Bamaga, a Torres Strait Islander community, was first established at Muttee Head in 1947 with the relocation of people from the island of Saibai just off the coast of Papua New Guinea. By 1954, the community had been relocated to its present site. The Bamaga community is the largest of the five Northern Peninsula Area communities, and is the commercial and administrative centre for the Northern Peninsula Area.
Bamaga has a population of approximately 885 people (as of June 2001), with about 88% of the total population being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent.
The Community boasts reticulated town water, which is pumped from the Jardine River. All of Bamaga's internal and main roads are sealed. The major industry is tourism mainly during the drier months of the year. This runs from May - October (The Development Road is impassable during the wet season and the ferry across the Jardine River does not operate).
There is some cattle production and small business retailing. The Community owns Resort Bamaga. Bamaga Island Council is the biggest employer with 200 staff. Modern supermarkets can be found at Seisia and Umagico. There is a general merchandise/clothing store, a video store, Post Office, Service Station/workshop, snack bar, pub and bakery in Bamaga.
Telephone Bamaga Island Council on 07 4069 3211