Wurrwurrwuy stone pictures

Wurrwurrwuy is located at Garanhan (Macassan Beach), about a 40 minute drive from Nhulunbuy and is an area that holds great significance to the region. Located behind a rock shelf, there are a series of stone pictures that provide a window into the fascinating trade between the Yolŋu of north-eastern Arnhem Land and the Macassans from the island of Sulawesi (now Indonesia). The relationship between these two cultures existed for several centuries prior to European settlement in Australia with visits documented early in the seventeenth century.  

The Macassans sailed annually to the region to trade trepang (sea cucumber) which they boiled down, dried on their boats and traded with China where it is still used for food and medicine today. The Macassans took the journey in their tri-masted praus on the northwest monsoon winds and returned on the southeast trade winds. Although Macassans did not settle in East Arnhem their influence on the Yolŋu culture can been seen today in their language, in their art, in their stories and in their cuisine.

It is thought the stone pictures were constructed by Yolŋu elders toward the end of the nineteenth century to ensure future generations of Yolŋu would know the history of the Macassan visits.

The area covered by these stone pictures is approximately 70 metres by 80 metres. The arrangements can be viewed in four clusters via a walking trail with interpretive signage. The first part of the trail is believed to have originally been made by buffalo trekking through the area.