🔍

Jigalong

WA 6753 • Western Australia

306
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Income
999.78 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RemoteOutbackAboriginal CommunityPilbaraRural

About Jigalong

Jigalong is a remote Aboriginal community located in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, approximately 165 kilometres east of Newman and administered under the Shire of East Pilbara. Home to the Martu people, Jigalong holds deep cultural and historical significance — the community site was originally established in 1907 as a maintenance depot for the rabbit-proof fence, before becoming an Apostolic Church mission from 1947 until 1969. The 2021 Census recorded a population of 306 across 65 dwellings, with 78.5 per cent classified as social or community housing, reflecting the remote and community-managed character of the settlement.

Jigalong is best known internationally as the starting point of the journey depicted in the 2002 film Rabbit-Proof Fence, which told the story of three Martu children who walked over 2,400 kilometres home along the fence. Today, Jigalong remains a living community where the Martu people maintain strong connections to country across the vast Pilbara desert landscape. Essential services are limited in the remote community, with Newman serving as the nearest larger service hub; the locality covers nearly 1,000 square kilometres of spinifex and desert terrain and is accessible by road.

Jigalong falls under postcode 6753 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Pilbara (Mining and Pastoral) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Western Australia
Postcode
6753
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
N/A
Federal Electorate
Durack
State Electorate
Pilbara (Mining and Pastoral)
Type
Locality
Timezone
Perth (UTC+8)
Coordinates
-23.35°, 120.81°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
999.78 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • No regular bus service — Newman (nearest service centre) Approx. 1 hr 45 min by car

Commute to Perth CBD

Distance
1170 km
By Train
No train service; fly from Newman Airport to Perth (approx. 2 hr)
By Car (Peak)
Approx. 12–13 hr drive via Great Northern Highway
By Car (Off-Peak)
Approx. 12 hr drive via Great Northern Highway

🛣️ Very remote location; fly-in or long road trip via Newman is the primary access; a car (preferably 4WD) is essential

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Jigalong is a remote community with very limited local services; a vehicle is essential for accessing supplies and services in Newman

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
306
▲ 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 Jigalong known for? +

Jigalong is best known as the home of the Martu people and as the community featured in the 2002 film Rabbit-Proof Fence, which depicted three Martu children walking 2,400 kilometres home along Australia's rabbit-proof fence. The site also has historical significance as a former maintenance depot for the rabbit-proof fence and later an Apostolic Church mission.

How far is Jigalong from Perth? +

Jigalong is approximately 1,170 kilometres north-east of Perth, roughly a 12 to 13 hour drive via the Great Northern Highway. Flying from Newman Airport to Perth (about 165 km west) takes approximately 2 hours and is the most practical option for long-distance travel.

Does Jigalong have public transport? +

Jigalong has no public transport services. There is no rail or bus connection, and the community is only accessible by road or charter flight. A vehicle is essential, and Newman is the nearest town with broader services approximately 165 kilometres to the west.

What is the population of Jigalong? +

According to the 2021 Census, Jigalong has a population of approximately 306 residents across 65 dwellings, with 78.5 per cent of housing classified as social or community housing, reflecting the community-managed structure of this remote locality.

Is Jigalong a good place to live? +

Jigalong is a close-knit remote Aboriginal community where the Martu people maintain deep cultural connections to their country. It suits those with ties to the community and appreciation for the remote Pilbara lifestyle, though local services are very limited and the nearest town is nearly two hours away.

What is the postcode for Jigalong? +

The postcode for Jigalong, Western Australia is 6753.