Skip to main content

Warruwi

Warruwi is the main township on South Goulburn Island, approximately 300km east of Darwin at the eastern base of the Cobourg Peninsula.

The mostly Indigenous community has a population of approximately 432 people, but this number grows during the wet season and drops during the dry, when people travel to visit family and country. A mission settlement was established on the island by Reverend James Watson soon after his arrival on 22 June 1916.

The traditional language of the island is Mawng, with people speaking other languages including Kunbarlang, Kunwinjku, Djambarrpuyngu, Galpu and English. English is typically people’s second or third language.

The island has a stunning mix of natural landscapes including pristine beaches, rocky outcrops and sweeping marshlands, harbouring an abundance of wildlife such as crocodiles, fish, dugongs, turtles, oysters, crayfish, mud crabs and stingrays.

West Arnhem Regional Council provides a range of local government services in Warruwi including road maintenance and repair, parks and gardens maintenance, sport and recreation services, and access to Centrelink, a crèche, community care programs and after-school care on behalf of other government agencies.

 

Community overview

Population

432 (2021 Census).

Location

290km north east of Darwin, 100km north east of Jabiru, off the Arnhem Land coast.

Languages spoken

Mawng, Kunbarlang, Kunwinjku, Djambarrpuyngu, Galpu, English.

Services

Warruwi is the main Aboriginal settlement on South Goulburn Island and has a school, health clinic, Creche, convenience store, arts centre and airport.

Recreation

Fishing, community sports facilities and ovals, walking.

Access

All-year round air access with FlyTiwi running a daily passenger service to Darwin; weekly barge services from Darwin for freight.

More information

Warruwi Council Office (08) 8970 3600 or email info@westarnhem.nt.gov.au

Visitor Accommodation

West Arnhem Regional Council offers Visitor Accommodation Services to contractors and other authorised visitors to West Arnhem communities at commercial rates.

Warruwi Crèche

Warruwi Crèche provides a range of childcare services to children aged from 0 – 5 years. Crèche operates as a form of introduction to early childhood education and is important for children to learn the foundations before they go to preschool.

Warruwi Crèche employs four local Aboriginal staff: a Childcare Team Leader; a Childcare Senior Officer; and two Childcare officers.

 

The Crèche provides:

Full care 5 days a week for children aged 0-5 years

Services to pre-school outside of school hours

 

Operating Hours:

Monday-Thursday: 8.00am to 2.00pm

Out-of-Hours School Care

To enrol your child in Crèche, please see the friendly staff at the centre or call (08) 8979 9444.