Malak
NT 812 • Greater Darwin
About Malak
Malak is a northern suburb of Darwin, located approximately 12 kilometres from the CBD within the City of Darwin. Named after the Malak Aboriginal people from the Daly River area, the suburb was under construction when Cyclone Tracy devastated Darwin in late 1974. With a population of around 3,000, Malak is a residential area spanning 1.8 square kilometres. Historically it had a significant proportion of social housing, though this has decreased substantially over the decades from 29% in 1991 to around 11% by 2011, reflecting the suburb's ongoing transformation.
Malak offers affordable suburban living with extensive parklands and solid community facilities. The suburb is home to three schools — Malak Primary School, Sanderson Middle School, and Darwin Adventist School — making it well-suited for families. A local shopping complex provides everyday convenience, and the suburb houses the Northern Territory headquarters of the Australian Red Cross. Malak appeals to young families, first-home buyers, and those seeking affordable entry into Darwin's property market, with easy access to Casuarina Square and the broader northern suburbs' amenities.
Malak falls under postcode 812 and is governed by Darwin Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Karama electorate.
Location
Transport & Commute
Bus Services
- Route 2 — Casuarina - Wanguri - Leanyer - Malak - Wagaman loop 15-20 min loop
- Route 12 — Casuarina - Malak - Karama 10-15 min
- Route 4/4W — Darwin CBD via Casuarina Interchange 30-40 min
Commute to Darwin CBD
🛣️ No rail in Darwin. Bus connections via Casuarina Interchange; some routes to CBD require transfer at Casuarina.
Local shops walkable from most homes; car needed for major shopping and commuting
Supermarkets Nearby
No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.
Schools
No schools listed for this postcode.
Housing Costs 2021 Census
Demographics
Population Growth
Gender Distribution (Census 2021)
Income Comparison
Country of Birth 2021 Census
Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)
- 1. Philippines 165
- 2. Indonesia 58
- 3. England 51
- 4. India 46
- 5. New Zealand 39
- 6. Greece 31
- 7. Thailand 28
- 8. Vietnam 26
- 9. Papua New Guinea 13
- 10. China 12
- 11. Germany 12
- 12. South Africa 12
- 13. Myanmar 11
- 14. Scotland 11
- 15. United States 11
Ancestry 2021 Census
Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)