Bardi Jawi Gaarra Marine Park
Declared a National Park with Habitat Protection in 2018, the Marine Park is a hotspot for marine wildlife such as whales, turtles, dugong and the elusive snubfin dolphin. Encompassing some 74,000 square kilometres, with depths from less than 15 metres to 800 metres, the sea country of the Bardi Jawi and Nyul Nyul peoples extends into Marine Park.
Featuring islands, reefs and intertidal systems with significant foraging and hunting habitats, the park is rich with cultural significance, and continues to be used by Bardi and Jawi people for hunting and fishing for food, cultural activities and business, as it has been for many thousands of years.
The Marine park covers 204,000 Hectares
Humpback whales migrate up the Kimberley Coast resting in several bays along the western side of the peninsula from July through to November. Spectacular breaching and whale activity can often be seen close up to the shore. A rich diversity of tropical fish and rays exists on the limestone reefs and the shallow rock pools.
Poisonous marine life including stone fish inhabit the reef, please do not touch. Marine stingers are not reportedly a significant concern for the northern beaches, though always take appropriate precautions. There is a crocodile and shark risk anywhere in the warm waters in the north of Australia. Exercise caution, observe signs, seek local information and do not use small craft or swim in tidal creeks.
Keep a look out for the amazing diversity of land-based wildlife including Frilled-neck lizards, snakes, sea eagles, wallabies, dingoes and the mighty bowerbird.
Rock formations, ancient footprints and the remarkable pindan cliffs characterise the peninsula and mesmerise photographers. The islands of the Buccaneer Archipelago can be seen from the eastern side of the peninsula, and if you are there at the right time of year, you can sometimes see your own private 'Staircase to the Moon'.
Working on country
The Nyul Nyul and Bardi Jawi Rangers have both a men's and women's ranger teams, who are actively involved in land and sea conservation and management on their country. Nyul Nyul rangers actively work in and around the Beagle Bay and Pender Bay areas where as Bardi Jawi rangers work in the northern part of the Dampier Peninsula and coastal islands.
The Indigenous ranger program is seen as the natural progression of a cultural practice dating back thousands of years. One that allows for the continued custodial maintenance of country, linking young people back to country and culture while creating employment opportunities in remote communities.
Ranger Coordinator Contact
Nyul Nyul Ranger Coordinator (08) 9192 4051
Bardi Jawi Ranger Ardyaloon Council (One Arm Point) - (08) 9192 4930
Permits required for visits - $10 – includes access to hatchery
Djarindjin Aboriginal Corporation (08) 9192 4940
Owns and runs Djarindjin Roadhouse, Airport and Community
Lombadina Aboriginal Corporation (08) 9192 4936
Has local campground and is the corp for the Lombadina Community
Kimberley Land Council (08) 9194 0100 - Point of call for Rangers
The rangers take pride in looking after their country in culturally appropriate ways. They are responsible for carrying out many tasks. Some of these include;
- Presenting educational talks to schools
- Presenting talks via Indigenous tourism businesses
- Invasive weed management
- Collecting data on marine turtle and dugong populations
- Biodiversity surveys for threatened mammals such as the Bilby
- Patrolling by land and sea for evidence of illegal foreign fishing, vessel debris and working in conjunction with the Australian Quarantine Inspection Service AQIS.
- Estuarine crocodile removal and management
- Fire mitigation and wildfire control