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Paruku Indigenous Protected Area - Handover Camp

Western Australia  >  Australia

Paruku (Lake Gregory) is a vast, internationally significant, and remote wetland system located in the Kimberley region.

Added* by Anonymous eBirder
Most recent update 16 február 2026

Description

Paruku (Lake Gregory) is a vast, internationally significant, and remote wetland system located in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, on the boundary of the Great Sandy and Tanami Deserts.

Covering 430,000 hectares, this Indigenous Protected Area (IPA) serves as a vital refuge for over 100,000 waterbirds, featuring brackish to freshwater habitats.

Fed by Sturt Creek, the lake system consists of salt lakes that often hold fresh water after monsoonal rains. It is a critical habitat for over 70 species of waterbirds, including pelicans and swans, particularly after wet seasons.

Details

Access

Located near the Mulan community via the Tanami Road, this site requires permits (see the link below) and careful preparation, as it is a remote location with no facilities, suitable only for self-sufficient travellers and usually requires a 4WD vehicle.

Press P on the map to access Google mapping. Camping is permitted at this location which is attractively surrounded by River Gums. Note that the lake itself is a further 2 km west via 4WD track.

Terrain and Habitat

Scattered trees and bushes , Beach

Conditions

Flat

Circular trail

No

Is a telescope useful?

Can be useful

Good birding season

Spring , Winter

Best time to visit

Winter

Route

Wide path

Difficulty walking trail

Easy

Accessible by

Foot , Car

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

Extra info

Owned and managed by the Traditional Owners - the Walmajarri, Jaru, and Kukatja peoples - Paruku was declared an Indigenous Protected Area in 2001, the first in Western Australia. This site is the location of the 'handover' of the lands to the TO's

Links

View other birding spots in the area that are published on Birdingplaces

Map

Top 5 birds

Other birds you can see here

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