About this park
The Bardi Jawi Gaarra Marine Park is in the West Kimberley region, stretching across the northern part of the Dampier Peninsula, the western islands of the Buccaneer Archipelago, and right alongside the Mayala Marine Park.
For thousands of years, the Bardi and Jawi people have used this area for hunting, fishing, cultural activities, and business. They have protected their Country and continue to do so today. The management of the marine park will work hand in hand with the ongoing efforts of the Bardi and Jawi Traditional Owners and the Bardi Jawi Rangers to preserve this precious environment.
Bardi and Jawi Sea Country is rich in marine life. Fringing marnany (reefs) have formed around the coast and between the many islands of the Buccaneer Archipelago, thriving in an area with Australia’s highest tidal range, exceeding 11m. The extensive intertidal zones are teeming with plants and animals uniquely adapted to the Kimberley’s coastal environment.
Mangrove-lined creeks and noomool (seagrass) meadows serve as crucial nursery areas for aarli (fish), while goorlil (turtles) are often seen foraging and nesting here. This dynamic Sea Country is changing constantly with the seasons and tides.
From June to November each year, miinimbi (humpback whales, Megaptera novaeangliae) migrate from Antarctic feeding grounds to Bardi and Jawi Sea Country and beyond, where they give birth to their young. In the cooler months, from May to July, odorr (dugongs) also visit the marine park.
Marine parks are designated for conservation, as well as recreational and commercial use. Please make sure you are aware of the zones and follow the guidelines accordingly.
As you explore, we encourage you to observe the incredible wildlife while being careful not to interfere with the animals, their activities, or any natural features. Remember, all native animals in Western Australia are protected, so please act responsibly and respectfully.
Safety information
Plan when to visit. Consider travelling with a personal location beacon (PLB). In the event you need to be rescued it could save your life!
Bardi and Jawi Traditional Owners are concerned for the safety and wellbeing of visitors to their Country. The remote nature of the marine park, combined with the large intertidal areas, strong tides and currents, occurrence of Linygurra (estuarine crocodiles), extreme weather conditions including tropical cyclones, pose risks to visitors. This is particularly dangerous for visitors who may be inexperienced in, or unprepared for, such conditions.
Linygurra (estuarine crocodiles) live in the marine park, inhabiting creeks, rivers, tidal areas, along beaches, offshore areas far from the coast, and in both fresh and salt water. There have been several attacks and injuries to people in the Kimberley, even in freshwater pools inland from the coast.
Both the estuarine (saltwater) crocodile and the freshwater crocodile (Johnston’s crocodile) are Specially Protected under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016. It is an offence to interfere, lure or feed crocodiles.
If your vessel is approached by a crocodile, take immediate action to move away from the animal and maintain a safe separation distance.
If you observe a crocodile demonstrating dangerous behaviour, or people interfering with crocodiles, please report details to Parks and Wildlife Service Broome on (08) 9195 5500.
Gallery
Activities
Bird watching
Boating
Canoeing and kayaking
Fishing
Recreational fishing is allowed in all zones except sanctuary zone and special purpose zone (cultural protection zone). Recreational fishing in the cultural protection zone is only permitted as part of a licensed tourism operation. Statewide recreational fishing rules apply. For the most up-to-date rules and regulations please visit www.fish.wa.gov.au
Download the free Recfishwest app to access marine park maps and other info. The app can be used offline once downloaded.
Nature photography
Plants, wildlife and fungi
Visit the Atlas of Living Australia for a list of species recorded in Bardi Jawi Gaarra Marine Park.
Traditional Owners
We recognise and acknowledge Bardi and Jawi people as the Traditional Owners of Bardi Jawi Gaarra Marine Park.
