 |
Mungo Ancient Footprints
Ancient human footprints discovered at Mungo National Park. "One of the most significant cultural and archaeological discoveries made in Australia..." in Balranald Shire." December 2005
OLDEST HUMAN FOOTPRINTS IN AUSTRALIA FOUND AT MUNGOThe earliest human footprints in Australia were discovered at Mungo National Park. Estimated to be between 19,000 - 23,000 years old the 457 footprints have been discovered in a clay pan area near one of the dry lakes at Mungo that is part of the Willandra Lakes World Heritage Area in the north western corner of Balranald Shire. Shifting sand appears to have covered and protected the footprints that were made in clay material that probably hardened like concrete in the sun. It is understood that the footprints were made by adults and children and that one set showed a tall male who was probably running quite fast. It is understood that the NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service traditional owners and the Commonwealth intend to establish a feature display in the Willandra Lakes World Heritage Area but remote from the ancient footprints to protect the site from damage. There is no current plan to open the footprint site to visitors. An extract from the Minister's media release is available here.
40,000 years ago the Willandra Lakes area was a Garden of Eden, a lush paradise teeming with wildlife. Now it is a parched semi-desert landscape with Mungo’s Walls of China attracting the attention of visitors from around Australia and around the world.
Contact details
Hank van Apeldoorn
council@balranald.nsw.gov.au
