Australia Telescope National Facility

Description

This site shows a single human figure, presumably male, wearing a curious "skirt" which is (as far as I know) not seen on any other Sydney engraving. What is it and why is he wearing it?

Next to him is a shape which is too badly weathered to make out.

Across the path from the engraving are a large number of grooves where axes have been sharpened. They surround a rock-hole which was presumably used to supply the water for sharpening.

To get there

Drive North out of Sydney along the Pacific Highway, and at Pymble turn right onto Bobbin Head Road. Follow Boobin Head Road until you enter Kuringai National Park, and then continue until you reach the Bobbin Head bridge. Turn left into the Bobbin Haed car park, and drive to the far end of the car park, where you will see the signpost to the Gibberagong Track. Park, and follow the track across the mabnhgrove boardwalk and the footbridge and up the rocky steps. Aftera few more minutes you will see the NPWS information board about the engraving on the right of the path, and a board explaining axe-grinding grooves to the left of the path.

For more information

• NPWS information boards at the site.

For full information on books (publisher, ISBN, etc) see the "Further Reading" page.

Image Gallery

Click on thumbnail on left to see full-sized image

	Map showing the location of the site.
	Sketch of the engraving, adapted from the NPWS information board, reproduced by permission of NPWS.
	Image of the human figure. Notice the strange-looking "skirt" he is wearing. I'm not aware of any other engraving in the Sydney region with such a skirt.
	The view from the engraving site. The walk to this site is rewarding just for the views!
	The axe-grinding grooves just across the path from the engraving. Notice the many grooves surrounding the rock hole containg the water which was used to sharpen the axes..