Welcome to Palumpa (Nganmarriyanga)

Quick Access

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History

Nganmarriyanga (pronounced Nan-marri-yanga or None-murray-yunga) was founded by the Wodidj family.


Before World War II, the Wodidj family left their Country as the men sought work on cattle stations in northern Western Australia. After the war, they returned to the Port Keats Mission (now Wadeye) but knew their father’s Country was located some distance away.


The family later moved back to that area and began to establish a new community, which became known as Palumpa.

Population

Based on the 2021 Census, Palumpa has a population of approximately 427 people, with 95% identifying as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.

Language

The primary language spoken and understood in Palumpa is Murrinh Patha.

Accessibility

Palumpa is located 353 kilometres south-west of Darwin, along Port Keats Road, between the communities of Peppimenarti and Wadeye.

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The Palumpa access road is unsealed and approximately 140 kilometres from the Daly River bridge.

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Roads can become impassable during the Wet Season due to flooding, sometimes for up to seven months in extreme years.

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Palumpa is accessible by air for most of the year, though the airstrip and access road may be closed during severe weather or heavy flooding.

Our Services

Wadeye provides a range of municipal and community services, including

Our Services

Palumpa provides a range of municipal and community services, including:

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Cemetery maintenance

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Parks, open spaces and sports ground maintenance

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Waste management

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Post Office Agency

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Centrelink Services

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Weed control and fire hazard reduction

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Visitor accommodation

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Community safety patrol

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Community safety patrol

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Animal welfare and control

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Local road maintenance, upgrades and construction

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Street and public lighting for safety

Other Services

  • Police Station
  • Remote Health Clinic
  • Community Store
  • School and Crèche
  • TDC and Women’s Centre
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Visiting Palumpa

All visitors to Palumpa are required to obtain a permit from the Northern Land Council (NLC).

The permit system helps to:


  • Protect the privacy of Aboriginal communities
  • Preserve culture and heritage
  • Safeguard the natural environment
  • Promote visitor safety and respect for local customs

For more information or to apply for a permit, please visit the Northern Land Council website.

Explore our other Communities

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Peppimenarti

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Homelands