🔍

Kalumburu

WA 6740 • Western Australia

388
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Income
4.05 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RemoteAboriginal CommunityKimberleyHistoricTropical

About Kalumburu

Kalumburu is a remote Aboriginal community and the northernmost settlement in Western Australia, located within the Shire of Wyndham-East Kimberley in the far north Kimberley region. Situated on the King Edward River near the Timor Sea coast, the community is roughly 270 kilometres north of the Gibb River Road — its nearest main road connection — making it one of Australia's most isolated inhabited localities. With a population of 388 at the 2021 Census, Kalumburu is home predominantly to members of the Wunambal and Kwini language groups, who maintain a deep connection to their traditional country and culture.

Kalumburu has a history shaped by a Benedictine mission established in 1937 on the King Edward River, following an earlier founding at Pago in 1908, and by its role as a Royal Australian Air Force base during World War II — the site was attacked by Japanese aircraft in 1943. The surrounding landscape is characterised by dramatic Kimberley escarpments, seasonal rivers, and a tropical climate with a pronounced wet season and abundant rainfall. The community is accessed via the unsealed Kalumburu Road (seasonal, 4WD recommended), and has a small airstrip serving essential freight and fly-in visitors. Essential services are very limited on-site; the nearest regional centre is Kununurra, approximately 300 kilometres to the south.

Kalumburu falls under postcode 6740 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Kimberley (Mining and Pastoral) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Western Australia
Postcode
6740
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
N/A
Federal Electorate
Durack
State Electorate
Kimberley (Mining and Pastoral)
Type
Locality
Timezone
Perth (UTC+8)
Coordinates
-14.96°, 128.40°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
4.05 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

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

Commute to Perth CBD

Distance
1070 km
By Train
No direct train service; nearest rail access is Darwin (NT) or Kununurra
By Car (Peak)
Over 15 hours (seasonal, 4WD required on Kalumburu Road)
By Car (Off-Peak)
Over 15 hours

🛣️ Accessed via unsealed Kalumburu Road from the Gibb River Road; community airstrip for fly-in access; road may be impassable in the wet season

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Highly remote community with very limited local services; a vehicle or aircraft is essential for accessing supplies and healthcare outside the community

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
388
▲ 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 Kalumburu known for? +

Kalumburu is known as the northernmost settlement in Western Australia and as the site of the historic Benedictine mission (established 1908) and a World War II RAAF airbase that was attacked by Japanese aircraft in 1943. It is also renowned for its pristine Kimberley landscape and traditional Aboriginal culture of the Wunambal and Kwini peoples.

How far is Kalumburu from the nearest major town? +

Kalumburu is approximately 300 kilometres north of Kununurra via the Gibb River Road and the unsealed Kalumburu Road — a journey that can take 5–7 hours in good conditions and may be impassable during the wet season.

Does Kalumburu have public transport? +

Kalumburu has no public transport. The community is accessed by the unsealed Kalumburu Road (4WD recommended) or via its small airstrip for fly-in visitors and freight. All essential services require vehicle or air access.

What is the population of Kalumburu? +

Kalumburu had a population of 388 at the 2021 Census, residing within approximately 4 square kilometres. The community is predominantly Aboriginal, home to members of the Wunambal and Kwini language groups.

Is Kalumburu a good place to visit? +

Kalumburu is a remarkable destination for those seeking an authentic and remote Kimberley experience, with stunning coastal scenery, cultural heritage sites, and exceptional fishing and birdwatching. Visitors should note the need for permits, appropriate preparation, and that the Kalumburu Road is accessible only in the dry season.

What is the postcode for Kalumburu? +

The postcode for Kalumburu is 6740.