Kiwirrkurra - WA

Kiwirrkurra IPA requires a permit to access. More information on this permit and travel through Kiwirrkurra IPA can be found at https://www.tjamutjamu.com/travelling-to-kiwirrkurra-country. This permit only allows you to travel along the main road across Kiwirrkurra IPA, entry into Kiwirrkurra community and camping at any of the approved campsites (currently only Jupiter Well). You are not allowed to travel anywhere outside of these areas or on any side tracks. Kiwirrkurra IPA is under Native Title and therefore the same as private property. The Balgo track requires its own seperate permit approved by the Kiwirrkurra Traditional Owners. Thank you for respecting Kiwirrkurra Traditional Owners country.

Kiwirrkurra is located in the “tali” (sandhill) country of the Gibson Desert, to the south west of Lake McKay. The community is located within the Shire of East Pilbara but the closest neighbouring community is Walungurru (Kintore) Aboriginal Community located 100km west in the Northern Territory. Kiwirrkurra has been described as the most remote community in Australia.

Many of the elder Kiwirrkurra residents experienced their first contact with non-Indigenous persons during the Homeland Movement of the 1950’s and early 1960’s. During this time many Pintupi taken by Native Patrol Officers to Papunya, a government settlement in the Northern Territory, several hundred kilometres from their homelands. In the 1970’s Walungurru (Kintore) was established while allow many to move closer to their homelands.

In 1982 a Pintupi outstation was built where Kiwirrkurra now lies, to facilitate the Pintupi people’s desire to return and live on traditional land. After the first bore was drilled and equipped in 1984, residents came to live permanently in Kiwirrkurra. A point of note regarding Kiwirrkurra is the ‘Lost Nomads’ or ‘Pintupi Nine’ which was a family of nine Pintupi that had lived a nomadic life moving from waterhole to waterhole, living without any contact with Western society until they entered the community to be reunited with their family in Oct 1984.

Travellers along the Gary Junction Road may enter the Kiwirrkurra community at the signed access. Here you will find a card operated fuel bowser that can be used 24/7 and the community grocery store that is operated by Outback Stores with a good range of everyday essentials including fresh fruit, meat and vegetables and bread. You can also locate the relocated and restored Len Beadell Ration Truck and an interesting water fountain art project with a number of tourist information signboards. It's a worthwhile stop but there is no camping or other tourist facilities.

Kiwirrkurra community is managed by the Ngaanyatjarra Council.