How old are some Aboriginal rock art sites in Kakadu National Park?

In Kakadu National Park, archaeologists have identified approximately 5,000 Aboriginal rock art sites, though the total number of sites in the park may be as high as 15,000. Some of these rock art sites are estimated to be up to 20,000 years old.1

While the rock art itself dates back thousands of years, excavations in the park—such as at the Nauwalabila I rock shelter—have provided evidence that Aboriginal peoples have inhabited the region for at least 50,000 years. These sites contain significant archaeological findings, including ochre used for pigments and evidence of long-standing artistic traditions.12