In every field of research, there comes a time when its early practitioners are viewed as founding members and their actions become the subject of critical reflection. Now is that time for the study of Australian rock art. This complex history of research is imbued with unique personalities, international influences, politically charged debates and shifting relationships within and across established disciplines, such as archaeology. This is why we convened the Histories of Australian Rock Art Research Symposium at Griffith University’s Gold Coast campus in December 2019. This symposium brought together people from across Australia to reflect on unique events, ideas and trajectories in the history of the study of Australian rock art (Table 1.1). With almost 30 presentations over two days, we had a full program representing the contemporary diversity of rock art research in Australia. This volume grew out of that symposium.