Rock art opens to the world

A 700m boardwalk costing $1.3 million and walking trail has been opened at an iconic Pilbara landmark to provide easier access to ancient artwork estimated to be more than 40,000 years old. The Ngajarli Trail at the Murujuga National Park was opened last Wednesday with a ceremony that also celebrated the World Heritage Tentative listing of the park. The walking trail marks the first recreational development in the national park and features interpretive signs to point out petroglyphs and educate visitors of the cultural importance of the area to traditional owners. The 700m trail was designed for universal access and will be used by the Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation to run tours at the site. MAC chief executive Peter Jeffries said the precinct showcased some of Murujuga’s distinct art and the unique landscape, flora and fauna. “The new precinct will allow us to continue sharing some of our rock art with the increasing number of visitors to our land,” he said. “Ngajarli provides an opportunity to share all of this with increasing numbers of visitors to our country while ensuring that we are able to protect and preserve this important place for generations to come.” MAC chairman Vincent Adams said the boardwalk was constructed to ensure the safety of visitors. “The last thing we want to do is bring people to country and send them home crippled or worse, so building this platform and walkway creates a safer passage,” he said.