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.

Topo Legend Centre Map

A permit to enter Kalumburu can be obtained free of charge and an additional permit (free payable) is required if you are going to visit or stay at any of the northern beaches (obtained on arrival from the Kalumburu community centre or from McGowan Island, or Honeymoon Bay). Alcohol is not permitted because Kalumburu is a dry community.

The Kalumburu community is run by the Kalumburu Aboriginal Corporation themselves. 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.

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 supermarket (excellent range of fresh, frozen, and packaged foods as well as video library, clothing, fishing equipment, and basic hardware items). Eftpos banking facilities also operate from a manned booth at the back of 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 states that you are only allowed to camp within designated areas, which are the Kalumburu caravan park or the Mission Camping Ground - both in town, or head out to the coast to either Honeymoon Bay or McGowan Island which are run by Aboriginal families. No bush camping elsewhere is allowed. Fines and evictions are enforced.

Like most Aboriginal Communities Kalumburu is not without its own problems. There have been problems with some of the coast camps at different times, but you could consider staying in at the Mission in town (clean and green sites with power) and just drive out the 20-30 km to the beaches for day visits. For more information or bookings call: (08) 9161 4333 or Fax: (08) 9161 4349.

Costs per night

Adult = $10
child 6 / 15 years = $4
child under 6 = free
Family rate ( Mum, Dad & unlimited kids) = $25

Alternatively, very basic facilities are available at Honeymoon Bay and McGowan Island camping areas and similar fees apply. 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. 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. People continually report that the tour guided by Father Anscar is the best part of their visit to the area as he has the greatest personality and is very entertaining. 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. This would mean a drive of 20-30 km to the beaches as required so will suit visitors that do not require coastal access for their boat, and prefer "clean & green" facilities.

Opening Hours for Kalumburu Facilities are outlined below:

Supermarket

Open Tuesday - Friday: 8.30am - 10.50am, then 1.30pm - 3.50pm. Closed all day Sunday. Also closed Monday after 10.50am.

Takeaway

Providing hot chips, pies etc. Open Monday 8.30 - 1pm. Open Tuesday - Friday: 8.30am - 3.50pm

Fuel

Open Monday - Friday: 7.15am - 11.15am, then 1.30pm - 4.00pm.

Closest Weather Station

Temperature	Feels Like	Rel. Humidity	Dew Point	Pressure	Rainfall	Wind Direction	Wind Speed	Gusts
31.3°C	28.7°C	33%	13.1°C	1009.8hPa	0.0mm	NNW	19km/h 10knots	26km/h 14knots

Closest Climatic Station

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Mean Max. °C	31.8	31.5	31.9	32.7	31.1	29.0	28.1	28.7	30.1	31.6	32.9	32.9
Mean Min. °C	26.3	26.1	26.4	26.8	25.2	23.3	22.1	22.5	24.4	26.2	27.3	27.2
Mean Rain mm	259.1	189.9	140.4	20.6	42.0	9.2	3.6	0.4	0.1	1.0	10.0	62.9

Whilst indicating location of water supplies, ExplorOz makes no recommendation with regard to the quality of water for drinking purposes. We strongly recommend that when travelling you take ample supplies of water from reliable drinking water sources.