Collaborative Histories of the Willandra Lakes

The Willandra Lakes Region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in south-western New South Wales, Australia, holds one of the most significant archaeological records of Pleistocene Aboriginal life. A pivotal discovery in 1968 unearthed the remains of Mungo Lady, a young woman who lived approximately 42,000 years ago and is recognized as the earliest known human cremation. This finding transformed perceptions of the region from a sparsely populated sheep station to a site of profound geological and cultural significance. Over four decades of research has revealed a rich tapestry of human-environment interactions, contributing to our understanding of Australia's deep history. The region was designated a National Park in 1979 and listed as a World Heritage Area in 1981, underscoring its unique natural landforms and cultural importance.

Allbrook, M., & McGrath, A. (2015). Collaborative Histories of the Willandra Lakes. Long History, Deep Time: Deepening Histories of Place. https://doi.org/10.22459/lhdt.05.2015.14