Kalumburu - WA

The Kalumburu township is located in the far northern Kimberley and is a modern aboriginal community. This community was originally established at Pago and known as the Drysdale River Mission but was relocated to the present Kalumburu township site in 1927. A permit to enter Kalumburu must be obtained to enter the community or surrounding leasehold including McGowan Island, Carson River Station or Honeymoon Bay). Alcohol is not permitted because Kalumburu is a dry community.

Visitors are welcomed by the community and a number of services operate to enable you to enjoy your stay for an extended period if you wish. Like other areas along the Kimberley coast, Kalumburu was bombed by the Japanese in WWII and combined with the history of the mission and various relics and ruins around the area, there is much to see and do other than the obvious fishing and camping.

The local Community Resource & Visitor Centre (08 91614627) is the place to go to obtain visitor permits, find out whats happening at Kalumburu, obtain map and visitor information and has internet and wi-fi facilities available.

Most visitors will not stay within the confines of the Kalumburu township as the real highlights are out along the coastline. Within the township, there is a caravan and camping area run through the Mission, plus you can obtain fuel (diesel, unleaded and leaded) and you can purchase foodstuffs from the Uraro Store (excellent range of fresh, frozen, and packaged foods as well as clothing, fishing equipment, and basic hardware items). Eftpos banking facilities are available at the store. Note: There are no vehicle repair facilities and no spare parts in Kalumburu, but at the worst you could arrange for parts to be delivered on the next supply truck.

Your permit allows access to Kalumburu township and surrounding leasehold including Carson River Station, Honeymoon Bay or McGowan Island which are run by Aboriginal families. Fines and evictions are enforced.

Like most Aboriginal Communities Kalumburu is not without its own problems. Visitors are expected to respect that they are on Aboriginal land by adhering to the no alcohol restrictions and respecting sacred sites and no-go areas. Visit the Community Resource Centre to find out more about the best places to go on this country.

Coastline camping with basic facilities are available at Honeymoon Bay and McGowan Island camping areas. Each of these camping areas also operates various tours, such as fishing & crabbing. It is best to pre-book these if possible, or enquire on arrival for the next available tour as they fill fast (Ph: 08 9161 4378). You just cannot appreciate this area without a boat, so if you don't bring your own you should take at least one day on a fishing tour. Prices range from $50 - $70 per person for a half day. No bait or gear is supplied.

Mission

When visiting Kalumburu, make sure you go see Father Anscar's museum. Tours are normally run at 10am weekdays and last for 1.5 hours. The Kalumburu Mission also offers camping for those prefering to stay in town rather than camp out at one of the private beaches camps.

Opening Hours for Kalumburu Facilities are outlined below:

Community Resource Centre: Permits, Telephone, computers, internet and wi-fi cafe: Open 8:30am to 4pm Mon through Friday.

Store: Open 7 Days a week: 8.30am - 12pm, then 1.30pm - 4:30pm (Mon-Fri) Mornings on Sat & Sun only.

Takeaway: Providing hot chips, pies etc. Open 7 Days with late nights Thursday.

Fuel (Mission) Open Monday - Friday: 7.15am - 11.15am, then 1.30pm - 4.00pm.