Northmead European rock carvings facts for kids

The Northmead European Rock carvings are a special set of old pictures carved into rocks in Northmead, New South Wales, Australia. These carvings are very important because they show us what life might have been like a long time ago. They are protected as a heritage site, which means they are a valuable part of history that we need to keep safe. You can find them behind 226 Windsor Road, Northmead. The carvings were added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on April 2, 1999.

A Glimpse into the Past: Northmead Rock Carvings

These carvings might be linked to people working on the early Hawkesbury or Windsor Roads. This area was one of the first places settled by Europeans in New South Wales. This specific piece of land was owned by someone before 1811.

Rare European Carvings in Australia

It is very rare to find early European carvings like these in New South Wales. Other similar carvings have been found at the Quarantine Station at North Head and at Hartley Gaol. What makes the Northmead carvings unusual is that they are not connected to a big institution like a prison or a quarantine station.

What Do the Carvings Look Like?

The carvings are etched into a hard sandstone rock. They show two figures, who are probably Europeans. There is one head and chest shown from the side, and one full body figure. There are also two heads that were started but not finished. You can also see the letters "AD" carved into the rock.

Distinctive Features and Carving Styles

The carved heads are shown from the side, but their eyes face forward. They wear tall hats with wide brims and are smoking long clay pipes. These unique hats suggest the style worn by young Australian-born men, sometimes called "currency Lads," in the early 1800s.

The carvings are interesting because they show different ways of carving:

• Some parts were made using a broad-tipped chisel.
• Other parts were outlined with drill holes. These holes were then connected using a pointed tool. This second method was also used in Aboriginal carving.

The Carvings Today

Around the rock where the carvings are, you can still see parts of the rainforest that used to cover the area. A retirement village called "The Willows" has been built on the site. In 2000, the carvings were reported to be clear and in good condition.

Why Are These Carvings Important?

The Northmead rock carvings are very important for the Parramatta region. They are the only known examples of early European carvings in this area, which was one of Australia's first rural settlements.

A Link to Early Australian History

These carvings are a special visual reminder of the 1800s history of this land. They connect us to the early farming and road-building work done by pioneers in the area.

The European Rock carvings were added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on April 2, 1999, because they meet certain important standards.

Demonstrating Cultural History

This site is historically important. The carvings might be linked to activities on the early Hawkesbury or Windsor Roads. This land was settled very early, even before 1811.

Rare and Unique Aspects

These carvings are rare. Very few early European carvings are known to exist in New South Wales.

Representing Cultural Places

This site helps us understand the main features of cultural or natural places in New South Wales.