Gurig National Park And Coburg Marine Park

Gurig National Park (pronounced Ga-rrig) and Cobourg Marine Park are about 200 km northeast of Darwin on the Cobourg Peninsula. The Parks include the entire Peninsula, the surrounding waters of the Arafura Sea and Van Diemen Gulf, and some of the neighbouring islands. They cover about 4,500 sq km.

Cobourg Peninsula is the only area in the Northern Territory containing adjoining land and marine parks.

The Parks protect rare species, including the Dugong and six marine turtles (Loggerheads, Green Hawksbill, Pacific Ridley, Leatherback and Flatbacks). Gurig is also home to the largest wild herd of Bantang. These Indonesian cattle are an endangered species.

The area has an interesting ancient and contemporary history. Archaeologists generally agree that Aboriginal people have been living in the area for 40,000 years. Macassan traders visited the area regularly for centuries. In 1838 the early British settlement of Victoria was established at Port Essington, and lasted ten years. Various industries have since developed, including the pastoral, pearling, timber and tourist industries.

Cobourg Peninsula carries the tag of containing the first wetland in the world to be recognised as a Wetland of International Importance under an international agreement called 'The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance' more commonly known as Ramsar. Cobourg became the first wetland in the world to be entered on the Ramsar list when it was registered on 8 May 1974. Today, Cobourg is joined by Kakadu on the Ramsar list of wetland of international significance and there are almost 50 sites around Australia on the list.

There are sites of national archeological significance within the Parks.

Traditional Land Owners

The Parks lie within the clan estates of the Iwaidja speaking people of western Arnhem Land. Custodianship is shared between four Aboriginal clan groups, the Agalda, Ngaindjagar, Madjunbalmi and Muran.

These clans have continued spiritual links with the land and the sea. Their ancestors from the Creation Era (Dreamtime) created the land and all it contains. The Parks are therefore cultural landscapes which have seen shaped and managed by cultural traditions.

Parks are managed jointly by the traditional land owners and the Parks and Wildlife Commission of Northern Territory.

Access

Road access is via an unsealed road (4WD only) through Arnhem Land. The roads are usually open in the dry season between May and October, depending on the rains. Roads can be closed for ceremonial reasons with little notice. If you are driving, please remember:

• Caravans and motor bikes are not permitted
• Permits do now allow for stops between the East Alligator River (Cahills Crossing) and the Park boundary.
• Check tide charts before setting out. The tides at Cahills Crossing are about six hours behind Darwin tides. Some tides may prevent you crossing the river.
• The roads are dusty and corrugated with some dangerous bends. Drive with extreme care.
  

Air charter flights are available. For more information ring the Black Point Ranger Station. There is no public transport within the Park. The airstrip is 2 km away from the campground and 5 km away from the Black Point.
By sea the Parks are two days sailing from Darwin (150 nautical miles). The best time to visit is between August and October when moderating east to southeast winds prevail. There are coral reefs and scenic anchorages for all types of boats.

What To See And Do

Black Point Cultural Centre features a display of Aboriginal, Macassan and European artifacts. The Lamilmil Swamp walking track is about 4 km (1hr) return and starts near the Black Point Ranger Station.

Victoria Settlement is only accessible by boat. A seperate information sheet is available. The Parks are wonderfully remote with beautiful coastlines, sandy beaches, and clear blue seas.

Be prepared to make your own fun in these isolated areas. Visitors enjoy coastal walks and fishing. Anglers fish for Mackeral, Queenfish, Trevally, Shark, Snapper and a variety of reef fish. Small Sailfish and Marlin have been sighted. Visitors with boats enjoy trips to Victoria Settlement and isolated beaches along the coast.

The Parks conserve a mosaic of sandy beaches, dunes and associated coastal grasslands, mangroves, rainforest patches, swamps, lagoons, coral reefs, sea grass meadows and rich marine life.

Where To Stay

Camping sites are available at the Smith Point camping area. Showers, composting toilets, barbecues, tables and limited amounts of bore water are provided. Use water sparingly though, not for washing boats or cars. No powered sites available. Camping fees apply.

What To Bring

You'll be isolated in these Parks, so come well equipped with food, water, first-aid kit, tool kit, spare tyres and vehicle parts and shade awning, fishing gear, camera and binoculars. A boat is handy too.

Fuel and basic groceries are available at the Gurig Store (open 3 - 5pm Mon - Sat).

Permits

You need a permit to enter Gurig National Park, whether you arrive by road, air or sea. Book well in advance to avoid disappointment, especially during the school holiday periods in the dry season. In quieter times, allow two days to process permits. Your application is likely to be more successful if you supply alternative dates for consideration.

Applications need to be made to the address shown below.

Safety

• Do Not Swim: Saltwater crocodiles cruise the beaches and sharks, box jellyfish, blue-ringed octopus, stone fish, sea snakes also live in these waters.
• Prevent Sunburn: Cover up with long loose clothing, sunscreen and a hat.
• Prevent Dehydration: In the tropics you should drink 8 litres of water a day.
• Boat With Care: Check local conditions. Register details of your boating trips at the Ranger Station before you set out. Ensure your boat meets Northern Territory Marine regulations and carries adequate spare parts and emergency equipment. Reefs are often unmarked and uncharted and easily covered by the tides. Open waters can be rough.
  

Protecting The Parks

All visitors have a role in protecting the Parks, and ensuring the impact of tourism is kept to a minimum, so please remember:

• Leave pets and firearms at home
• Put your rubbish in the bin
• Keep cooking fires small - light no other fires
• Keep to designated roads and tracks
• Observe restriction on fishing catches and areas - see Rangers for more information
• All cultural items and wildlife are protected.
  

More Information

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