The Gurig Ganuk Barlu National Park on remote Cobourg Peninsula occupies an area of 2,207 square kilometres including some outlying islands. Its aquatic surrounds form Gurig National Marine Park, encompassing an area of 2,800 square kilometres.

• 270km from East Alligator (boundary with Kakadu National Park)
• 310km from Jabiru (main service centre in Kakadu National Park)
• 560km from Darwin

Population

• Oenpelli - 745
• Arnhemland - 16,000

Economy

Small scale tourism, fishing ventures and pearl farming are the main local industries.

Climate

The Top End has two seasons:

Dry/Winter (April to September):

• Little rainfall with mild to warm conditions
• Average temperatures are maximum 29°C, minimum 21°C
• Humidity levels averaging between 60% - 70%

Wet/Summer (January to March):

• Heaviest rain falling from January onwards, average 280mm in January.
• Average temperatures are maximum 32°C, minimum 25°C
• Humidity levels average between 75% - 85%

October to December is the build-up to the wet season. Rising temperatures and humidity levels are accompanied by spectacular storms.

Current weather forecast for Cape Don.

Environment

The park conserves a mosaic of sandy beaches, dunes, red cliffs, mangroves, monsoon vine forests, and coral reefs, sea grass meadows and rich marine life. It offers an enormous variety of wildlife, birdlife and marine life in a truly pristine remote location.

The park protects the first wetlands in Australia recognised under the "Convention on Wetlands of International importance", commonly known as RAMSAR sites. The wetlands are a major destination for migratory birds to Australia. Ospreys and sea eagles are seen regularly.

Some fauna species rarely seen or absent in eucalypt forests elsewhere northern Australia are found in large numbers here. This is due to the area's isolation and well-protected environment. Such species include many of the nocturnal marsupials, for example, rabbit ear rats and quolls.

Cobourg Peninsula is home to the world's largest untamed population of banteng cattle (approximately 3,000). Similar in size to the Asian water buffalo, these were originally imported in 1849 as a herd of 20 from Bali in Indonesia. Locals still call banteng 'Bali cattle'. These cattle are an endangered species in their native habitat.

There are six species of turtle recorded within the Park as well as dugong, dolphins, crocodiles, and pilot whales.

The vegetation at Cobourg is quite unique. It varies from eucalyptus woodlands scattered with northern kentia palms to monsoonal rainforest, World Heritage wetlands, and huge mangrove systems. Large beds of sea grasses help maintain the healthy population of dugong.

History

Home to Aboriginal people for at least 40, 000 years, various waves of migration, tribal conquests, and amalgamation of tribal peoples have occurred.

• 1600s - The Dutch explorers, Peter Pieterzoon and Abel Tasman explored the coastline.
• 1838 - Victoria settlement established, one of the first attempts at settlement in northern Australia. The settlement was abandoned in 1849 due to isolation and disease.
• 1869 - Darwin (or Palmerston as it was called then) was founded.
• 1872 - Completion of the Overland Telegraph Line from Adelaide to Darwin.
• 1974 - Region was designated a Wetland of International Importance.
• 1981 - Ownership of the Cobourg Peninsula returned to traditional Aboriginal owners. Gurig Ganuk Barlu National Park established.

Indigenous Culture

The Aboriginal people of the region and the Parks and Wildlife Commission of Northern Territory manage the parks jointly.

The Aboriginal people still hunt using traditional weapons such as spears for dugong, turtle, crocodile, mud crabs and stingray. Evidence of Aboriginal occupants over the centuries can be seen in the middens found along the coast line.

Things To See And Do

• Take a boat trip across the waters of Port Essington to walk the streets and ruins of the historic Victoria Settlement, former pioneer town and failed colony.
• Go fishing! Teeming with life, the waters of Cobourg Peninsula are every fisherman's dream. There are 250 recorded species of fish including Barramundi, Spanish mackerel, coral trout, golden snapper, Jewfish, Mangrove jack and many species of shark. Giant clams, crayfish, mud crabs, beche-de-mer (sea slugs) and rock oysters abound.
• No swimming: swimming is not recommended in these waters, as there are crocodiles,
• sharks, and in the wet season, box jellyfish (sea wasps) to contend with. Photo of Cobourg Rock Oysters
• Take a 4WD tour through the Park and view Australia's first recognised RAMSAR wetlands (wetlands of international importance) a major destination for migratory birds to Australia.
• Go bushwalking or hiking, visit the Cultural Centre, explore the forests, beaches and lagoons or just relax in a totally isolated environment.

Services

The following services are available at Jabiru, Kakadu National Park:

• Service station
• Chemist
• Post office, Westpac Bank
• Supermarket, clothing store, camping and sporting goods store, newsagency and gift shop
• Hotel, lodge and caravan/camping accommodation.

Backpacker and camping accommodation is available at East Alligator (Cahill's Crossing), the eastern boundary of Kakadu National Park. The Border Store supplies fuel and basic groceries.

Resort, cabin, hut, lighthouse and camping accommodation is available in Gurig Ganuk Barlu National Park. Basic groceries and fuel are available at the Gurig Store.

Accommodation is also available at Savannah Guides accredited Davidson's Arnhemland Safari Camp, Mt. Borradaile, midway between Jabiru and Gurig Ganuk Barlu National Park. Access is restricted and via Davidson's Arnhemland Safaris only.

Access

• Air: Charter flights are available from Darwin.
• Self Drive: Access by permit only. Road access (May to October, four-wheel drive only) is via Jabiru, Kakadu National Park, and East Alligator/Cahill's Crossing. Visitor numbers are restricted so book well in advance. Your permit does not allow you to stop between Kakadu National Park and Gurig Ganuk Barlu National Park. Check road conditions prior to travel. Call 1800 246 199 or check online.
• Tour: Tours to Gurig Ganuk Barlu National Park are available with Savannah Guides operator Venture North Australia. Tours to Davidson's Arnhemland Safari Camp, Mt. Borradaile, Western Arnhem Land, are available exclusively with Savannah Guides operator Davidson's Arnhemland Safaris.

Further Information

Cobourg Peninsular Sanctuary and Marine Park Board
PO Box 496, Palmerston, NT, 0831
Ph: 08 8979 0244
Fax: 08 8979 0246

Tourism Top End
Ph: 13 61 10 Toll Free (Australia only) or 08 8936 2499
Fax: 08 8981 0653
Email: info@drta.com.au
Web: www.drta.com.au

Northern Territory Holiday Centre
Ph: 08 8951 8471
Fax: 08 8951 8666
Email: nttc@nttc.com.au
Web: www.nttc.com.au

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