Burrup Peninsular
The Burrup Peninsula is a small landmass with a large range of habitats, a diverse array of wildflowers and wildlife, and an ancient outdoor art gallery. It is situated about five kilometres north-east of the town of Dampier. The Burrup Peninsula is one of the most prolific indigenous art sites in the world. It is believed that Aboriginal occupation of the Pilbara dates back more than 40 000 years.
Thirty per cent of all plants and animals that occur in the Pilbara are found on the peninsula-an amazing statistic for a relatively small area. At least 23 plant species found here either have restricted distribution or are poorly known. Plants such as the native fig are more typical of the wetter Kimberley region, but here they grow in humid, fire-protected pockets and creek beds. Mammals include the northern quoll, Rothschild’s rock-wallaby, echidna, euro, common rock rat and delicate mouse.
Shady valleys contain temporary pools and provide interesting wildlife homes. The Pilbara olive python lives amongst the rock piles, and evidence of rockwallabies can be seen beneath overhanging rocks, where they frequently shelter from the heat.
The Yapurrara people, who once inhabited the peninsula and the adjacent islands of the Dampier Archipelago, left a rich cultural heritage. The Burrup contains one of the most prolific sites for prehistoric rock art in the world.