🔍

Galiwinku

NT 822 • Rest of NT

2,199
Population (2021)
$99,476
Median Household Income
282.40 km²
Area
$200/wk
Median Rent
Indigenous CommunityRemoteTropicalCultural HeritageIsland

About Galiwinku

Galiwinku is a remote Aboriginal community located on Elcho Island (also known as Galiwin'ku) off the coast of Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory. With a population of around 2,200 at the 2021 census, it is one of the larger Indigenous communities in the Top End. The community is predominantly Yolŋu people and maintains strong cultural traditions, languages, and ceremonial practices.

The community has a school, health clinic, art centre, and local store serving residents' daily needs. Galiwinku is renowned for its vibrant art scene, with local artists producing distinctive bark paintings and ceremonial objects. Access to the island is primarily by light aircraft from Darwin or Nhulunbuy, with limited barge services for freight. The tropical climate features a distinct wet and dry season.

Galiwinku falls under postcode 822 and is governed by East Arnhem Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Mulka electorate.

📰 Featured In

📰 Northern Territory Suburbs with the Most Housing Commission💰 Top 50 Suburbs in Northern Territory by Median Household Income

📍 Location

State
Northern Territory
Postcode
822
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
East Arnhem
Federal Electorate
Lingiari
State Electorate
Mulka
Type
Rural
Timezone
Darwin (UTC+9:30)
Coordinates
-11.91°, 135.76°
Statistical Area
Rest of NT
Area
282.40 km²
Elevation
2m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$200
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$997
Avg Household Size
5.6 people
Median Age
25 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
79.6%

235 state housing + 11 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Commute to Darwin

Distance
530 km
By Train
No train service available
By Bus
No bus service available
By Car (Peak)
Not accessible by road
By Car (Off-Peak)
Not accessible by road

🛣️ Access by light aircraft only (approximately 1.5 hours from Darwin, 30 minutes from Nhulunbuy). Barge services available for freight.

Walkability Somewhat Walkable

Small community where local facilities (store, school, clinic) are within walking distance, but no footpaths or formal pedestrian infrastructure.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
2,206
Census 2021
2,199
▼ 0.3% decline

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$12,428
Personal Income 2021
$18,304
▲ 47.3% increase

2021 Census income breakdown

Personal = median for one earner. Household = all members of a dwelling pooled. Family = related members only. Annual = weekly × 52.

Personal
$18,304 / yr
$352/wk
Household
$99,476 / yr
$1913/wk
Family
$46,904 / yr
$902/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 2,112
Born Overseas 42

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. New Zealand 6
  • 2. Canada 4
  • 3. China 4
  • 4. England 4
  • 5. Fiji 4
  • 6. Zimbabwe 3

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian Aboriginal 2,017
English 63
Australian 40
Scottish 17
Irish 12
German 7
Indian 5
Samoan 4
Chinese 3
Dutch 3

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

2,079
Both parents born in Australia
48
Both parents born overseas
24
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
62.9%
No Religion
4.9%
Buddhism
0.5%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
200 (9.1%)
5-14 years
382 (17.4%)
15-19 years
272 (12.4%)
20-24 years
238 (10.8%)
25-34 years
349 (15.9%)
35-44 years
320 (14.6%)
45-54 years
202 (9.2%)
55-64 years
157 (7.1%)
65-74 years
58 (2.6%)
75-84 years
17 (0.8%)
85+ years
3 (0.1%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Galiwinku known for? +

Galiwinku is a remote Aboriginal community located on Elcho Island (also known as Galiwin'ku) off the coast of Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory. With a population of around 2,200 at the 2021 census, it is one of the larger Indigenous communities in the Top End.

How far is Galiwinku from Darwin CBD? +

Galiwinku is approximately 530 km from Darwin. By car, the journey takes around Not accessible by road off-peak and Not accessible by road during peak hours.

Does Galiwinku have public transport? +

Galiwinku has limited public transport. A private vehicle is essential for residents.

What is the population of Galiwinku? +

According to the 2021 Census, Galiwinku has a population of approximately 2,199 residents. It is a mid-sized suburb within the East Arnhem (Regional Council).

Is Galiwinku a good place to live? +

Galiwinku suits those who value a quiet rural lifestyle with open spaces and natural surroundings. It is ideal for people seeking acreage, farming, or a secluded country retreat, with urban amenities accessible from nearby towns.

What is the postcode for Galiwinku? +

The postcode for Galiwinku, NT is 822.

What is the average income in Galiwinku? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Galiwinku is about $352 per week (around $18,300 per year). The median household income is $1,913 per week and the median family income is $902 per week.

What is the age profile of Galiwinku? +

The median age in Galiwinku is 25. The largest age group is 5–14 (382 residents, around 17%). Around 39% of residents are under 20 and about 4% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

How much is rent in Galiwinku? +

In Galiwinku, the median weekly rent is $200, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $997 (2021 Census).