Manja Shelter Rock Art - Grampians National Park

Manja Shelter Rock Art - Grampians National Park

Tucked away in the foothills of the Victoria Range, Manja Shelter is one of the most significant Aboriginal rock art sites open to the public in the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park. The name Manja (pronounced Manya) comes from the local Aboriginal word for hand, a fitting title for a site that features more than 90 ancient hand stencils preserved beneath a dramatic sandstone overhang.

This remarkable shelter offers visitors a powerful glimpse into the cultural heritage of the Jardwadjali and Djab Wurrung peoples and is one of five rock art sites in the Grampians that can be respectfully visited today.

A Gallery of Ancient Stories

The rock art at Manja Shelter goes beyond hand stencils. Etched and painted across the sandstone walls are animal tracks and human stick figures, each marking an important cultural and spiritual connection to the land. The shelter’s natural rock formations have protected these artworks for thousands of years, allowing visitors to see them much as they were created.

A protective cage surrounds the rock art, and informative signage explains the meaning of the symbols, the techniques used, and the importance of preserving these sites for future generations.

Manja Shelter ~ The Grampians

Manja Shelter ~ The Grampians,

Manja Shelter ~ The Grampians,

Manja Shelter ~ The Grampians,

Manja Shelter ~ The Grampians,

Manja Shelter ~ The Grampians,

Visiting the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park

Located approximately 260 kilometres west of Melbourne, the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park is one of Victoria’s most diverse natural landscapes. The park is renowned for its rugged mountain ranges, sweeping lookouts, cascading waterfalls, and abundant wildlife, including kangaroos, emus and a wide variety of bird species.

A visit to Manja Shelter pairs beautifully with other nearby hikes and attractions in the Victoria Range area, making it a rewarding stop for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

The Walk to Manja Shelter

Distance: 2.6 kilometres return - Time: Around 1 hour - Difficulty: Moderate

The walk to Manja Shelter begins at the Manja Shelter carpark and follows a gently ascending dirt track through dry, open native bush. The trail gradually climbs for 1.3 kilometres to the shelter and is easy to follow.

A long central section of the walk features a narrow boardwalk, helping to protect the surrounding environment. Along the way, keep an eye out for interesting rock stacks and native vegetation. In spring, the track is particularly beautiful, with colourful wildflowers lining the path and adding extra interest to the walk.

Tips for Visiting Manja Shelter

• There is limited shade along the track, so carry plenty of water

• Wear sturdy footwear, as the dirt track can be uneven

• Visit earlier in the day to avoid heat and enjoy quieter conditions

• Stay behind protective barriers and do not touch the rock art

• Photography is allowed, but avoid using flash

• 
  

Facilities and Practical Information

• Parking: Small carpark at the trailhead

• Toilets: None available

• Accessibility: Moderate walk with uneven surfaces

Plan ahead, as facilities are limited in this part of the Grampians National Park.

A Meaningful Walk Through Living History

Manja Shelter is more than just a scenic bushwalk—it’s a journey into one of the world’s oldest continuing cultures. Standing beneath the sandstone overhang and viewing the hand stencils left thousands of years ago is a humbling and memorable experience.

For visitors to the Grampians (Gariwerd) seeking a deeper connection to the land and its history, Manja Shelter offers a quiet, respectful and deeply moving encounter that lingers long after the walk is over.

👉 Click here for more amazing things to do in the Grampians