Cobourg Peninsula
Gurig Banuk Barlu National and Marine Park
Gurig Ganuk Barlu National and Marine Park on remote Cobourg Peninsula is a destination not to be missed! Gurig Ganuk Barlu National Park occupies an area of 2,207 square kilometres including some outlying islands. Its aquatic surrounds form Gurig Ganuk Barlu Marine Park, encompassing an area of 2,800 square kilometres.
The region as a whole offers an enormous variety of wildlife, birdlife and marine life in a truly pristine environment that is protected both by laws of the Australian government and by the remote, isolated location provided by nature. The world's first listed RAMSAR Wetlands (wetlands of international importance) is located at Cobourg and is a major destination for migratory birds to Australia.
Click to enlarge images
 Cobourg Beach |
 Low tide corals |
 Sunset near camp |
On arrival at Cobourg we settle into our permanent coastal camp overlooking Port Essington. Only 20 vehicles are allowed into the park at any one time, so you are never going to be part of a crowd!
 Along the way to Cobourg |
 Permanent coastal camp |
 Tent accommodation |
^ top
Victoria Settlement ruins
Cobourg also offers a unique historical opportunity to view the remains of early settlement attempts by the British. The remains of these settlements can be still be seen today at Victoria Settlement. A tragic failure, surviving for only 11 years 1838 to 1849 when it was abandoned. Isolation and disease accounted for 60 deaths from a population high of 200. The ruins of Victoria Settlement's buildings with their distinct Cornish rounded chimneys stand as a monument to the hardships faced by the early colonists.
Click to enlarge images
 Colonial home ruins |
 Cemetery |
 Hospital ruins |
^ top
Wildlife
Cobourg Peninsula is home to the world's largest untamed population (approximately 3,000) of Banteng, a large ungulate similar in size to the Asian Water Buffalo. These were originally imported as a herd of 20 from Bali in Indonesia (where they are now extinct) during the final year of Victoria Settlement. Allowed to run free after the town's abandonment, they rapidly increased in number due to the ideal conditions (for them) of their new environment. Their continued existence in Australia was not suspected until scientists rediscovered their presence in 1948. Locals still call Banteng, "Bali cattle".
Teeming with life, the waters of Cobourg Peninsula are every fisherman's dream. There are 250 recorded species of fish including barramundi, Spanish mackerel, barracuda, trevally, coral trout, golden snapper, jewfish, cod, mangrove jack, queenfish and many species of shark. Giant clams, crayfish, mud crabs, beche-de-mer (sea slugs) and rock oysters abound.
Click to enlarge images
 Rock fishing |
 Fresh rock oysters |
 Traditional crabbing |
The Aboriginal inhabitants still hunt traditional food sources such as dugong, marine turtle and crocodile using traditional weapons such as spears. Catch and release fishing using barbless hooks is encouraged and you may wish to stop at a deserted, sandy island to barbeque a particularly succulent-looking catch. If you can't catch fish here you might as well hang up your rod and die of shame.
Swimming is not recommended in these waters as there are crocodiles, stonefish and box jellyfish (sea wasps) to contend with.
 Sea turtle Beachcombing |
Giant clam |
 Frill-neck Darter |
^ top
Things to see and do at Cobourg
- Enjoy a true wilderness environment away from the crowds.
- A boat trip across the waters of Port Essington to walk the streets of the long gone pioneers is highly recommended.
- Walk through the eerie ruins of Victoria Settlement and see for yourself the hardships faced by the early pioneers in this failed colony.
- Enjoy some of the best fishing in the world.
- Hunt for giant mud crabs using traditional Aboriginal methods.
- Take a 4WD tour through Gurig Ganuk Barlu National and Marine Park.
- View the world's first recognised RAMSAR wetlands (wetlands of international importance) a major destination for migratory birds to Australia.
- Explore ancient Aboriginal rock art sites.
- Photograph and view the wildlife !
- View and photograph birds and wildlife on the many walking tracks.
- Go bushwalking or hiking in the National Park.
- Visit the Cultural Centre.
- Explore rainforest, beaches (variety of seashells) and lagoons.
- Just relax in a totally isolated environment.
^ top
