The Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation (MAC) has raised concerns about people climbing on the rocks at Deep Gorge in Murujuga National Park.
Deep Gorge is home to one of the biggest concentrations of rock art in the world and is culturally significant to Aboriginal people.
MAC Chief Executive Officer Peter Jeffries said rangers had witnessed people climbing over the rock art on several occasions.
He said while MAC encouraged people to come and see the Murujuga rock art, he urged them to stick to the designated paths.
“The rock art is intrinsically linked to our culture, and we ask that people respect that by not climbing the rocks,” he said.
“Some of these images date back more than 30,000 years, and we want to make sure this part of our culture is preserved for generations to come.”
Mr Jeffries said not only was it culturally inappropriate to climb on the rock art, but it also could potentially be dangerous.
“There have been rockfalls in Deep Gorge and any unnecessary movement on the rocks could trigger another one,” Mr Jeffries said.
The rockfalls prompted the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) to put up signs warning people of the risks.
DBCA Parks and Visitor Services Pilbara regional leader Ray De Jong said a new walk trail providing greater access to view the rock art should prevent people climbing on the rocks.
“The new walk trail will provide plenty of vantage points so that people can see the rock art up close, as well as read about what the images mean,” he said.
“The walk trail will enable people to remain on the provided paths instead of climbing up the rocks, potentially putting themselves in danger and damaging the culturally significant and protected petroglyphs.”
The rock art at Murujuga was identified for nomination for World Heritage Listing by MAC and the State Government last year.