Halls Creek

WA 6770 • Rest of WA

1,572
Population (2021)
$23,504
Median Income
43.95 km²
Area
$125/wk
Median Rent
RemoteOutbackRuralHistoricIndigenous Heritage

About Halls Creek

Halls Creek is a remote outback town in the east Kimberley region of Western Australia, located on the Great Northern Highway at an elevation of 405 metres. Situated approximately 2,715 kilometres from Perth and 366 kilometres from Kununurra, it is the only sizable town for 600 kilometres along the highway and serves as the administrative centre for the Shire of Halls Creek. The 2021 Census recorded a population of 1,572 residents, with Aboriginal Australians making up approximately 70 percent of the community — one of the highest proportions of any Australian town — reflecting Halls Creek's deep roots as a hub for Jaru, Kija, and other Kimberley First Nations peoples.

Halls Creek functions as a vital service centre for surrounding Indigenous communities and the vast cattle stations of the Kimberley, providing essential retail, medical, educational, and government services across the region. The town has a rich history tied to the 1885 Christmas Day gold discovery by prospector Charlie Hall, and the ruins of Old Halls Creek remain a notable historical site. Halls Creek is also the northern terminus of the legendary Canning Stock Route — a 1,850-kilometre outback track through the Great Sandy Desert — drawing adventurous four-wheel-drive travellers. The surrounding Kimberley landscape, including Purnululu National Park (the Bungle Bungles) approximately 180 kilometres to the north-east, makes Halls Creek a gateway for Kimberley tourism.

Halls Creek falls under postcode 6770 and is governed by Halls Creek Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Kimberley electorate.

📍 Location

Postcode
6770
Urban Area
Mardiwah Loop - Lundja
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Urban
Timezone
Perth (UTC+8)
Coordinates
-18.23°, 127.67°
Statistical Area
Rest of WA
Area
43.95 km²
Elevation
405m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Greyhound Australia / regional coach — Kununurra / Broome 4-5 hr to Kununurra; 5-6 hr to Broome

Commute to Perth CBD

Distance
2715 km
By Train
No rail service; Halls Creek Airport operates regional flights to Broome and Kununurra
By Car (Peak)
N/A (remote outback location)
By Car (Off-Peak)
~27 hr drive to Perth via Great Northern Highway

🛣️ Car is essential; Halls Creek Airport provides regional air access; Greyhound coaches run the highway

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Some services are accessible on foot within the town centre, but a vehicle is essential for virtually all needs in this remote outback setting

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$125
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,780
Avg Household Size
2.9 people
Median Age
30 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
58.8%

209 state housing + 52 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,499
Census 2021
1,572
4.9% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$23,556
Income 2021
$23,504
0.2% decrease

Income Comparison

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,276
Born Overseas 118

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. New Zealand 22
  • 2. England 15
  • 3. Philippines 11
  • 4. Fiji 8
  • 5. Ireland 6
  • 6. India 5
  • 7. Sri Lanka 4
  • 8. Vietnam 4
  • 9. Germany 3
  • 10. Indonesia 3

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian Aboriginal 1,056
English 175
Australian 151
Irish 55
Scottish 42
Filipino 18
German 14
Italian 14
Indian 13
Chinese 8

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,175
Both parents born in Australia
144
Both parents born overseas
40
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
54.3%
No Religion
26.0%
Buddhism
0.5%
Hinduism
0.4%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
135 (8.6%)
5-14 years
263 (16.7%)
15-19 years
127 (8.1%)
20-24 years
108 (6.9%)
25-34 years
267 (17.0%)
35-44 years
229 (14.6%)
45-54 years
190 (12.1%)
55-64 years
137 (8.7%)
65-74 years
75 (4.8%)
75-84 years
30 (1.9%)
85+ years
3 (0.2%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Halls Creek known for? +

Halls Creek is known as the administrative hub of the east Kimberley and as a gateway to some of WA's most spectacular outback attractions, including Purnululu National Park (the Bungle Bungles) and the historic Canning Stock Route. It is also deeply significant as a cultural centre for the region's Aboriginal communities.

How far is Halls Creek from Perth? +

Halls Creek is approximately 2,715 kilometres from Perth by road, making it one of the most remote towns in Western Australia. The drive takes around 27 hours via the Great Northern Highway.

Does Halls Creek have public transport? +

There is no rail service in Halls Creek. Greyhound Australia coaches provide connections along the Great Northern Highway to Kununurra and Broome, and Halls Creek Airport operates regional flights. Within the town, a vehicle is essential.

What is the population of Halls Creek? +

The 2021 Census recorded a population of approximately 1,572 residents in Halls Creek, with Aboriginal Australians making up around 70 percent of the community. The town also serves as a service hub for a much larger surrounding regional population.

Is Halls Creek a good place to live? +

Halls Creek suits those with a strong connection to the Kimberley region, particularly Aboriginal community members, those working in community services, health, or pastoral industries, and adventurous individuals drawn to the remote outback lifestyle. Amenities are basic but essential services are available.

What is the postcode for Halls Creek? +

The postcode for Halls Creek, Western Australia is 6770.