About this park
Nagula is Yawuru sea country, constantly changing with the tides and the seasons. Important to Yawuru people, this sea country serves up food, culture and stories. It has sustained the community for thousands of years. It’s great that the park is jointly managed with the Yawuru traditional owners.
Roebuck Bay is an internationally significant wetland and one of the most important feeding grounds for migratory shorebirds in Australia. The area has possibly the greatest diversity of shorebird species for any site on the planet. That’s something to get your wings in a flap about!
‘The Bay’, as it’s known locally, is a place of great value to the community of Broome. There are many things to do here. Boating, fishing, kayaking, and birdwatching are all awesome. Speaking about awesome, walk on the rocks and you might be in for a prehistoric surprise. At low tide you can see the squished impressions of dinosaur prints. These awesome creatures walked on rocks here millions of years ago!
Who doesn’t like to see Australia’s marvellous marine mammals? There are lots of viewing opportunities on offer in the park. Australian snubfin and humpback dolphins visit the waters and humpback whales pass through on their annual migration. Flatback turtles nest on the shores. They can be seen in the bay’s waters along with other sea turtle species too.
As if all that wasn’t enough the moon puts on a show here too. At certain times of the year (for three nights per month between March-October) marvel at the ‘staircase to the moon’. This spectacle is caused by moonlight reflected from the ocean bed at extremely low tides. Come and see this over Roebuck Bay. Review – Simple Life Go when the rising full moon is reflecting on the tide on the muddy beach, the moonlight is divided into one step. Simply beautiful. Plus it’s a birds paradise. Hon – Trip Advisor
Safety information
Plan when to visit. Read this safety information about bushwalking, fishing, paddling and kayaking. Consider travelling with a personal location beacon (PLB). In the event you need to be rescued it could save your life!
- Box jellyfish and estuarine crocodiles are sometimes found in the waters of the park.
- Strong tidal currents, high winds and occasional cyclones are also experienced in the park.
- Please seek advice from the Parks and Wildlife West Kimberley District Office if you are unsure about the safety of an activity you are planning.
Crocs are common, crocs move around and crocs are deadly so Be Crocwise. Download the Crocodile safety and myth busting fact sheet.
Pay attention to all warning signs, however just because a sign isn’t there doesn’t mean crocodiles aren’t present. If you are unsure don't swim, canoe or use small boats in estuaries, tidal rivers or pools and contact the nearest Parks and Wildlife office.
Gallery
Activities
Bushwalking
Canoeing and kayaking
Fishing
Plants, wildlife and fungi
Visit the Atlas of Living Australia for a list of species recorded in Yawuru Nagulagun / Roebuck Bay Marine Park.
Traditional Owners
The park is jointly managed with Yawuru traditional owners.
We recognise and acknowledge Yawuru Aboriginal people as the traditional owners of Yawuru Nagulagun/Roebuck Bay Marine Park.
