Warruwi
About
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.
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 Fly Tiwi running a daily passenger service to Darwin; weekly barge services from Darwin for freight.
Further Information
Council Services
West Arnhem Regional Council provides a range of local services in Warruwi:
Warruwi Councillor
Local Authority
The Warruwi Local Authority meets for times a year give community members a direct say in how Council services are provided.
Before you travel to West Arnhem
Visitor Accommodation
West Arnhem Regional Council offers accommodation to contractors and other authorised visitors to West Arnhem communities in Gunbalanya, Maningrida, Minjilang and Warruwi.
Accommodation ranges from self contained cabins to single rooms with shared facilities to duplexes, and all are within the community limits and walking distance to most town facilities. View more accommodation information is available at the below link.
