Camballin

WA 6728 • Western Australia

500
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Income
4208.37 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RemoteOutbackKimberleyRural

About Camballin

Camballin is a small remote town in the West Kimberley district of Western Australia, located approximately 110 kilometres south of Derby within the Shire of Derby-West Kimberley. Set on Camballin Station and covering a vast 4,200 square kilometres of pastoral land, the town had a 2021 Census population of 500 residents. Camballin was established in the 1950s by the Public Works Department of Western Australia to service the Camballin Irrigation Scheme, which has since become defunct. A significant proportion of dwellings are community and social housing, reflecting the town's origins and the nature of settlement in remote Kimberley communities.

Life in Camballin is defined by the remote rhythms of the West Kimberley — vast open landscapes, seasonal wet and dry contrasts, and the close-knit ties of a small community far from major urban centres. The nearby town of Looma, approximately 8 kilometres away, provides a small community with basic services. The region's dramatic natural setting features the Fitzroy River floodplains, tropical savannah, and the rugged Kimberley landscape. Derby, the nearest major town at around 110 kilometres, provides essential services, shopping, and regional health facilities for Camballin residents.

Camballin falls under postcode 6728 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Pilbara (Mining and Pastoral) electorate.

📍 Location

Postcode
6728
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
N/A
Federal Electorate
Type
Locality
Timezone
Perth (UTC+8)
Coordinates
-17.09°, 124.59°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
4208.37 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • No scheduled bus service — N/A N/A

Commute to Perth CBD

Distance
1400 km
By Train
No train service
By Car (Peak)
14-16 hours
By Car (Off-Peak)
13-15 hours

🛣️ Access via Great Northern Highway; Derby is the nearest regional centre at approx. 110 km; regional flights operate from Derby Airport

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

A remote outback town where a vehicle is absolutely essential for all daily needs and travel

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
500
0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
N/A
Income 2021
N/A
0% increase

Income Comparison

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Camballin known for? +

Camballin is historically known as the site of the Camballin Irrigation Scheme, established in the 1950s to cultivate the Fitzroy River floodplains. The scheme is now defunct, but the town remains an active remote community set amid the dramatic landscapes of the West Kimberley pastoral region.

How far is Camballin from Derby? +

Camballin is approximately 110 kilometres south of Derby, roughly a 1.5 to 2 hour drive along the Great Northern Highway. Derby is the nearest regional centre providing hospitals, shops, and essential services.

Does Camballin have public transport? +

There is no public transport serving Camballin. The town is extremely remote and a private vehicle is essential for all travel. Regional flights from Derby Airport connect the region to Broome and Perth.

What is the population of Camballin? +

According to the 2021 Census, Camballin has a population of 500 residents across 133 dwellings. The population has declined from 729 at the 2016 Census. The majority of housing is community or social housing, reflecting the settlement's origins.

Is Camballin a good place to live? +

Camballin suits those accustomed to remote outback living, with a small community set in the dramatic West Kimberley landscape. Residents must be highly self-sufficient, as services are very limited. The natural environment — floodplains, tropical savannah, and Kimberley scenery — is spectacular for those who embrace remote living.

What is the postcode for Camballin? +

The postcode for Camballin is 6728.