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Maningrida

Maningrida is one of the largest remote towns in the Northern Territory, and is located approximately 500km east of Darwin in Arnhem Land at the mouth of the Liverpool River.

A permanent settlement was established in the late 1940s, originally as a trading post with Aboriginals in the area. It was converted into a mission during the 1950s.

According to the Northern Territory Place Names Committee, the name Maningrida is an Anglicised version of the Kunibídji name Manayingkarírra, from the phrase “Mane djang karirra”, meaning “the place where the Dreaming changed shape.”

These days, the town is the major service centre for the population of 2,500 as well as more than 30 outstations or homelands, with a school, health clinic, multiple food outlets, two supermarkets, service station, arts centre, créche and a tarmac airport with daily commercial flights to Darwin.

Small-scale tourism ventures, including cultural tours and fishing expeditions, also operate out of Maningrida.

West Arnhem Regional Council provides a range of services to the town including local government services, sport and recreation programs, rubbish collection and removal, parks and gardens maintenance, as well as other services on behalf of government agencies. Council also manages the 25-metre public swimming pool.

 

Community overview

Population

2,518 (2021 Census).

Location

500km east of Darwin and 300km north east of Jabiru in Arnhem Land.

Languages spoken

Ndjébbana, Nakara, Gurrgone, Kunbarlang, Burarra, Kuninjku (Eastern Kunwinjku), Kune (Mayali), Rembarrnga, Djinang.

Services

Maningrida is a major Aboriginal town in Arnhem Land, and has a school (Preschool to Year 12), health clinic, service station, convenience store and cafe, two supermarkets, police station, crèche facilities, and a community arts centre.

Recreation:

25-metre swimming pool, fishing, boating, hiking, arts and craft, sports ovals and basketball facilities.

Access

Year-road access via air – Air North runs a daily passenger service.
Weekly barge services from Darwin for freight.
Dry season (Apr-Nov): Road access.
Wet season (Dec-Mar): The river crossing at Cahill’s Crossing, East Alligator River, is usually impassable.

More information

Maningrida Council Office on (08) 8979 6600 or email info@westarnhem.nt.gov.au.

Visitor Accommodation

West Arnhem Regional Council offers Visitor Accommodation Services to contractors and other authorised visitors to West Arnhem communities at commercial rates.

Maningrida Pool

The 25-metre Maningrida Swimming Pool includes a kids’ wading area adjacent to the main pool.

 

Opening Hours

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 6.00am - 8.00am & 3.00pm - 5.00pm & 6.30pm - 7.30pm
Thursday: 6.00am - 8.00am & 3.00pm - 6.00pm
Friday: 6.00am - 8.00am & 3.00pm - 6.00pm
Saturday: 8.00am - 12 noon and 1.30pm – 5.00pm
Sunday: 8.00am - 12 and 1.30pm – 5.00pm 

 

CLOSED: All Public Holidays