The ACT’s only publicly accessible Aboriginal rock art site has officially reopened with upgraded visitor infrastructure following damage from the 2020 Orroral Valley bushfires.
The upgrades to the Yankee Hat Rock Art Site include a new steel viewing platform, an elevated boardwalk, interpretive signage, improvements to the 3-kilometre access walking track, a steel footbridge over Bogong Creek, as well as new landscaping and infrastructure at the picnic area and carpark.
The visitor infrastructure, which was built from materials that are resilient to bushfires, are thanks to funding from the Australian Government’s Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grant.
“The Yankee Hat Rock Art Site is an important part of ACT’s Traditional Custodian’s heritage, featuring some of the earliest rock art identified in the ACT,” said ACT Minister for Heritage, Chris Steel.
“The figures in the rock shelter were painted over a period of hundreds or possibly thousands of years, as evidence from the site suggest that the apical ancestors of the ACT and region were camping in the area as long as 3,700 years ago.
“This art is culturally significant and highly valued by the Traditional Custodians because of its tangible and spiritual connection with their ancestors.”
The site is protected under the Heritage Act 2004. It is an offence to damage, disturb or destroy Aboriginal heritage places including objects. The Ngunnawal people ask that others respect the cultural protocols they have developed for Namadgi.
“These upgraded facilities at Yankee Hat were carefully designed to not harm or disturb the site’s cultural significance or the natural surroundings,” said Minister for City and Government Services, Tara Cheyne.
“The ACT Government worked with Traditional Custodians throughout this project, as well as consultants for heritage and archaeological advice, so the area can continue to be appropriately preserved.
“I encourage the community to make the trip to Yankee Hat to visit the site but please do not touch the art or the rock surface as oils from your skin will damage the painting which is unique to the ACT and the Southern Tablelands region.”
To learn more about the Yankee Hat Rock Art Site and plan a visit to Namadgi National Park, go to the Parks ACT website.
