BEAUTIFUL Aboriginal rock art that may have been created up 20,000 years ago has been discovered in a secret place deep within Sydney suburbia.

The Daily Telegraph was given special access to the site on the banks of a creek flowing just metres from the back of houses on the city’s northern beaches.

A series of ancient hand stencils, either white or red in colour, and motifs representing eels and a crescent moon, we’re found on rock faces and overhangs on land owned by Sydney Water.

media_camera Hand stencils are rare in the Sydney area. Picture: Bradley Hunter

media_camera Hand stencils were made by mixing clay with water in the mouth and then spraying it over a hand placed against the rock. Picture: Bradley Hunter

Bush regeneration workers were clearing old vines and noxious weeds along the creek banks when they came across what has been described as a significant archaeological find.

Sydney Water’s archaeologist Yvonne Kaiser-Glass said the rock art was found back in July, on World Archaeology Day and the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council and NSW Office of Environment were immediately informed.

“This area may have been a birthing site for Aboriginal people because it’s so close to a freshwater supply,” Ms Kaiser-Glass said.

“There are more than 20 hand stencils created by people mixing the coloured clay with water in their mouths and then spraying it on their hands while they were pressed against the rock.

“The overhangs containing the artworks were overgrown with vegetation so we don’t really know how many people have actually seen them in the past.”

media_camera The Aboriginal rock art could have been created up to 20,000 years ago. Picture: Bradley Hunter

On the northern bank of the creek there is evidence that the stencils have been seen by at least one group of people. Modern graffiti with the names of heavy metal bands Metallica and Guns N’ Roses has been daubed in black paint close to the ancient art.

Land Council CEO Nathan Moran said the work would have been created by the Kamerigal people, a clan of the Eora nation.

“The hand stencils are rare in Sydney,” Mr Moran said.

“The area is known more for its rock engravings so this is a significant archaeological and cultural discovery.

“Our role now is to protect and preserve this site so we can share it with future generations.”

media_camera Modern graffiti of Metallica and Guns N' Roses has been spray painted near the Aboriginal art. Picture: Bradley Hunter

The land council and Sydney Water does not want to disclose the location of the art to help keep it safe from harm.

The desecration of an Aboriginal heritage site can attract fines of up to $1.2 million under the National Parks Act.

media_camera Modern day graffiti among the Aboriginal art works. Picture: Bradley Hunter