Gayŋaru Wetlands (Town Lagoon)

Gayŋaru Wetlands (Town Lagoon) features a tranquil walking track that winds through stunning paperbark and rainforest alongside a tropical wetland lagoon with an abundance of native wildlife including wallabies, goannas, crocodiles and other reptiles, flying foxes, birds, and fish including barramundi.

Gayŋaru was once a popular and fertile hunting area for Yolŋu and today the cultural significance of the area remains. The lagoon was an important source of freshwater and food with the men hunting the gurrumatji (Magpie Geese) and their eggs as well as minhala (long-necked freshwater tortoise), and the women collecting water lilies and räkay (water chestnuts). 

Gayŋaru Wetlands is also a prime birdwatching location with more than 170 different species recorded. Common sightings include various Kingfishers, Honeyeaters, Egrets and Ducks, Orange-legged Scrubfowl and their nest mounds, and even rarities such as Rainbow Pitta and White-browed Crake. You can read more about birdwatching in Gayŋaru and East Arnhem Land here. 

The start of the Gayŋaru Nature Walk is about 700m fromthe Nhulunbuy town centre - follow the Nhulunbuy Walk Trail Network signs to get there. The 3km round track will take you on a journey following the edge of the wetlands with interpretive signage, viewing platforms and a bird hide. The signage along the way provides insight and understanding of the local plant and animal species of Gayŋaru and their importance to Yolŋu.

Please respect the area by not damaging the plants or signs, or littering. It is important to remember not to eat any plants or berries unless in the company of a guide, and to be croc wise by staying away from the water's edge.