Connecting with the Earth: Hands on Rock Aboriginal Rock Art

The hands on rock stencils were made by the Wiradjuri people who occupied most of the central west of what is now New South Wales, and were one of the largest Aboriginal language groups. One of the features of the walk is the relatively unspoiled forest that surrounds the area. It is typical of the vegetation that once covered this part of the ranges. Please treat this area with care and respect. Visitors are asked not to leave the boardwalk or the walking path. The importance of painting and other art sites cannot be underestimated. Rock art (engravings and paintings) is the oldest surviving human art form. They provide a link with Aboriginal life, culture and customs from before European settlement. They are of the greatest importance to Aboriginal people. Painting sites are regarded as being of sacred and ceremonial significance and should never be visited except with the permission of the Aboriginal community. This permission may take the form of a site being sign posted and open to the general public as with Hands on Rock or it might require specific permission from local elders and an introduction to the owner if located on private property. All Aboriginal sites in New South Wales, no matter were they are located or whether they are recorded, are under the protection of the National Parks and Wildlife Service. Painting sites are very fragile and can easily be damaged. In particular paintings must not be touched and all instructions for the care of a site should be adhered to.