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

Kowanyama

Community profile

Kowanyama lies on the west coast of Cape York, 600 kilometres northwest of Cairns. 

For more information, see: 

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 Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council for road conditions.

Kowanyama lies on the west coast of Cape York, 600 kilometres northwest of Cairns. 

For more information, see: 

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 Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council for road conditions.

Traditional owners

Kokoberra, Yir Yoront (or Kokomnjen) and Kunjen clans

The Traditional Owners are the descendants of the Lower Mitchell and Alice Rivers and neighbouring areas.

Languages

Yir Yoront, Yirrk Thangalkl, Koko Bera, Uw Oykangand, Olkola.

English is also spoken.

Population

1,079

86.8% Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ABS 2021 Census)

Stories from Kowanyama

A young Indigenous woman, Tyeisha Clarke, is standing in bare feet on the wing of a light aeroplane, after exiting the cockpit. She is pictured with her father John. The Kowanyama community are standing behind a secure fence away from the airstrip.

Barefoot Pilot’s solo flight from Canberra to Kowanyama

31 August 2023

Barefoot Pilot Tyeisha Clarke has completed her first solo flight from Canberra on Ngunnawal Country to her hometown of Kowanyama in Queensland.
Close up photo of a group of three adults and three youth. In the background is a see through door.

Keeping Indigenous kids connected during Coronavirus shutdown

11 May 2020

Johnathan Thurston jumped into action to ensure kids in three remote communities stayed connected during the Coronavirus shutdown.