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The Gurig Nationalpark
is located even further north as Darwin, up on the Cobourg Peninsula. He can
only be accessed through the Arnhem Land of the Aborigines. To do that, a
permit is required. During the peak season from June to August, it is advisable
to to book at least 2-3 months ahead. We are not always the quickest either. We
tried to obtain a permit only 3 weeks before our trip. All the camping permits
were gone. Our only chance then was to book one of the four Cobourg Peninsula
Beach Huts for a few days.
We were lucky and could book such a Beach Hut
for 3 Days. We picked our permit up in Jabiru, within the Kakadu Nationalpark,
and set out onto the 270 km gravelroad starting near Ubirr. After 4 hours we
reached Smith Point on the Cobourg Peninsula. We were expected by beautiful
pristine white sandy beaches. These could be explored along an at at times
adventerous scenic drive (4WD).
Within the Nationalpark Boundaries lie
as well the ruins of Victoria Settlement. The oldest North Australien
Settlement set up by the British. It was started 1838 as a garrison to protect
the interests of the British in North Australia. Due to a severe loss of life
on the hands of sicknesses and cyclones, the settlement was closed again in
1849. Victoria Settlement can only be visited by a guided tour. It gives a deep
impression on the hardships the settlers had to endure more then 150 years
ago. |
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