🔍

Alpurrurulam

NT 4825 • Northern Territory

350
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Income
9.99 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralRemoteAffordable

About Alpurrurulam

Alpurrurulam, also known colloquially as Lake Nash, is a remote Aboriginal community located in the east of the Northern Territory, approximately 1,200 kilometres south-east of Darwin and close to the Queensland border. With a 2021 census population of around 350 people, of whom approximately 95% identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, the community sits on the Lake Nash pastoral property and is one of the most isolated settlements in Australia. The community is officially referred to as Alpurrurulam for administrative purposes, with its original Aboriginal name being Ilperrelhelame.

Life in Alpurrurulam centres around the Aboriginal community, with essential services including a health clinic, school, and community store. Access is via the Barkly Highway or the Sandover Highway — a 646-kilometre mostly unsealed road that may be impassable in the wet season. The nearest town of significant size is Mount Isa in Queensland, about 200 kilometres to the north, which serves as the main supply hub. A sealed aerodrome approximately 10 kilometres from the community provides vital air access for medical, freight, and passenger needs.

Alpurrurulam falls under postcode 4825 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA).

📍 Location

State
Northern Territory
Postcode
4825
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
N/A
Federal Electorate
N/A
State Electorate
N/A
Type
Locality
Timezone
Darwin (UTC+9:30)
Coordinates
-21.78°, 138.12°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
9.99 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Commute to Darwin CBD

Distance
1206 km
By Train
No train service
By Car (Peak)
Approx. 14 hrs to Darwin via Barkly Highway
By Car (Off-Peak)
Approx. 14 hrs to Darwin via Barkly Highway

🛣️ Nearest major town is Mount Isa QLD (~200 km north). Air access via sealed aerodrome 10 km from community.

Walkability Car-Dependent

Small community; local amenities accessible on foot within community but no public transport

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
350
▲ 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

Where is Alpurrurulam located? +

Alpurrurulam (also known as Lake Nash) is a remote Aboriginal community in the east of the Northern Territory, approximately 1,200 km south-east of Darwin and close to the Queensland border.

What is the population of Alpurrurulam? +

According to the 2021 Census, Alpurrurulam had a population of approximately 350 people, with around 95.7% identifying as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.

How do you get to Alpurrurulam? +

Alpurrurulam can be reached by road via the Barkly Highway (from Mount Isa, QLD) or the Sandover Highway. There is also a sealed aerodrome approximately 10 km from the community for light aircraft access.

What services are available in Alpurrurulam? +

Alpurrurulam has essential services including a health clinic, community school, and a community store. The nearest major supply hub is Mount Isa in Queensland.