Aboriginal History in the Blue Mountains

The Blue Mountains are filled with centuries-old culture and a permeating history.

Soaring sandstone cliffs, impressive canyons and untouched bushland create an incredible backdrop to explore the past of Australia.

For thousands of years, the Blue Mountains have been home to the Gundungurra and Darug tribes. Even today, there are still plenty of traditional Aboriginal peoples living in the Blue Mountains. Today there are a number of cultural sites that walk visitors through the region’s rich past and share the customs and heritage of the local tribes.

About the Gundungurra and Darug Tribes

Thousands of years ago, the Blue Mountains were inhabited by two major indigenous tribes: the Gundungurra and Darug Tribes. The Burra Burra tribe inhabited the nearby Jenolan Caves. Although there isn’t an exact date to the tribe’s beginnings, it’s estimated that their history stretches back tens of thousands of years.

Despite the tribes both being a part of the aboriginal indigenous community, the two tribes were completely separate. There are a variety of different traditions, beliefs and behaviours between the two tribes. However, both have a rich connection to the land.

The European Invasion

Due to the Blue Mountains’ rough terrain, the European’s invasion of the region happened later than other areas. The thick bushland, uneven ground and jagged rock formations were too tough to breach for the settlers. Where the aboriginal tribes worked with the natural terrain, the Europeans sought to alter it. The area soon grew a reputation for being impenetrable.

It wasn’t until 1813, when Gregory Blaxland, William Charles Wentworth and Lieutenant Lawson formed an exploration group. They were tasked to explore the Blue Mountains region in search of accessible land. During the exploration, the team faced numerous hardships and almost gave up. They then discovered the gentle slope of the Blue Mountains’ west side, offering a simple path to the region for Europeans to settle in.

The Significant Areas of the Blue Mountains

Though a lot has changed over the past hundreds of years, the Blue Mountains still hold a strong significance for the Gundungurra and Darug people.

– The Gully

At one point in time, ‘The Gully’ was the most important landmark in the Blue Mountains for the Aboriginal tribes. It was where the Gundungurra and Darug peoples lived in the late 1800s up until 1950. After that, unfortunately a racing circuit was built right across it. The act of installing the circuit meant hundreds of Aboriginal peoples were dispersed across the region. They had to create new homes and new lives in other parts of the Mountains. Today, they’ve reclaimed the site, and it has been placed under the legislation of the National Parks and Wildlife Act.

– Waradah Aboriginal Centre

In nearby Katoomba, the Waradah Aboriginal Centre offers visitors the chance to enjoy the traditional dances and performances that are so important to the local Aboriginal tribes. Here you will find artwork, interactive musical performances and handmade souvenirs.

The live performances are undoubtedly the highlight of the centre. The performances have accompanying music, special effects and lights. Due to the unique variations of each Aboriginal tribe, the Blue Mountains Waradah Aboriginal Centre is unique. Out of the 29 different tribes that were once based in the Sydney region, this centre focuses on only a few tribes that were based in the mountain region.

Learn even more about this fascinating history of this land while discovering the unique culture and traditions of its people.

– The Three Sisters

The Three Sisters is another significant area of the Blue Mountains. The Dream Time story of the Three Sisters talks about how the famous landmark was formed. You can learn all about the fascinating rock formation as you visit the iconic Blue Mountains.

– Blue Mountains Botanic Garden

The botanic garden at Mount Tomah is a pivotal part of Aboriginal life, as plants and nature are a vital aspect of the region’s history. Here, you can wander amongst a diverse collection of wild flora and fauna. Be sure to visit ancient rock shelters and marvel at the beautiful views of the coast.

This part of the Blue Mountains was a popular safe haven for many Aboriginal tribes. As well as being culturally significant, it is also stunning!

Take some time to stop in on your Blue Mountains holiday and stroll through the spectacular scenery of the Botanical Garden.

– Rock Art

Aboriginal tribes have created communities in the Blue Mountains for thousands of years. This is evident in the remnants that have been etched on the natural landmarks.

Rock art is the remaining creations done by the past ancient beings of the Aboriginal people. The pieces tell a story of the people who drew them, depicting subjects in their everyday life. They include native animals, plants and even abstract figures that represent spirits. The paint used on the rocks also tells a story, made from the natural materials of the earth. These materials include the Blue Mountains’ coloured flowers, pollen, earth and more. The tribes created brushes out of human hair, feathers and sticks.

There are plenty of opportunities to discover the centuries-old rock art that adorns the walls of many rocks in the region. One remarkable site is the extremely well-preserved rock carving now known as “the flight of the Great Grey Kangaroo ”. It can be found near Hawkesbury Lookout.