🔍

Tanami

WA 6770 • Western Australia

487
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Income
57538.78 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RemoteOutbackRuralIndigenous Community

About Tanami

Tanami is an extremely remote locality in the East Kimberley region of Western Australia, administered under the Shire of Halls Creek and situated in the southern part of the vast Tanami Desert, which straddles the WA–Northern Territory border. Covering an enormous area of over 57,500 square kilometres, the locality has a recorded population of 487 residents, reflecting very sparse settlement across one of Australia's most isolated desert regions. The community has a high proportion of social housing, with the area home predominantly to Indigenous Australians connected to the land through deep cultural ties.

The Tanami Desert is recognised as one of Australia's most ecologically significant arid landscapes, providing habitat for rare and endangered species. Access to the region is via the Tanami Track, a long and challenging unsealed road that connects Halls Creek in WA to Alice Springs in the Northern Territory. Essential services and supplies are hundreds of kilometres away, and residents face the realities of remote outback living, including limited connectivity, long travel distances for medical and educational services, and reliance on community facilities for day-to-day needs.

Tanami falls under postcode 6770 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
6770
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
N/A
Federal Electorate
Durack
State Electorate
Kimberley (Mining and Pastoral)
Type
Locality
Timezone
Perth (UTC+8)
Coordinates
-20.81°, 127.50°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
57538.78 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • No scheduled bus services — N/A Road access only via Tanami Track (unsealed)

Commute to Perth CBD

Distance
1700 km
By Train
No rail service; nearest flights from Halls Creek to Perth (via chartered or regional air)
By Car (Peak)
Approximately 18–22 hours via Great Northern Hwy (unsealed sections)
By Car (Off-Peak)
Approximately 18–22 hours via Great Northern Hwy

🛣️ One of the most remote localities in Australia; Halls Creek is the nearest service town (~200 km north)

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Extremely remote desert locality with no walkable services; vehicle or air access essential for all needs

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
487
▲ 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 Tanami known for? +

Tanami is known for the expansive Tanami Desert, one of Australia's most ecologically significant arid regions. The area has deep cultural significance for Aboriginal peoples, particularly Warlpiri communities, and is traversed by the remote Tanami Track.

How far is Tanami from Perth? +

Tanami WA is approximately 1,700 kilometres north-east of Perth by road, making it one of the most remote localities in Western Australia. The nearest regional town is Halls Creek, roughly 200 kilometres to the north.

Does Tanami have public transport? +

There is no public transport of any kind serving Tanami. Road access is via the unsealed Tanami Track. For longer distances, regional air charter services operating through Halls Creek are the most practical option.

What is the population of Tanami? +

According to the 2021 Census, the Tanami locality in WA has a population of 487 residents. The community has a very high proportion of social and community housing, consistent with a remote Indigenous community settlement.

Is Tanami a good place to live? +

Tanami is suited only to those with strong connections to the community or work in the remote resources sector. Life in the locality requires resilience and adaptation to the challenges of extreme remoteness, including long distances to health, education, and retail services.

What is the postcode for Tanami? +

The postcode for Tanami, Western Australia is 6770, which covers the Halls Creek shire and surrounding remote localities in East Kimberley.