
Discover ancient Aboriginal rock art, including unique children's handprints and emu tracks, at Gulgurn Manja Shelter in the Grampians.

Must-see attractions
From TikTok & Reddit
Wildflowers and pleasant temps

Wildflowers and pleasant temps

Must-see attractions
Discover ancient Aboriginal rock art, including unique children's handprints and emu tracks, at Gulgurn Manja Shelter in the Grampians.
"A special, easy walk to see ancient Aboriginal rock art, perfect for families."

The ~30km road to the shelter is gravel; drive cautiously and ensure your vehicle is suitable. 🚗
A short 1.5km return walk makes it perfect for families with young children. :familywomanwoman_boy:

4.4 · 79 reviews
Tourist Attraction
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Gulgurn Manja Shelter
See unique children's handprints and ancient carvings, a special connection to the past.

Gulgurn Manja Shelter
Discover intricate emu footprints painted on the cave ceiling, a testament to ancient storytelling.

Access road to Gulgurn Manja Shelter
Enjoy stunning mountain views and diverse flora on the ~30km gravel road leading to the shelter.
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
The ~30km road to the shelter is gravel; drive cautiously and ensure your vehicle is suitable. 🚗
A short 1.5km return walk makes it perfect for families with young children. :familywomanwoman_boy:
This is a protected Aboriginal site; admire the art without touching or disturbing it. 🙏
Look for unique handprints and emu tracks; the quartz-rich sandstone is ideal for painting. :camerawithflash:
from all over the internet
The ~30km road to the shelter is gravel; drive cautiously and ensure your vehicle is suitable. 🚗
A short 1.5km return walk makes it perfect for families with young children. :familywomanwoman_boy:
This is a protected Aboriginal site; admire the art without touching or disturbing it. 🙏
Look for unique handprints and emu tracks; the quartz-rich sandstone is ideal for painting. :camerawithflash:
Visitors find Gulgurn Manja Shelter to be an easy and accessible walk with fascinating Aboriginal rock art, particularly the children's handprints. While some note the gravel road access and that other sites might be richer in history, the unique art and scenic surroundings are consistently praised. It's a worthwhile stop for families and those interested in cultural heritage.
"It’s raining. I am alone on the track and eager to see the paintings. So is what they can see 22000 years ago the same as today?"
Wang Shady
"It is an easy short walk of 0.75 km one side, leads to beautiful rocks and carvings from the olden days. We also enjoyed wildflowers and different types of plants on the way as it’s spring time right now. Very little climb in the end and the view is spectacular."
Smriti Jhunjhunwala
"It was good, Not much to see except for a barricaded cave with some emus footsteps. If you love driving on gravel road the way to the shelter is ~30km gravel road. The mountains views are stunning. Expect to see Spiny ant Eater!!"
Kinza Asif
The shelter is accessed via a ~30km gravel road from the Hollow Mountain Carpark in the Grampians National Park. Ensure your vehicle is suitable for unsealed roads and drive with caution.
No, the road is primarily gravel, which can be bumpy. It's advisable to check road conditions before you go, especially after rain.
Public transport options are limited in the Grampians. It's best to have your own vehicle or join a guided tour that includes this site.
The walk from Hollow Mountain Carpark to Gulgurn Manja Shelter is a short 1.5km return trip, making it easily accessible.
Drive slowly and be aware of potential potholes or loose surfaces. Enjoy the scenic mountain views along the way!
Gulgurn Manja Shelter is located within the Grampians National Park, which typically has no entry fee for day visitors. However, always check the official Parks Victoria website for any updates or potential fees.
As an outdoor natural site, Gulgurn Manja Shelter is generally accessible during daylight hours. There are no specific opening or closing times posted.
Generally, there is no entry fee for day visitors to the Grampians National Park. However, fees may apply for camping or specific tours.
It's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and to fully appreciate the rock art. Avoid visiting at night.
No booking is required to visit Gulgurn Manja Shelter. It's a walk-in site within the national park.
You can see unique children's handprints, emu footprints, and ancient carvings on the cave ceiling. It's a special site for understanding Indigenous culture.
The walk is short, approximately 1.5km return, and takes about 30-45 minutes at a leisurely pace. It's considered an easy walk.
Yes, it's very suitable for children due to the short, easy walk and the fascinating handprint art.
'Gulgurn Manja' means 'hands of young people', reflecting the significant handprint art found at the shelter.
There are no specific facilities directly at the shelter itself. Basic facilities like toilets might be available at the Hollow Mountain Carpark.
Late afternoon can offer softer light on the rock art. Early mornings might also provide good lighting conditions without harsh shadows.
While generally permitted, always be respectful. Avoid using flash photography directly on the ancient artwork, as it can cause damage over time.
Focus on the details of the handprints and emu tracks. Wide shots of the shelter against the natural rock formations are also beautiful.
Drone usage is often restricted in national parks to protect wildlife and the environment. Check Parks Victoria's regulations before flying a drone.
Use a tripod for stability in lower light conditions. Experiment with aperture to ensure the details of the art are sharp.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit