2017 - KARAJARRI COUNTRY

Karajarri country ranges from the pearl coast of the Indian Ocean, encapsulating pristine blue waters, unspoilt sandy beaches, tidal creeks, and dynamic reef systems along the iconic 80 Mile Beach, La Grange Bay and Gourdon Bay, and inland towards the vast arid country, wetlands and dunes of the Great Sandy Desert.

The area is home to many rare and special animal species, such as the nationally endangered bilby, spectacled hare wallaby, dugongs, humpback whales, flat back turtles, migratory birds and reptiles.

A team of Aboriginal rangers, the Karajarri Rangers, look after this country, and have been working hard to officially open up Karajarri country for the purposes of public recreation, education and enjoyment.

Karajarri Traditional Owner Mr Joe Edgar said a permit system is now in place to provide visitors with access to the beautiful and relatively unknown areas of Mirtanymartaji (Gourdon Bay) and Purnturrpurnturr (Port Smith).

“The permit system is enabling Karajarri rangers to better manage tourism in the area and is helping us to improve facilities for tourists who want to explore this beautiful country. The rangers have been working hard to install shade shelters at our beaches, erect educational materials about this country, maintain roads and establish walking trails for the benefit of visitors. Your purchase of a permit and the associated Karajarri IPA guidebook will help provide employment for Aboriginal men and women to continue looking after their country and increase visitor amenities of the area.” Mr Edgar said.

Visitors can access a permit by visiting www.karajarriipa.com or in person at the Port Smith Caravan Park, which is working in partnership with the rangers. Please note that a permit is not required for the Port Smith Lagoon itself.

For more information about the Karajarri visitor permit please do not hesitate to contact us on 9194 0100 or via email at [email protected]