Pirlangimpi
NT 822 • Northern Territory
About Pirlangimpi
Pirlangimpi (pronounced Per-lan-gimp-ee) is one of the three main communities on the Tiwi Islands, situated on the north-western coastline of Melville Island in the Northern Territory, approximately 100 kilometres north of Darwin. Also known as Garden Point, the locality is part of the Tiwi Islands Regional Council and covers around 11.85 square kilometres on the Apsley Strait. With a population of 317 at the 2021 Census, Pirlangimpi is a close-knit Aboriginal community where social housing makes up the vast majority of dwellings, reflecting the government-supported housing common to remote Indigenous communities in the Northern Territory.
Life in Pirlangimpi centres on Tiwi culture and community, with essential facilities including a primary school, health clinic, police station, small supermarket, airstrip, and Our Lady of Victories Catholic Church serving the parish. The community is accessible by air via Fly Tiwi services from Darwin and by sea freight through regular barge services — there is no road connection to the mainland. The Tiwi Islands are internationally recognised for their distinctive art traditions and vibrant cultural heritage, and Pirlangimpi offers a rare and authentic insight into this living culture set against a stunning tropical coastline.
Pirlangimpi 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 scheduled bus services — N/A N/A
Commute to Darwin CBD
🛣️ Access via Fly Tiwi flights (~40 min) or Sea Swift barge freight from Darwin. No road or bridge connection to the mainland.
The community is small and compact, but limited facilities and no through roads mean residents rely on the community vehicle network and private transport for most needs
Supermarkets Nearby
No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.
Schools
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Nauiyu (Daly River)