🔍

Meekatharra

WA 6642 • Western Australia

849
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Income
26582.17 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
OutbackRemoteMining TownHistoricRural

About Meekatharra

Meekatharra is an outback town in the Mid West region of Western Australia, located approximately 764 kilometres north-east of Perth along the Great Northern Highway within the Shire of Meekatharra. The name derives from a Yamatji word meaning 'place of little water,' aptly reflecting the arid Murchison landscape that surrounds it. With a population of 849 in the 2021 Census — of whom approximately 34 per cent are of Aboriginal descent — Meekatharra serves as a major service and supply hub for the surrounding pastoral stations, gold mining operations, and remote communities across a vast area of outback Western Australia.

Meekatharra has a rich history as a former gold rush town, with the first settlement established in 1894 and rapid growth following gold discoveries in 1896; the area continues to support active mining and pastoral industries today. The town is a regional base for the Royal Flying Doctor Service and the School of the Air, underscoring its vital role as an essential services centre for the remote interior. Essential facilities including a hospital, supermarket, hotel, and police station serve the local community, but residents lead an inherently car-dependent and remote lifestyle — defined by the red-earth landscape, a resilient close-knit community, and the enduring spirit of outback Australia.

Meekatharra falls under postcode 6642 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the North West Central (Mining and Pastoral) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Western Australia
Postcode
6642
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
N/A
Federal Electorate
Durack
State Electorate
North West Central (Mining and Pastoral)
Type
Locality
Timezone
Perth (UTC+8)
Coordinates
-25.64°, 118.55°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
26582.17 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Infrequent coach services only — Geraldton / Perth ~4 hrs to Geraldton, ~8 hrs to Perth

Commute to Perth CBD

Distance
764 km
By Train
No train service available
By Car (Peak)
~7.5-8 hrs
By Car (Off-Peak)
~7-7.5 hrs

🛣️ Access via Great Northern Highway; Meekatharra Airport has regular FIFO and light aircraft services; extremely remote

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

The small town centre provides basic walkable services for locals, but the remote outback setting means a car is essential for almost all needs

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

  • 🏫
    Kiwirrkurra Campus
    PMB 131 Alice Springs, NT 0872
    GovernmentPrimary/Secondary CombinedCoedNon-Denominational
  • 🏫
    Burringurrah Rem Com School
    Burringurrah Community
    GovernmentPrimary/Secondary CombinedCoedNon-Denominational
  • 📚
    Karalundi Aboriginal Ed Ctre
    Aboriginal Education Cnt
    IndependentPrimary/Secondary CombinedCoedSeventh Day Adventist
  • 🏫
    Meekatharra District High Sch
    Savage Street
    GovernmentPrimary/Secondary CombinedCoedNon-Denominational
  • 🏫
    Yulga Jinna Rem Com School
    Yulga Jinna Remote Community
    GovernmentPrimary/Secondary CombinedCoedNon-Denominational
  • 🏫
    Blackstone Campus
    PMB 99 Alice Springs NT 0872
    GovernmentPrimary/Secondary CombinedCoedNon-Denominational
  • 🏫
    Tjukurla Campus
    PMB 134 Alice Springs NT 0872
    GovernmentPrimary/Secondary CombinedCoedNon-Denominational
  • 🏫
    Wanarn Campus
    PMB 2 Alice Springs, NT 0872
    GovernmentPrimary/Secondary CombinedCoedNon-Denominational
  • 🏫
    Warakurna Campus
    PMB 156 Alice Springs, NT 0872
    GovernmentPrimary/Secondary CombinedCoedNon-Denominational
  • 🏫
    Wingellina Campus
    PMB 163 Alice Springs, NT 0872
    GovernmentPrimary/Secondary CombinedCoedNon-Denominational

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
849
▲ 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

What is Meekatharra known for? +

Meekatharra is known for its gold rush history dating back to 1896, its role as a major supply and service centre for the surrounding Murchison mining and pastoral region, and as a base for the Royal Flying Doctor Service and the School of the Air.

How far is Meekatharra from Perth? +

Meekatharra is approximately 764 kilometres north-east of Perth, about a 7.5 to 8 hour drive via the Great Northern Highway.

Does Meekatharra have public transport? +

There is no rail service to Meekatharra, and public bus connections are very limited. The town has an airport with light aircraft and FIFO services, but a car is essential for daily life in this remote community.

What is the population of Meekatharra? +

The 2021 Census recorded a population of 849 for Meekatharra, with approximately 34 per cent of residents identifying as Aboriginal, reflecting the town's strong Indigenous community ties in the Murchison region.

Is Meekatharra a good place to live? +

Meekatharra suits those drawn to remote outback living, with a strong community spirit, a significant role in the resources sector, and a genuine connection to the Murchison landscape. The remoteness means limited access to capital city services and amenities.

What is the postcode for Meekatharra? +

The postcode for Meekatharra is 6642.