Gunbalanya Indigenous Community

About Gunbalanya

With a population of around 2000, Gunbalanya is located on the flood plain and escarpment outcrop area close to East Alligator River. The main language for the region is Kunwinku. It is a significant area of three escarpment rocks which is situated within the community outskirts area. The three hills represent 3 different totems which are;

• Wurrkarbal – Fresh water Gar-Fish
• Ngalmarniyi – Long neck turtle
• Arrguluk – Magpie Goose

The area around Gunbalanya is known as Stone Country, a name inspired by the spectacular Arnhem Land escarpment and rock formations that emerge from the floodplains surrounding the town.

The township of Gunbalanya was first settled by the pioneering Paddy Cahill, who established a farm in the region in the early 1900s. A mission was later established in the 1920s. These days Gunbalanya has a population of approximately 1200, and the main language spoken is Kunwinjku.

The main road link out of Gunbalanya to Jabiru (and on to Darwin) is often closed during the wetter months as the East Alligator River becomes impassable. The town is, however, serviced by a tarmac airstrip.

Gunbalanya School also operates in Gunbalanya, providing schooling from preschool to Year 12. The town also has a youth centre, arts centre, supermarket, service station and licensed community sports club.