Karajarri country is known as the gateway to the Kimberley.
This stunning and unspoilt part of the world nestles in the south-western corner of north-western Australia, spanning more than 3 million hectares from the Indian Ocean in the west to the Great Sandy Desert in the east.
Brilliant blue waters dotted with mangroves lap onto sandy white beaches covered with shells. This is what Karajarri people call Jurarr (coastal country). As you go eastwards this turns towards Pirra (inland country), characterised by sparse vegetation and the red desert dunes of the Great Sandy Desert.
Coastal Country. Photo William Marwick.
Jurrar includes beaches, tidal creeks, bays, reefs and sea-grass beds and provides vital habitat for numerous marine species, such as the Flatback Turtles that lay their eggs on Malumpurr (Eighty Mile Beach), and the Dugongs and Snubfin Dolphins often glimpsed swimming in the warm water just off the coast.
Pirra contains wetlands high in species richness, particularly breeding birds. It’s home to beautiful species such as the Gouldian Finch and Princess Parrot as well as rare mammals such as the Greater Bilby and the mysterious Marsupial Mole.
Karajarri country is also home to two internationally significant wetlands, and provides habitat for many endangered species. Together, we’re working to protect this stunning part of the world for future generations.