Manbulloo
NT 852 • Northern Territory
About Manbulloo
Manbulloo is a vast rural locality in the Northern Territory, situated approximately 15 km south-west of Katherine along the Victoria Highway, within the Katherine Town Council area. Covering over 4,228 square kilometres, the locality has an extremely small permanent population of around 14 people according to the 2021 census, reflecting its character as a working pastoral and agricultural outpost. The name derives from the Wardaman language, meaning 'pallid cuckoo', and the locality was officially gazetted in April 2007. It lies within the federal electorate of Lingiari and the territory electorate of Katherine.
Manbulloo is dominated by Manbulloo Station, a massive cattle property spanning 370,910 hectares that carries around 20,000 head of cattle and was sold to foreign investors in 2019. The locality also hosts commercial mango plantations and a CSIRO research station, making it a hub for tropical agriculture research in the Katherine region. The historic riverside homestead has been converted to tourist accommodation with an adjoining caravan park, offering travellers a taste of authentic outback station life. The area carries significant WWII heritage, having been the site of Manbulloo Airfield built in 1942 to host RAAF and USAAF squadrons.
Manbulloo falls under postcode 852 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Katherine electorate.
Location
Transport & Commute
Bus Services
- Katherine town bus services — Katherine CBD ~20 min by car
Commute to Katherine
🛣️ Accessible via the Victoria Highway. Katherine is the nearest service centre with shops, hospital, and schools. Darwin is approximately 320 km north via the Stuart Highway.
Extremely car-dependent rural locality. No footpaths, public transport, or walkable amenities. A private vehicle is essential for all daily needs.
Supermarkets Nearby
No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.
Schools
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Buntine Highway