An ancient story more than 50,000 years in the making, now shared with the world. 

Western Australia is now home to the Australia's newest UNESCO World Heritage site, with the Murujuga Cultural Landscape inscribed on the World Heritage List on 11 July 2025. Set against the turquoise waters of the Pilbara coastline, Murujuga is a place of deep time, spirit and living culture, and now, global recognition. 

Located on the Dampier Archipelago and Burrup Peninsula, Murujuga is one of the most significant cultural landscapes on Earth. Its richly layered red rock escarpments are home to an estimated two million petroglyphs, dating back more than 50,000 years. These ancient stone carvings document the connection between First Nations Peoples and Country through time: stories of land, sea, ceremony, family, and spirit etched into stone. 

Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, Murujuga joins the ranks of globally revered locations, but remains uniquely and proudly Western Australian.  It's Australia's 21st world heritage site and is the second to be recognised for its Aboriginal cultural values. 

At the heart of Murujuga is the Ngarda-Ngarli, the five language groups that are custodians, who continue to care for this land and sea country. In the Ngarluma language, Ngurra means “Country” and to the Ngarda-Ngarli, Murujuga is not only home, it is a living ancestor, a keeper of stories, and a place of continuing cultural practice. 

From the air, the Dampier Archipelago appears as a scattering of rugged islands rising from the Indian Ocean, 42 islands spanning 100,000 hectares. Visitors are invited to tread lightly, to listen deeply, and to understand the importance of respect, cultural safety and shared custodianship. 

This UNESCO listing recognises not just the extraordinary rock art, but the ongoing living traditions of the Ngarda-Ngarli, their spiritual connection to place, and their remarkable cultural knowledge passed through countless generations. 

Plan Your Journey to Murujuga 

Travellers can experience the cultural richness of Murujuga through guided tours led by Traditional Owners. These immersive experiences offer a rare opportunity to see the ancient petroglyphs through the eyes of the people who have lived with and cared for this Country for thousands of generations. 

Guided tours are available through the Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation and can be booked from the town of Karratha, the gateway to the Burrup Peninsula. 

Murujuga is located in the Pilbara region, a 2-hour flight from Perth to Karratha with car hire available at the airport, and guided tours typically include transfers.

To walk the red rocks of Murujuga is to connect with one of the oldest stories on Earth - a story now recognised by the world. 

Visual Assets: 

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ENDS 

Background  

About Tourism Western Australia (Tourism WA) 

Tourism Western Australia (Tourism WA) is responsible for promoting Western Australia (WA) as an incredible holiday and events destination. We work with a range of people from the public and private sector to develop and promote WA's iconic tourism experiences, to attract events to the State and help the tourism industry thrive. 
 
Walk on a Dream in Western Australia and explore the awe-inspiring attributes that make the State such a wondrous, dreamlike destination. Tourism WA's new Walking on a Dream campaign is inspired by WA's unique Aboriginal culture and inspires holidaymakers to book their next visit to WA by showcasing the State's dreamlike qualities - jaw-dropping landscapes, supernatural colour contrasts, otherworldly phenomena, immersive connections with authentic characters, and one-of-a-kind experiences that inspire a sense of unparalleled freedom. 

Find out more about Western Australia, or the Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation.