Cobourg NP reopens for fishing
Posted: Thu May 02, 2013 5:50 pm
Garig Gunak Barlu National Park Reopens - NT Govt press release
One of the Territory’s most spectacular tourist attractions has reopened to the public.
Known throughout the world for its pristine white sandy beaches, colourful cliff-lines and sparkling blue waters teeming with unique marine life, Garig Gunak Barlu National Park, was the first park in the world to be declared under the Ramsar Convention* because of its significant wetlands.
Located northeast of Darwin on the Cobourg Peninsula, the Park covers about 4500sqkm of visually stunning land and sea and protects rare species, including the dugong and marine turtles such as the Flatback, Olive Ridley, Hawksbill, Loggerhead and Leatherback.
Parks and Wildlife Commission NT Director Northern Australian Parks Neva McCartney said the park was one of the first in the Territory to be jointly managed by traditional owners and is generally open to the public during the Dry Season.
“Garig Gunak Barlu National Park has a rich and vibrant history, dating back 40,000 years to the time when Indigenous Australians are first known to have lived there,” Ms McCartney said.
“Macassan traders visited the area for centuries and in 1838, the early British settlement of Victoria was established at Port Essington, and lasted 10 years.
“The story of this rich and vibrant history is told through the Black Point Cultural Centre, located in close proximity to two campgrounds, which include showers, composting toilets, barbecues, tables and some bore water.
“The most popular time for visitors is in the June, July school holidays.”
Anyone wishing to visit the park should contact the permits office on 08 8999 4814. It is recommended that visitors book early, especially during the school holidays as there are only 20 camping spots available.
“Boating and fishing are also popular activities within the Park and the main species include mackerel, queenfish, snapper, trevally, shark and various reef fish, although we do ask visitors to fish responsibly and take only what you need. Day permits for visitors wishing to visit the park via boat for the day are available,” Ms McCartney said.
“And for visitors who want to head below the water, diving in Coral Bay is permitted for guests and staff of the Seven Spirit Bay Wilderness Lodge.”
People planning to visit Garig Gunak Barlu National Park are advised to go to www.parksandwildlife.nt.gov.au for more information about fees and permits associated with their stay at the Park.
ENDS
One of the Territory’s most spectacular tourist attractions has reopened to the public.
Known throughout the world for its pristine white sandy beaches, colourful cliff-lines and sparkling blue waters teeming with unique marine life, Garig Gunak Barlu National Park, was the first park in the world to be declared under the Ramsar Convention* because of its significant wetlands.
Located northeast of Darwin on the Cobourg Peninsula, the Park covers about 4500sqkm of visually stunning land and sea and protects rare species, including the dugong and marine turtles such as the Flatback, Olive Ridley, Hawksbill, Loggerhead and Leatherback.
Parks and Wildlife Commission NT Director Northern Australian Parks Neva McCartney said the park was one of the first in the Territory to be jointly managed by traditional owners and is generally open to the public during the Dry Season.
“Garig Gunak Barlu National Park has a rich and vibrant history, dating back 40,000 years to the time when Indigenous Australians are first known to have lived there,” Ms McCartney said.
“Macassan traders visited the area for centuries and in 1838, the early British settlement of Victoria was established at Port Essington, and lasted 10 years.
“The story of this rich and vibrant history is told through the Black Point Cultural Centre, located in close proximity to two campgrounds, which include showers, composting toilets, barbecues, tables and some bore water.
“The most popular time for visitors is in the June, July school holidays.”
Anyone wishing to visit the park should contact the permits office on 08 8999 4814. It is recommended that visitors book early, especially during the school holidays as there are only 20 camping spots available.
“Boating and fishing are also popular activities within the Park and the main species include mackerel, queenfish, snapper, trevally, shark and various reef fish, although we do ask visitors to fish responsibly and take only what you need. Day permits for visitors wishing to visit the park via boat for the day are available,” Ms McCartney said.
“And for visitors who want to head below the water, diving in Coral Bay is permitted for guests and staff of the Seven Spirit Bay Wilderness Lodge.”
People planning to visit Garig Gunak Barlu National Park are advised to go to www.parksandwildlife.nt.gov.au for more information about fees and permits associated with their stay at the Park.
ENDS