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The community of Galiwin'ku is located on the southern end of Elcho Island in North East Arnhemland, 550km east of Darwin (1.5 hour flight) and 150km north west of Nhulunbuy (45min flight).

Elcho Island is at the southern end of the Wessell Island group and is approximately 55km long and 6km across at its widest point. The island is bounded on the western side by the Arafura Sea and on the east by Cadell Strait. Elcho Island is a short distance away from the mainland and Howard Island.

Galiwin'ku is the main community on Elcho Island and is the largest Aboriginal community in North East Arnhemland, with a base population of 2200 people, including 70 non-Aboriginal people. The population of Galiwin'ku varies during the seasons, with many outstation residents migrating to the community during the wet season due to inaccessibility. The community also serves approximately 25 outstations with a total population of approx. 450 people. 48% of the population is under 20 years of age, with 7% over 50.

Galiwin'ku is the second largest Aboriginal Community, in terms of concentrated population, in the Northern Territory and ranks at number 11 in population of the 69 local government bodies in the Territory. There are a large number of tribal groups, with up to 22 different dialects being used in the community. The people of Galiwin'ku retain their tradition and culture for future generations by strict traditional methods, and through education, embrace the wider Australian community.

Galiwin'ku is a traditional Aboriginal community with restricted access.

Permission to visit is required (by law) and can be made through the Northern Land Council directly on (08) 8920 5100 Darwin and (08) 8987 2602 Nhulunbuy.

Total alcohol restrictions apply.

There is no petrol available on the island and all petrol vehicles use Opal as the fuel substitute. Any passing vessels coming ashore are reminded not to bring petrol, only diesel and opal should be used on outboard motors.

Galiwin'ku was established with the arrival of Harold Shepherdson, a lay associate of the Methodist Overseas Mission, from Milingimbi in 1942. It is the service centre for several traditional tribal homelands, which were encouraged during the early settlement in order to retain traditional way of life.

 
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