Long before European settlers arrived on the shores of Sydney Cove in 1788, Aboriginal people inhabited the land we now call Australia.
Rock engravings made by Aboriginal people in the time before colonisation can be found in many locations including around Sydney Harbour.
One such site is Grotto Point Aboriginal Engraving Site at Dobroyd Head. Located on the north side of Sydney Harbour, Grotto Point features a number of well-preserved rock engravings carved into the coastal sandstone.
Grotto Point Aboriginal Rock Engravings Overview
Grotto Point is located on Dobroyd Head on the north side of Sydney Harbour inside of the Sydney Harbour National Park.
The Grotto Point site is signposted off the Spit to Manly Walk above Washaway Beach and has views across Sydney Harbour.
When you visit the site, you’ll walk along a raised pathway, put in place to protect the rock engravings from degradation.
Signs mark the sites of the various engravings along the short pathway.
Grotto Point Aboriginal Rock Engravings Map
Located at Dobroyd Head in Sydney Harbour National Park, there are several way to can get to the Grotto Point Aboriginal Rock Engravings site.
The Aboriginal rock engravings at Grotto Point are located at the end of a short track that veers off the Spit to Manly walking track.
This means you can walk to the site from the main Spit to Manly track. The Grotto Point engraving site is well sign-posted.
If you’re driving, you can access the Grotto Point Aboriginal rock engraving site by parking in the car park at the end of Cutler Road in Balgowlah Heights. From there it’s a short walk — keep an eye out for the sign to the Grotto Point engraving site.
An alternate access point for drivers is near Arabanoo lookout which is a scenic 15 minutes walk from the Grotto Point site.
Grotto Point Aboriginal Rock Engravings Highlights
Walk down the raised boardwalk and stop at each sign posted site along the way to see the rock engraving.
Rock engravings at Grotto Point include fish, boomerangs, and a kangaroo.
At the end of the boardwalk you’ll see a view out over Sydney Harbour. Trace your path back the way you came to rejoin the main walking track.
Looking for a nearby activity to do after seeing the Aboriginal rock engravings at Grotto Point?
You can continue walking along the Spit to Manly track in either direction, head to Dobroyd and Arabanoo lookouts to enjoy the harbour view, visit the Grotto Point Lighthouse, or walk down to Washaway Beach.