Garig Gunak Barlu National Park

Garig Gunak Barlu should be on every traveller's list.

It is at the very top of the Northern Territory (NT) and accessed by travelling through Arnhem Land.

It is a remote, rugged area fringed with magnificent white beaches on the Cobourg Peninsula.

The jointly-managed national park is perfect for bushwalking, birdwatching, fishing, boating and photography.

You may see saltwater crocodiles and the endangered dugong swimming in the clear blue ocean.

Stop at the Black Point Cultural Centre to see displays of Aboriginal, Macassan and European histories of the area.

Don't miss the ruins of the Victoria Settlement that are accessible only by boat.

Do not swim in the park as there are saltwater crocodiles and box jellyfish.

You must be fully self-sufficient and take enough food, water and fuel with you to last the trip, which is usually a week or more.

Check if this park is open

For more information about site access, phone 08 8999 4555.

Park sites	Status	Comments	Forecast opening
Garig Gunak Barlu National Park	Closed	A permit is required to visit and camp during the dry season. Call the Permits team on 08 8999 4814.	May 2025
Coburg Marine Park	Open		-

All year round access by sea only.

Road access is during the dry season only.

Roads are open usually from 1 May to 31 October, but check with the permits office before heading out.

All year round access by sea only.

Road access is during the dry season only.

Roads are open usually from 1 May to 31 October, but check with the permits office before heading out.

Entry into the park requires a permit irrespective of whether you're visiting or camping.

Book well in advance, especially during school holidays.

In quieter times allow 2 days to process permit applications. Give alternative dates if you can.

You can do all of the following activities in the park:

For boating, you should register your planned boating trips at the ranger station before you set out.

Garig Gunak Barlu National Park has all of the following facilities:

When visiting the park, remember all of the following:

permits are needed
stay on marked roads and tracks
carry plenty of food and fuel and be equipped with:
- water, ice, first aid kit, tool kit, spare tyres, fuel, vehicle parts, shade awning, fishing gear, camera and binoculars
a boat is very useful in this area
rubbish bins are only available for Smith Point campers
be prepared to burn paper or carry out recyclable materials
all cultural items and wildlife are protected
pets are not permitted
nets, traps and firearms are not permitted
be careful with fire, keep campfires small and only light fires in fireplaces provided
collect firewood before arriving at your picnic or campsite
collect fallen timber only
don't use soaps or detergent in or near waterways
generator camping area is provided
observe restrictions on fishing catches and areas – see rangers for more information
shells are recycled by marine wildlife – you can look, photograph and identify shells, but leave them on the beach
check your vehicle is not transporting pests.

You can have a safe and comfortable trip to Garig Gunak Barlu National Park by doing all of the following:

Phone: 08 8999 4555

Last updated: 03 May 2023

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