ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

The Australian Government acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and acknowledges their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to the people, the cultures and the Elders past and present.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website may contain images, voices and names of deceased persons.

Indigenous.gov.au Connecting With First Nations Australians
Back to Community

Bamaga

Community profile

Bamaga is a town located on the northern tip of Cape York, Queensland, 1000 kilometres north west of Cairns.

For more information, see Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council

Road conditions

Roads and water crossings can become impassable and dangerous during the wet season. Rivers and water crossings can rise quickly and travellers should be aware of conditions prior to travel and monitor closely. Contact local Police or Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council for information on road conditions.

Bamaga is a town located on the northern tip of Cape York, Queensland, 1000 kilometres north west of Cairns.

For more information, see Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council

Road conditions

Roads and water crossings can become impassable and dangerous during the wet season. Rivers and water crossings can rise quickly and travellers should be aware of conditions prior to travel and monitor closely. Contact local Police or Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council for information on road conditions.

Traditional owners

Anggamuthi, Atambaya, Wuthathi, Yadhaykenu and Gudang

Languages

Kalaw Kawaw Ya, Brokan (Torres Strait Creole) and English.

Population

1,180

78.7% Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ABS 2021 Census)

Stories from Bamaga

A woman in blue and white polo shirt faces the camera. In the background is blue water, two boats and some land.

Breaking bias: Balancing boardroom and motherhood in Bamaga

11 May 2022

At 34 years of age, first-time Torres Strait Regional Authority board member, Tailisa Yusia, is setting an example for young women and mothers seeking a say in their communities.
A dancer in traditional Torres Strait Islander dance wear squats on grass looking at a white round shaped object. In the background are many people dressed in dance costumes, trees and sky.

Bookings at an all-time high for Indigenous dance troupe

23 November 2021

A new agreement between dance troupe Naygayiw Gigi and tour operator Outback Spirit has intensified the troupe’s performance schedule and expanded its reach across Australia and the world.
A group of mainly young men in sporting attire sit and stand on a grassed playing field in three rows. They each wear a blue, yellow and green jersey. In the background is green grass and trees.

Young NPA rugby stars return from trip of a lifetime

27 October 2021

Seven young Rugby League players from North Queensland competed against the best Under 16 players in Queensland and returned home with their heads held high.
A young child looks into a piece of eye testing apparatus while a man looks into the other end. In the background is a table and other equipment.

Community-owned Indigenous organisation supports free student eye tests

01 June 2021

Students of Bamaga, Injinoo, Umagico, Seisia and New Mapoon communities in North Queensland benefited from free eye testing recently thanks to support from Bamaga Enterprises Ltd and optometrists from QUT.
A woman in work wear sweeps the deck in front of a wooden cabin. At the front are two palm trees, some foliage and steps leading up to the cabin entrance. In the background are more trees.

Bamaga Tavern and Cape York Lodge up and running again

28 August 2020

COVID-19 has dealt a great blow to the hospitality industry in Bamaga and other remote communities at the tip of Cape York Peninsula but things are about to get better.
Three men, two in yellow work-wear shirts and one in a blue shirt stand close to camera. In the background is a flat area covered with blue and pink rubber. Surrounding this is bare soil, grass and fences. There are buildings at right and left and behind.

Bamaga Enterprises sponsors new playground for Bamagau Kazil

10 March 2020

A new soft fall surface under play equipment at Bamagau Kazil child-care centre makes for a safer play area, thanks to Bamaga Enterprises.