who lived here long ago.
Who Owns the Land?
On July 17, 2004, a significant event happened. The Australian government officially returned the Mount Grenfell site to its traditional owners, the Ngiyampaa Wangaaypuwan people. This act, called a "handback," recognised their deep connection to the land. Even though the land was returned, it is now leased back to the NSW government. This arrangement helps protect the site and allows visitors to experience its history and beauty, while still respecting its Aboriginal ownership.
Wildlife at Mount Grenfell
Mount Grenfell is not just important for its history; it's also home to many interesting animal species. Even though it's a dry area, a variety of creatures thrive here. You might spot:
- Emus, Australia's largest bird
- Kangaroos, hopping across the landscape
- Bearded dragons, sunning themselves on rocks
- Different types of geckos
- The endangered jerboa, sometimes called a hopping mouse, which is a tiny, unique rodent
Seeing these animals in their natural habitat adds another layer of wonder to your visit.
