Kowanyama
The name Kowanyama means "The place of many waters." The community is situated on the banks of the Magnificent, a tributary of the Mitchell River 20 km inland from the coastline of the Gulf of Carpentaria. Kowanyama is accessed by an all weather airstrip, as well as unsealed roads in the dry season from Pormpurraw to the north, Normanton to the south and Cairns to the east.
Kowanyama is a Deed of Grant in Trust (DOGIT) land which comprises the direct descendants of the Indigenous habitants of the Lower Mitchell and Alice Rivers and neighbouring areas now held by pastoral tenants. These include the Kokoberra, Yir Yorant (or Kokomnjen) and Kunjen clans.
The Kowanyama community has a population of approximately 1,200 (2001), with about 93% of the total population being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander origin.
There is a designated tourist season, which extends from June 1st to October 1st. Kowanyama provides four public camping areas, with two campsites apiece.
Kowanyama has a small supermarket that sells fresh foods, packaged and frozen foods, and hardware items. The store is similar to a medium sized IGA store. The store is operated by DATSIP, and the manager is able to obtain any goods that are not normally kept for sale.
The coffee shop operated by the Anglican Church, a fully air-conditioned Coffee Shop stocks take away food, entertainment media and small goods. There is a guest house in the community. The Kowanyama Canteen operates Monday to Friday, from 3:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Patrons may buy light beer only.
For access to Kowanyama lands contact the council office.
Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council Telephone 07 4083 7100
Information on Kowanyama's alcohol management plan