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Umbakumba

NT 822 • Northern Territory

419
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
6.87 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RemoteIndigenous CommunityCoastalIsland
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About Umbakumba

Umbakumba is an Aboriginal community located on the eastern side of Groote Eylandt in the Gulf of Carpentaria, Northern Territory. The community had a population of 419 at the 2021 census, with the predominant languages being Anindilyakwa and English. Umbakumba is one of three main settlements on the Groote Eylandt archipelago, alongside Angurugu and Milyakburra on Bickerton Island.

Life in Umbakumba is deeply connected to traditional Anindilyakwa culture, with strong ties to Country, sea, and kinship systems that have persisted for thousands of years. Groote Eylandt also hosts the GEMCO manganese mine — one of Australia's largest — which provides employment opportunities in the region. Access to the island is primarily by air or sea, with Angurugu as the main service hub for health, education, and retail.

Umbakumba falls under postcode 822 and is governed by the East Arnhem Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Solomon, while state elections fall under the Spillett electorate.

📍 Location

State
Northern Territory
Postcode
822
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
East Arnhem
Federal Electorate
Solomon
State Electorate
Spillett
Type
Locality
Timezone
Darwin (UTC+9:30)
Coordinates
-11.76°, 130.63°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
6.87 km²
Population Density
61 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 822

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 822, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$37,359
Median 2023–24
$44,593
▲ 19.4% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$59,186

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 822; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Community bus / limited local transport — Angurugu (main service hub) ~20 min by road

Commute to Darwin CBD

Distance
650 km
By Train
No train service
By Bus
No regular bus service off-island
By Car (Peak)
N/A – island community, no road link to mainland
By Car (Off-Peak)
N/A

🛣️ Access to/from Groote Eylandt is by light aircraft (Alyangula Airport) or barge. Darwin is the nearest major city, ~650 km by air.

Walkability Minimal Walkability

Remote island community. Local amenities in Umbakumba are very limited; the main service centre of Angurugu is accessible by road within the island.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
419
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

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Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Umbakumba known for? +

Umbakumba is a remote Aboriginal community on Groote Eylandt, the largest island in the Gulf of Carpentaria. The community is known for its Anindilyakwa cultural heritage, traditional fishing, and the island's pristine coastal and marine environment.

How far is Umbakumba from the NT mainland? +

Umbakumba is located on Groote Eylandt in the Gulf of Carpentaria, accessible by scheduled flights from Darwin or Gove. The island is approximately 50 kilometres off the NT coastline.

Does Umbakumba have public transport? +

Umbakumba is accessible by scheduled flights via Groote Eylandt Airport (Angurugu). There is no road connection to the mainland, and a permit from the Anindilyakwa Land Council is required to visit the island.

What is the population of Umbakumba? +

According to the 2021 Census, Umbakumba has a population of approximately 419 residents, primarily Anindilyakwa Aboriginal people, within the East Arnhem Regional Council area.

Is Umbakumba a good place to live? +

Umbakumba is home to the Anindilyakwa people and those working in community services, healthcare, or education. The island's natural beauty and cultural richness are exceptional, but remote island living requires adaptation to limited services and permit-based access.

What is the postcode for Umbakumba? +

The postcode for Umbakumba is 822.