Kalumburu
Kalumburu is an Aboriginal Community located in the far north west of Western Australia, situated on the mighty King Edward River not far from the King Edward Gorge. Surrounded by giant mango trees, coconut palms and pristine remote beaches, Kalumburu is well worth a visit.
Click to enlarge images
 Camp site views |
 Spear throwing |
 King Edward River |
Kalumburu History
In 1905, the second Abbot of the Benedictine Abbey of New Norcia, Abbot Fulgentius Torres, was requested to establish a mission in the virtually unknown land of the Drysdale River area. In 1908 he decided on a beach in Napier Broome Bay where there was water and the advantage of a landing place further inland on the Drysdale River. Pago Mission was established and continued almost thirty years. The Benedictine Sisters arrived in 1930. Their convent stood near the still-evident bakers' oven. But plans were already afoot to shift the mission to a spot by a marvellous pool in the King Edward River, called Kalumburu, about thirty kilometres from Pago over land. Using donkey carts and anything with wheels, the big move began in 1932 and went on until 1937. The Pago church was dismantled and simply rebuilt at Kalumburu. As much as possible was brought across from Pago.
Japanese Zero fighters attacked Kalumburu in World War II on 3 March 1942.
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Things to see and do in Kalumburu
- Experience the drama of the remains of the World War II bomber sites.
- Take a bush walk in to an ancient gallery of aboriginal rock art.
- Purchase authentic Aboriginal art direct from the artists.
- Admire the skill of the spear thrower and guess how far he can throw !
- Wander around the mission museum for a glimpse into the history of the Aboriginals of Kalumburu.
- Visit the old Pago Mission ruins.
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