🔍

Milingimbi

NT 822 • Rest of NT

1,097
Population (2021)
$12,116
Median Income
4.44 km²
Area
$45/wk
Median Rent
RemoteIndigenous CommunityCoastalRural

About Milingimbi

Milingimbi, also known by its Yolŋu name Yurrwi, is a remote Aboriginal island community located in the Crocodile Islands group off the Arnhem Land coast of the Northern Territory, approximately 500 kilometres east of Darwin within the East Arnhem Regional Council area. With a population of 1,097 according to the 2021 Census, the community is overwhelmingly Yolŋu, with over 93 per cent identifying as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander — one of the highest proportions of any community in Australia. Housing density is high, with an average household size of 5.7 persons, and the community is classified as remote under national accessibility frameworks.

Milingimbi is accessible only by air or sea, with no road connection to the mainland — a small airstrip serves charter flights and government services, while barge deliveries supply essential goods to the island. The community has a primary school operated by the Northern Territory government, a health clinic, and basic community stores. Yolŋu culture and language remain strong in Milingimbi, with traditional clan practices, ceremonies, and art forms integral to daily life; the community is known for its distinctive bark paintings and woven crafts. Life on the island is shaped by the rhythms of the tropical Top End, including the wet and dry seasons and the surrounding Arafura Sea.

Milingimbi falls under postcode 822 and is governed by East Arnhem Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Mulka electorate.

📍 Location

State
Northern Territory
Postcode
822
Urban Area
Milingimbi
LGA / Council
East Arnhem
Federal Electorate
Lingiari
State Electorate
Mulka
Type
Urban
Timezone
Darwin (UTC+9:30)
Coordinates
-12.10°, 134.91°
Statistical Area
Rest of NT
Area
4.44 km²
Elevation
11m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • No scheduled bus services — N/A No road connection to mainland

Commute to Darwin CBD

Distance
500 km
By Train
No train service
By Car (Peak)
No road access — island community
By Car (Off-Peak)
No road access — island community

🛣️ Accessible by charter flight or barge only; no road connection to the Australian mainland

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

A small island community with limited services; all major supply requires air or sea freight

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$45
Avg Household Size
5.7 people
Median Age
27 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
63%

67 state housing + 25 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,225
Census 2021
1,097
▼ 10.4% decline

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$12,376
Income 2021
$12,116
▼ 2.1% decrease

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,068
Born Overseas 4

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 6

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian Aboriginal 1,026
English 37
Australian 21
Irish 11
Scottish 8

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,050
Both parents born in Australia
4
Both parents born overseas
12
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
52.4%
No Religion
15.8%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
84 (7.7%)
5-14 years
183 (16.7%)
15-19 years
108 (9.8%)
20-24 years
119 (10.8%)
25-34 years
180 (16.4%)
35-44 years
168 (15.3%)
45-54 years
126 (11.5%)
55-64 years
82 (7.5%)
65-74 years
36 (3.3%)
75-84 years
9 (0.8%)
85+ years
3 (0.3%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Milingimbi known for? +

Milingimbi, known in Yolŋu as Yurrwi, is known as a stronghold of Yolŋu culture and language in East Arnhem Land. The community is recognised for its distinctive bark paintings and woven crafts, and has been home to Yolŋu clans for thousands of years.

How far is Milingimbi from Darwin? +

Milingimbi is approximately 500 kilometres east of Darwin and can only be reached by charter flight or barge. There is no road connection to the mainland.

Does Milingimbi have public transport? +

There is no public transport or road access to Milingimbi. The island is served by a small airstrip for charter flights and government services, and barge deliveries supply essential goods.

What is the population of Milingimbi? +

According to the 2021 Census, Milingimbi has a population of 1,097 residents. The community is predominantly Yolŋu, with over 93 per cent identifying as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.

Is Milingimbi a good place to live? +

Milingimbi suits those with deep ties to Yolŋu culture and community life in remote Arnhem Land. It offers a unique and culturally rich environment but has limited services, no road access, and living conditions that reflect the challenges of extreme remoteness.

What is the postcode for Milingimbi? +

The postcode for Milingimbi is 822, Northern Territory.