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The Australian Heritage Commission includes Ngarrabullgan on its register of the National Estate describing it as a place that holds:

On June 24, 1997, a momentous event unfolded as Ngarrabullgan, an ancient and sacred site, was bestowed with a well-deserved recognition by the Australian Heritage Commission. This prestigious inclusion in the National Estate register was not just an arbitrary decision but a tribute to the wealth of cultural and historical significance that Ngarrabullgan embodies.

At its core, Ngarrabullgan serves as a profound testament to the enduring presence of Aboriginal communities on this land. Its rich archaeological tapestry illuminates a continuum of human habitation, stretching from the depths of the Pleistocene era into the Holocene. This historical narrative enhances the collective knowledge of Australian communities, providing invaluable insights into the ancient tapestry of human existence on this continent.

What truly sets Ngarrabullgan apart are its diverse and remarkably well-preserved archaeological sites and features. Some of these sites are intimately intertwined with locally revered initiation sites, serving as hallowed ground for Aboriginal peoples. Around the mountain’s base and atop its lofty peak, these sacred places continue to be cherished by the local Aboriginal communities.

The potential of Ngarrabullgan to unravel new facets of Aboriginal history is boundless. As archaeological techniques advance and research efforts persist, this sacred site promises to yield fresh and vital information about Aboriginal occupation, usage, beliefs, and lifestyles. It is a living repository of knowledge, evolving with the convergence of traditional wisdom and modern scientific exploration.

Ngarrabullgan’s significance extends beyond its archaeological treasures. Adorning its rugged terrain are striking examples of rock art, echoing the artistic and resourceful expressions of the Aboriginal peoples who have called this area home for countless generations. To this day, Ngarrabullgan remains a spiritual epicenter for these communities, a place where the pulse of their culture beats strongest.

The mountain’s impact is not confined to its cultural and historical value alone; it also boasts a considerable aesthetic presence. As a natural monument of grand proportions, Ngarrabullgan commands attention and reverence. Its towering form, juxtaposed with the natural and cultural elements it houses, is a source of pride for the Djungan peoples, other Aboriginal communities, the inhabitants of Mareeba Shire, the broader North Queensland region, and all of Australia. Ngarrabullgan stands as a living testament to the enduring connection between the land and its people, a symbol of cultural resilience, and a shared treasure for the entire nation.

• important evidence enhancing the Australian communities’ knowledge of Aboriginal occupation of Pleistocene into the Holocene;
• large diversity of well-preserved (intact) archaeological sites and features, some of which are directly associated with locally known initiation sites and places still sacred to the local Aboriginal peoples (both on top of the mountain and around the mountain’s base);
• strong potential to yield new and important information about Aboriginal occupation, use, beliefs and lifestyles from the Pleistocene down to the present (especially as new archaeological techniques are developed and combined with further, ongoing research and study);
• excellent examples of the rock art and resource use of those Aboriginal peoples who have occupied and used the area for many generations and still, to this day, view the mountain as a major spiritual site at the heart of their country; and
• considerable aesthetic impact combining an impressive physical presence as a large natural monument, together with natural and cultural features valuable to the Djungan peoples, other Aboriginal peoples, the people of Mareeba Shire, the North Queensland region more generally, and Australia as a whole.

http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/ahdb/search.pl?mode=place_detail;place_id=100267