🔍

South Murchison

WA 6635 • Western Australia

73
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Income
11591.75 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RemoteOutbackRuralAgricultural

About South Murchison

South Murchison is a vast remote pastoral locality in Western Australia's Murchison region, situated approximately 520 kilometres north-east of Perth and around 250 kilometres east of Geraldton, within the Shire of Murchison. Covering an extraordinary 11,592 square kilometres of semi-arid outback terrain, it is one of the largest and most sparsely populated localities in the state. The 2021 Census recorded a population of just 73 people, reflecting the extreme remoteness and pastoral character of the area. The landscape is defined by open mulga and scrubland, red earth plains, and the seasonal waterways that characterise the broader Murchison region.

Life in South Murchison revolves entirely around the pastoral industry, with vast sheep and cattle stations forming the economic and social backbone of the area. There are no towns, shops, or services within the locality itself — the nearest facilities are found at Cue or Meekatharra, the closest towns serving the Shire of Murchison. Residents are typically station workers and their families, living a self-sufficient outback lifestyle with long distances a fact of everyday life. The region offers remarkable natural isolation, stunning stargazing, and a raw connection to Australia's pastoral heritage.

South Murchison falls under postcode 6635 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
6635
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
-28.15°, 116.69°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
11591.75 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Transwa N4 — Geraldton / Meekatharra (via Great Northern Highway) Services operate to nearby towns; no direct service to South Murchison

Commute to Perth CBD

Distance
520 km
By Train
No train service. Nearest rail terminus is at Geraldton.
By Car (Peak)
Approximately 5.5-6 hours
By Car (Off-Peak)
Approximately 5-5.5 hours

🛣️ Accessible via Great Northern Highway. No public transport within the locality; private vehicle or light aircraft essential.

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

This remote outback locality has no shops, footpaths, or local services — a private vehicle is essential for all daily needs.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
73
▲ 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 South Murchison known for? +

South Murchison is known for its vast pastoral stations running sheep and cattle across an extraordinarily remote stretch of Western Australian outback. The locality covers over 11,592 square kilometres of semi-arid mulga and scrubland country within the Shire of Murchison.

How far is South Murchison from Perth? +

South Murchison is approximately 520 kilometres north-east of Perth, making it a drive of around 5 to 6 hours via the Great Northern Highway. The nearest town with basic services is Cue or Meekatharra.

Does South Murchison have public transport? +

There is no public transport within South Murchison. The Transwa N4 coach service runs along the Great Northern Highway to Meekatharra, but within the locality itself a private vehicle or light aircraft is the only practical means of travel.

What is the population of South Murchison? +

According to the 2021 Census, South Murchison has a population of approximately 73 people, making it one of the most sparsely populated localities in Australia. Residents are primarily station workers and their families living on remote pastoral properties.

Is South Murchison a good place to live? +

South Murchison suits those who embrace remote, self-sufficient outback living and work within the pastoral industry. It offers extraordinary natural solitude and a deep connection to Australia's station heritage, but is entirely unsuitable for those who require proximity to services, schools, or urban amenities.

What is the postcode for South Murchison? +

The postcode for South Murchison, Western Australia is 6635.