Wurrumiyanga Community

Wurrumiyanga, the largest community on Bathurst Island in the Tiwi Islands, is a vibrant hub where Tiwi culture, language, and community life flourish. Formerly known as Nguiu, Wurrumiyanga welcomes residents, visitors, and professionals with a unique blend of tradition and progress.

Whether you're visiting for work, family, or cultural exchange, Wurrumiyanga offers a range of services and facilities to meet your needs in a respectful and community-led environment.

Essential Services and Support

Health and Wellbeing

  • Julanimawu Primary Health Care Centre – Provides general healthcare, maternal and child health, chronic disease management, and visiting specialists.

  • Mental Health and Wellbeing Services – Counselling, social support, and outreach through NT Health and partner agencies.

  • Drug and Alcohol Support Programs – Community-based services for healing and recovery.

Education and Early Years

Safety and Community Support

  • Wurrumiyanga Police Station – Bathurst is an Alcohol Restricted Zone under the Liquor Act, however police still deal with alcohol related incidents as liquor is permitted at two licensed clubs or by permit. Police also deal with substance abuse in the community.

  • Night Patrol Services

Tiwi Islands Regional Council (TIRC) Services

  • Municipal services: waste, roads, lighting, parks and open spaces

  • Community engagement and event coordination

  • Youth, sport, and recreation programs

  • Local employment

Centrelink and Government Access

  • Centrelink Remote Agent

  • Regular Commonwealth and NT Government outreach for legal, employment, and family services

Accommodation and Facility Hire

TIRC Motel

  • Comfortable and affordable visitor accommodation for contractors, visiting workers, and guests

  • Private, air-conditioned rooms with ensuites

  • Convenient location with access to council offices and community services

TIRC Boardroom and Hire Facilities

  • Modern, air-conditioned boardroom available for meetings, workshops, and training

  • AV equipment, Wi-Fi, whiteboards, and kitchen access included

  • Chairs, tables, marquees, and other equipment available for event hire

  • Catering and logistics support can be arranged through Council or local providers

  • Bookings for the Inter-Island Ferry are managed locally through the Wurrumiyanga Council Office.

Tiwi Enterprises Accommodation

  • Fully serviced accommodation for visiting professionals and contractors

  • Ensuite rooms, shared kitchen and laundry, Wi-Fi access

  • Ideal for those working in or engaging with the community over longer stays

  • Tiwi Enterprises also provides event space and enterprise support services

Cultural and Enterprise Experiences

  • Tiwi Design Art Centre – A nationally acclaimed art centre offering unique paintings, screenprints, carvings, textiles, and guided art experiences

  • Ngaruwanajirri Art Centre – At Wurrumiyanga on Bathurst Island, one beautiful building known as the Tiwi Sistine

    Chapel or The Keeping Place houses a small group of Tiwi artists who attend daily to create artwork in a peaceful environment.

  • Enterprise Development – Support for Tiwi-owned businesses through Tiwi Enterprises and Council initiatives

Getting Here and Getting Around

  • Fly Tiwi – Daily flights between Darwin and Wurrumiyanga

  • SeaLink Ferry – Passenger and freight service between Darwin and Wurrumiyanga

  • Barge Services – Regular deliveries of goods and equipment via Sea Swift

  • Local Transport and Hire – Vehicle hire and transport options available via TIRC and Tiwi Enterprises

Visit With Respect

All visitors must obtain a permit through the Tiwi Land Council before travelling to the Tiwi Islands. We ask that all guests respect Tiwi culture, traditions, and community spaces.

To book accommodation, hire facilities, or arrange a community visit:

  • Contact TIRC for motel bookings, boardroom hire, and event equipment

  • Contact Tiwi Enterprises for accommodation, business engagement, or enterprise support

Photo of Wurrumiyanga. 

Map of Wurruniyanga. Click here.