Milikapiti
NT 822 • Northern Territory
About Milikapiti
Milikapiti is a remote Aboriginal community located on the northern coast of Melville Island, part of the Tiwi Islands in the Northern Territory. The locality sits approximately 105 kilometres north of Darwin by air and falls within the Tiwi Islands Regional Council local government area. With a population of 414 residents recorded at the 2021 Census, Milikapiti — formerly known as Snake Bay — was established in 1941 as a government Aboriginal settlement.
Milikapiti is deeply connected to Tiwi culture, with the community recognised for its distinctive art traditions including wood carving, weaving, and ceremonial pukumani poles. Fly Tiwi airlines operates twice-daily flights between Milikapiti and Darwin, with the journey taking approximately 25 minutes. Essential services including a health clinic, community store, and school serve residents. The locality also holds a notable place in Australian wartime history — in 1942, Tiwi community members captured Sergeant Hajime Toyoshima, Australia's first Japanese prisoner of war, after his plane was downed near Melville Island.
Milikapiti falls under postcode 822 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Spillett electorate.
Location
Transport & Commute
Bus Services
- No regular bus services — N/A N/A
Commute to Darwin CBD
🛣️ Air access only via Fly Tiwi (twice daily to Darwin); barge services for freight
Small island community where walking is possible within the settlement, but most practical transport requires a vehicle or air travel
Supermarkets Nearby
No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.
Schools
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Nauiyu (Daly River)