Description

The Blackfellows Hand Aboriginal Place has Aboriginal rock shelters with painted art, a teaching site and occupation site. Rock shelters and evidence of past camping can be found at Blackfellows Hand Aboriginal Place. The largest rock shelter contains evidence of past Aboriginal occupation as well as stencil art (hands, a hatchet (axe), a boomerang) and paintings (human figure) produced with red, white and yellow ochres. Blackfellows Hand Aboriginal Place was an important meeting and educational place and holds special meaning for Wiradjuri people. The place is also highly valued by the wider Aboriginal community, including Gandangara, Dharug and Dharkinjung people. The area is regarded for its richness in wild resources and its natural beauty - the vegetation, rock formations, ochres and waterfalls create an aesthetic ambience. Blackfellows Hand Aboriginal Place was also important as an occupation site and includes a men's and a women's area. There is a women's birthing area in a secluded part of the complex. Situated on the western edge of the Newnes Plateau, the area lies within an amphitheatre of cliffs at the head of a tributary of the Coxs River. The area's sheltered slopes and gullies support a vegetation of eucalypt forest. The area is accessed via the Blackfellows Hand Trail, an unsealed fire trail. 2WD vehicles and caravans will need to approach from Wolgan road. 4wd drive is required for access from Zig Zag.