Ancient Blue Mountains Rock Shelter Reveals 20,000-Year-Old Aboriginal Occupation

Archaeological research at Dargan Shelter in the Blue Mountains has uncovered evidence of Aboriginal occupation dating back 22,000-19,000 years, making it Australia's oldest known high-altitude site from the last Ice Age. The study, published in Nature Human Behaviour, involved researchers from the Australian Museum and University of Sydney working with Aboriginal cultural experts. Excavations revealed 693 stone artifacts, rock art including hand stencils, and tools made from materials sourced up to 150 kilometers away, indicating extensive travel networks. The findings provide the first Australian evidence aligning with global patterns of high-altitude Ice Age habitation and support efforts to recognize the Blue Mountains' cultural heritage alongside its UNESCO biodiversity listing.