Murujuga Cultural Landscape: Australia’s Newest UNESCO World Heritage Site

 

Australia has officially welcomed its 21st UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the inscription of the Murujuga Cultural Landscape - a breathtaking and culturally rich area located in northwestern Western Australia.

This extraordinary region joins the ranks of iconic Australian heritage sites such as the Great Barrier Reef, Sydney Opera House, and Daintree Rainforest.

What is Murujuga Cultural Landscape?

Located across the Burrup Peninsula and stretching across 42 islands in the Dampier Archipelago, Murujuga spans more than 100,000 hectares. The site is home to over one million petroglyphs (rock carvings), some of which are estimated to be more than 50,000 years old - predating the Pyramids of Giza and Stonehenge.

Among these ancient carvings is the oldest known depiction of a human face, highlighting the significance of Murujuga as a living archive of Aboriginal culture and history.

How to Visit Murujuga National Park

If you’re planning to explore this newly recognised cultural treasure, you can access Murujuga National Park just a 30-minute drive from Karratha, a city located in Western Australia's Pilbara region.

Guided cultural tours led by Traditional Custodians offer rich insights into the region’s spiritual and historical significance. These tours are a meaningful way to understand the stories behind the rock art, songlines, and the deep connection to ngurra (Country).

For visitors who prefer to explore independently, the Nganjarli (Deep Gorge) trail offers a self-guided walk through areas of incredible natural and cultural beauty.

"Our rock art tells the stories of our people, and maintains our songlines and bloodline connection to our ngurra (Country)," - Raelene Cooper, a Murujuga custodian of the Mardudhunera people.

Why Visit Karratha and the Surrounding Region?

Though not often at the top of travel wishlists, Karratha is a hidden gem for those seeking adventure and untouched natural beauty. Surrounded by national parks and only a short drive from the pristine Western Australian coastline, this region offers a unique outback-meets-ocean experience.

The Dampier Archipelago, part of the Murujuga region, is a paradise for snorkelers and divers. The rich marine ecosystem includes dugongs, turtles, dolphins, and humpback whales. Even a simple beachside camping trip or a walk along the rugged coastline is a serene way to connect with this remarkable landscape.

Western Australia’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites

With the addition of Murujuga, Western Australia now boasts five UNESCO World Heritage sites:

• Murujuga Cultural Landscape
• Shark Bay
• Ningaloo Coast
• Purnululu National Park
• Fremantle Prison

Globally, UNESCO World Heritage status is granted to places of outstanding cultural or natural importance to humanity. With 21 total listings, Australia’s heritage sites include 5 cultural, 12 natural, and 4 mixed properties that hold both cultural and environmental value.

Complete List of Australia’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites

• Great Barrier Reef
• Greater Blue Mountains Area
• Kakadu National Park
• Australian Convict Sites
• Lord Howe Island Group
• Sydney Opera House
• Willandra Lakes Region
• Fossil Mammal Sites (Riversleigh / Naracoorte)
• Shark Bay, Western Australia
• Tasmanian Wilderness
• Wet Tropics of Queensland
• Gondwana Rainforests of Australia
• Ningaloo Coast
• Purnululu National Park
• Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens
• Heard and McDonald Islands
• Fraser Island (K’gari)
• Macquarie Island
• Budj Bim Cultural Landscape
• Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
• Murujuga Cultural Landscape 

Plan Your Visit to Murujuga

Whether you're an adventurer, a history buff, or someone seeking a deeper connection with Australia’s Indigenous heritage, a visit to Murujuga Cultural Landscape promises to be a powerful and unforgettable experience. Support local tourism and Traditional Custodian-led tours to ensure your trip is respectful, educational, and impactful.

Discover Australia’s ancient stories written in stone — right here in Western Australia.