Northern Territory » Cobourg Peninsula

The Coburg Peninsula is home to some of the best reef and tropical sports fishing in the world. Situated at the very top left tip of Arnhem Land, the spectacular wilderness of Garig Gunak Barlu National Park encompasses almost all of Cobourg Peninsula. The park preserves the peninsula’s sandy beaches, dunes and associated coastal grasslands, mangroves, rainforest patches, swamps, lagoons, coral reefs, sea grass meadows and rich marine life.

Cobourg Peninsula is two sailing days (150 nautical miles) from Darwin, and at least two or three days in a four-wheel-drive (road access is only possible from May to October). A permit from the Northern Land Council is essential for all travellers.

The Black Point Cultural Centre features displays of Aboriginal, Macassan and European histories of the area. The ruins of the Victoria Settlement are an early example European Settlement. However many who come to Cobourg Peninsula have just one thing on their minds - fishing. The quality of fishing is world-class, and Cobourg Peninsula has plenty of mangrove-lined billabongs jumping with barramundi, mangrove jack and other sportfish. The ocean teems with barracuda, queen fish, trevally, coral trout and jewfish.

Protected sea life including turtles, crocodiles, dugongs and dolphins can also be seen in the area. The Cobourg Peninsula is also a paradise for birdwatchers, and anyone who enjoys unique flora and fauna.

Arnhem Land

Arnhem land is Aboriginal land covering the eastern section of the Top End of Northern Territory. As Arnhem land is Aboriginal land most of it is blocked off from independent travellers, however you can visit the north western and north eastern corners of Cobourg Peninsula and Gove, and Oenpelli near Kakadu's East Alligator River. The area also has some magnificent rock art, which is a big attraction, along with its natural beauty. The drive along the dust road from Kakadu to Oenpelli is spectacular, as you travel along the East Alligator flood plain. You will also come across the Injalaj Arts and Crafts Association, which sells various traditional Aboriginal souvenirs.

You will need a permit to visit although you can get one at the Northern Land Council office in the shopping centre in Jabiru. You also need a permit to visit Cobourg Peninsula, as the 4WD track from Oenpelli crosses the Aboriginal land. It is best to book extremely early as only 15 vehicles are allowed to cross per week for the administration office or for the Rangers Station. The drive is definitely worth it, as the landscape in the Cobourg Marine Park and the Gurig National Park is unbelievable. However, you should do the 6 hour drive in one day and be aware of the tides, as after the wet season you can only get across Cahills Crossing about an hour either side of low tide. You can also fly to Smith Point from Darwin, which is near Black Point the home to the local store. Another place to visit whilst staying in Cobourg is Port Esslington, an early British settlement built along a natural 30km harbour.

You can travel to Nhulunbuy from Katherine, which again needs a permit as you will be travelling through Arnhem Land Alternatively you can fly from Darwin or Cairns, and then hire a car to explore the region, where you can get a permit from the local Land Council. Mining is a large part of the Eastern Arnhem Land. You can visit the bauxite mine at Nhulunbuy, with a free tour on Friday. There is also mining on nearby Groote Eylandt. The scenery in this region is fabulous, although be careful as there are lots of crocodiles.

There are various trips to the Arnhem Land although it is worth paying a bit more to visit both the Eastern and Western Arnhem Lands. Most tours leave from Darwin, although several also leave from Jabiru in Kakadu.

Kakadu
Kakadu is Aboriginal land stretching 100km west to east and 200km south from the coast. The landscape and wildlife in this area is unbelievable and the Aboriginal cave paintings are fabulous.

Cutting along the south eastern side of Kakadu is the Arnhem Land which is also Aboriginal land, for which you need a permit to enter it. Along the coast you will find several swamps, to the south you will find grassland and rainforest and throughout the rest of the park you will find lilly-filled billabongs, rivers (and lakes during the wet season), as well as plenty of wildlife.

The waterfalls are also fantastic, especially during the wet season. Jim Jim Falls can dry out during the dry season, whereas the Twin Falls are always running with water. However, sometimes both falls are blocked off due to flooding during the wet season.

You also can't miss the Gunlorn Waterfall Creek which was made famous not only by its natural beauty, but also by the film 'Crocodile Dundee'. There are also both freshwater and saltwater crocodiles in the park so be careful around water and swampy areas. Freshies are found in both Twin Falls and Jim Jim Falls and salties are found in South Alligator and Yellow Water Rivers, as well as numerous other sites throughout the park. There are also lots of snakes around the park, so be careful of these too.

There are numerous walking trails around the park ranging from 1km - 12km. You can also head off the track, however, the bushwalking in this area is difficult so go prepared and always let the ranger or someone else know where you are heading. You also need a permit to camp anywhere other than in the campsites. There are also numerous tours into and around Kakadu, with most leaving from Darwin. These include walking tours as well as 4WD and other tours.

Water birds are popular in Kakadu, as are many other species of animals. Birds you may see include: Barking Owls, Black Kites, Brolgas, Burdekin Ducks, Bustards, Cormorants, Darters, Egrets, Green Pygmys