Wadeye
Wadeye (also known as Port Keats) is a remote aboriginal community situated 420km South West of Darwin. Wadeye is the 6th populated town in the Northern Territory with the largest Aboriginal community.
The Kardu Diminin people are the Traditional Owners of the land on which the Wadeye Township is situated. Wadeye was founded as a Roman Catholic mission in 1935, which was originally located at Werntek Nganayi (old Mission) from 1935. The town was relocated to its current location in 1938 due to the lack of water and space for an airstrip.
The population of Wadeye is approximately 2700-3000 with 20 land-owning groups mainly speaking the language of Murrinhpatha.
Access to Darwin
Dry Season
By Road (via Adelaide River): Approximately 5-6 hours
All year round
By Air (via Murin Travel and Freight): 50 minutes twice daily service during weekdays and once daily on weekends.
Other Facilities within the community
Post office, Traditional Credit Union, Grocery Store, Takeaway, Butcher, Art Gallery, Health Clinic, Catholic School, Centrelink, Workshop & Fuel sales, Airport, Police Station and Courthouse.
Freight Transport
Murin Travel and Freight provide a freight service as well as Perkins Shipping Barge who deliver goods to Wadeye once a fortnight all year round and QAL Transport operate a road train to Wadeye weekly during the dry season when road conditions are sufficient to accommodate the weight.
Our Services
Your Local Members
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Councillor Stephanie Berida
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Councillor Marita Chula
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Councillor Bryan Murielle
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Councillor Kevin Slaven
General Weather
Temperatures range from overnight lows of 10c. in the Dry season to over 40c in the build up to the Wet season. The annual rainfall is approximately 600-700 mm