Rock engravings at Brisbane Water: path only
How to visit Girrakool and Bulgandry Art Site Aboriginal Place without walking on engravings — Darkinjung Country, permits, kids’ rules.
By Ian Piggott · Farming Domains · Unofficial guide · ~10 min read
Updated · re-check NSW National Parks before travel
Best for: Families and first culture stops
Unofficial guide — always verify track conditions, closures, fees and safety with NSW National Parks. Place photos are Wikimedia Commons / CC where credited — not official NPWS imagery and not live conditions.
Some stay, tour and gear links may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Park entry fees and NSW National Parks camping bookings are never affiliated.
Brisbane Water National Park protects ancient rock engraving sites on Hawkesbury sandstone, including Bulgandry Art Site Aboriginal Place and the engraving site on Girrakool Loop. The rule is simple: stay on the viewing path.
We acknowledge Darkinjung and related Traditional Custodians of the Central Coast / Brisbane Water area. We do not speak for them.
Girrakool Loop
NPWS asks you to check out the Aboriginal rock engraving site at the start of the loop — and not to walk over it. That is the whole instruction. If the platform is busy, wait. If a child steps on it, stop the group and reset.
Bulgandry Art Site
A declared Aboriginal Place with signed parking on the official park map. Personal photos from the path are the usual visitor pattern. Commercial photography and weddings need a permit. Do not chalk, wet, or rub the art.
Kids’ briefing that actually works
Say the rule at the car, not at the platform: we look from the path; we do not walk on the pictures. If someone steps on the art, stop the group, step back, and reset. Waiting for a gap is part of the visit, not a delay.
What this site will not do
We do not publish extra GPS pins to “secret” engravings. Follow official NPWS map pins. We do not speak for Darkinjung or related Traditional Custodians. Prefer official acknowledgment wording when citing Country in formal contexts.
FAQ
Tap a question to expand the answer.
Are drones OK?
Do not assume yes. Recreational drone rules in NSW national parks are set by NPWS — verify on official policy pages before you fly, especially over Aboriginal Places.
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Free day planner
Printable packing, order of stops and official NPWS links — free direct download, no email required.
- Decision tree: Somersby Falls · Girrakool Loop · lookouts · longer sandstone
- Picnic-area lock times (7am–8pm / 7am–6pm)
- Fee split: vehicle day vs camping vs permits
- Official NPWS / Park’nPay / Emergency+ links
Free direct download — no email required. Also available anytime from Maps & resources · Itineraries · Privacy.