GARIG GANUK BARLU NP, NT TRAVEL
West Arnhem Land covers almost 50,000sq km, from the eastern border of Kakadu National Park and the East Alligator River to Cape Stewart and the catchments of the Liverpool, Mann, Cadell and Blyth Rivers. Though geographically part of Arnhem Land, the Cobourg Peninsula is conserved as the separate Garig Gunak Barlu National Park, administered by the Parks and Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory.
Before the arrival of Europeans, the region was the home of many different tribal groups, including the Gagudju. Today, the main languages spoken are Kunwinjku in the west, around the town of Gunbalanya, and Kuninjku in the east toward Maningrida. Although minor cultural differences distinguish the two groups, traditional beliefs remain important to both, with Ngalyod, the Rainbow Serpent, playing an important part in their art and traditions.
The national park can be accessed by road, air or sea. Overland access is a journey of about 300km beginning at Cahills Crossing over the East Alligator River. The river can be a formidable obstacle at
