Garig Gunak Barlu National Park, National park on Cobourg Peninsula, Northern Territory, Australia.
Garig Gunak Barlu National Park is a large national park located on Cobourg Peninsula in Australia's far north, covering more than 4,500 square kilometers of diverse coastal environments. The landscape features mangrove swamps, river estuaries, tropical forests that flood seasonally, and expansive sandy beaches stretching along the shoreline.
The park was formed in 1998 through the merging of Gurig National Park and Cobourg Marine Park into a single protected area. Its name comes from the local Yolngu language and reflects the significance of the land to the Aboriginal peoples who have inhabited it for thousands of years.
The Black Point Cultural Centre displays how Aboriginal, Macassan, and European peoples shaped this region over time through their shared presence. Visitors can explore how these different communities coexisted in this northern area.
Visitors need a permit to enter and should bring plenty of water, food, and fuel since the park is only accessible during the dry season from May to October. Planning ahead is essential because supplies and help are far away.
The park is a critical nesting ground for several sea turtle species, including green sea turtles, hawksbills, and olive ridley turtles. During breeding season these creatures come ashore, revealing ancient patterns of ocean life that have continued for millennia.
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