Barunga
NT 852 • Northern Territory
About Barunga
Barunga is a small Aboriginal community in the Roper Gulf Region of the Northern Territory, located approximately 80 kilometres south-east of Katherine. With a population of around 337 residents recorded at the 2021 Census, the community covers a compact area of 7.5 square kilometres and has a high proportion of social and community housing. Formerly known as Beswick Creek and later Bamyili, Barunga is home to Jawoyn and Bagala peoples with deep connections to the surrounding country.
Barunga is widely known for hosting the annual Barunga Festival each June — a three-day celebration of Australian Aboriginal culture featuring music, sport, and art that draws visitors from across the Territory and beyond. The community gained national prominence in 1988 when the Barunga Statement, a petition calling for a treaty between the Australian federal government and Indigenous Australians, was presented to Prime Minister Bob Hawke at the festival grounds. Life in Barunga is deeply community-focused, with strong cultural traditions and language maintained by its residents.
Barunga falls under postcode 852 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Katherine electorate.
Location
Transport & Commute
Bus Services
- Limited community transport — Katherine Approx 1 hr by car
Commute to Darwin CBD
🛣️ Katherine (~80 km) is the primary service centre; Stuart Highway provides main route to Darwin
Remote community with limited local infrastructure; vehicle or community transport required for most needs
Supermarkets Nearby
No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.
Schools
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Buntine Highway