Paruku (Lake Gregory)

The spectacular wetlands of Paruku lie on the northern edge of the Tanami and Great Sandy deserts.

Paruku is renowned internationally as a bird watching site, and its remote location rewards the avid and adventurous birdwatcher.

Paruku boasts an abundant supply of bush tucker including fish, freshwater mussels, goanna, bush turkey, python, frogs and bush tomatoes.

Tjurabalan (Sturt Creek) primarily feeds this extensive lake system. Other creeks feeding into the system are Parnkupirti and Jalywarn.

In August 2001 the High Court of Australia formally recognised that the Traditional Owners of this area held native title over the land. The handover ceremony was conducted on the shores of Paruku, symbolising the significance of this place to local Aboriginal people. Traditional Owners believe the system was formed when a star fell from the sky into the lake and then transformed itself into a man becoming the very first Traditional Owner of this place.

Paruku (Lake Gregory)

Paruku (Lake Gregory) wildlife

Paruku Indigenous Protected Area (Paruku IPA) is approximately 344 kilometres from Halls Creek if travelling along the Tanami Road via Balgo. If travelling via the Canning Stock Route from Halls Creek, Paruku is approximately 212 kilometres; note that permits are required to travel the Canning Stock Route.

This is a remote area and all visitors should check current road conditions ahead of their visit.

There are three campsites for visitors within the IPA, all offering great views of the lake and spectacular desert sunsets.

There are no facilities other than bough shelters providing shade. Visitors must bring their own food, water, cooking equipment, tents, swags and toilet facilities. There is interpretive information about local customs, dreaming stories and history.

The camping fee is $30 per vehicle for the first night and $10 per vehicle for each additional night. Permits to visit the Paruku Indigenous Protected area are available through Halls Creek Travel and Tourism and online.