Tindal

NT 853 • Northern Territory

850
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Income
106.29 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralRemoteCommuter Belt

About Tindal

Tindal is a locality within the Katherine Town Council local government area in the Northern Territory, situated approximately 18.5 kilometres south of Katherine. Covering a large 106 square kilometres, it recorded a population of 850 at the 2021 Census, with notably more males than females reflecting its military character. The suburb was officially gazetted in April 2007 and takes its name from RAAF Base Tindal, one of Australia's primary operational air force bases, which dominates the locality.

Life in Tindal revolves largely around RAAF Base Tindal, which is home to F/A-18F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler squadrons and serves as a major strategic asset in northern Australia. The locality has a transient population typical of defence communities, with residents accessing services, shopping, and schooling in Katherine to the north. The broader Katherine region offers access to the spectacular Katherine Gorge (Nitmiluk National Park), the Katherine River, and the tropical savanna landscape of the Northern Territory's Top End.

Tindal falls under postcode 853 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Arnhem electorate.

📍 Location

Postcode
853
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
N/A
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Locality
Timezone
Darwin (UTC+9:30)
Coordinates
-14.53°, 132.38°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
106.29 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Limited local services — Katherine Approx 20–30 min

Commute to Darwin CBD

Distance
320 km
By Train
No passenger rail service
By Car (Peak)
3–3.5 hours via Stuart Highway
By Car (Off-Peak)
3 hours via Stuart Highway

🛣️ Katherine is the nearest major service hub at 18.5km; Darwin is approx 320km via Stuart Highway

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Tindal is a remote defence locality with no commercial services — residents rely on Katherine for all shopping, healthcare, and everyday needs

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

No schools listed for this postcode.

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
850
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 Tindal known for? +

Tindal is known primarily as the location of RAAF Base Tindal, one of Australia's most strategically significant air force bases, home to F/A-18F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler squadrons. The base plays a key role in the defence of northern Australia.

How far is Tindal from Katherine? +

Tindal is approximately 18.5 kilometres south of Katherine, a drive of around 20–30 minutes via the Stuart Highway.

Does Tindal have public transport? +

Tindal has very limited public transport. There is no rail service in the region; residents primarily rely on private vehicles to travel to Katherine for services and supplies.

What is the population of Tindal? +

According to the 2021 Census, Tindal has a population of 850 residents, with a notably higher proportion of males reflecting the defence community based at RAAF Base Tindal.

Is Tindal a good place to live? +

Tindal suits defence personnel and families posted to RAAF Base Tindal who value the unique lifestyle of the Northern Territory's Top End. Katherine provides schools, shops, and community facilities, while the surrounding region offers spectacular natural attractions like Nitmiluk National Park.

What is the postcode for Tindal? +

The postcode for Tindal, NT is 0853.