Doomadgee Aboriginal Shire
Unlocking the Secrets of our Indigenous Heritage
Cairns
Townsville
Doomadgee
Community & Amenities
Health Services
- Doomadgee Hospital: The community is served by the Doomadgee Hospital, which provides primary healthcare services, including emergency care, general medical care, and maternal and child health services. The hospital is an important resource for residents, given the remote location.
- Visiting Specialists: Doomadgee also receives visits from various health specialists, ensuring that residents have access to more specialized care that may not be available on a daily basis.
Community and Social Services
- Community Centre: The community centre serves as a hub for social activities and gatherings. It provides space for cultural events, meetings, and various community programs aimed at improving social well-being.
- Youth Services: There are programs focused on engaging youth in positive activities, including sports, arts, and cultural education. These services are essential in providing young people with opportunities for personal growth and development.
Retail and Supplies
- ABIS Doomadgee Supermarket: The local retail store provides residents with access to essential groceries, household items, and other everyday necessities. Given the remote location, this store is crucial for the community.
- Doomadgee Roadhouse: The Roadhouse is open 7 days for accommodation, gas, air, diesel and ULP, car/4WD hire, takeaway, drinks, toilet facilities, ice groceries and fishing gear. There is an ATM.
- Fuel and Automotive Services: Basic automotive services, including fuel supply, are available in Doomadgee, which is important for transportation within and beyond the community.
- Bakery & Butcher: The Doomadgee Bakery sells freshly baked goods and meat.
Housing and Infrastructure
- Housing: Doomadgee has government-provided housing, with ongoing efforts to improve and maintain these homes for the community. Housing services also support the development of new housing projects to meet the needs of the growing population.
- Roads and Transportation: The community is accessible via the Savannah Way, with road infrastructure being maintained to ensure connectivity, especially during the wet season when access can be challenging.
Law and Order
- Police Station: Doomadgee has a local police station that ensures the safety and security of residents. The police work closely with the community to address any issues and promote a safe environment.
Accommodation
- Doomadgee Roadhouse accommodation consists of 9 one bedroom kitchenette units each with their won ensuite. Bookings can be made online.
- Contact the Doomadgee Aboriginal Shire Council (07) 4745 8235 for permission to stay in a council-run guest house. There is a form which can be filled out at Guest House Bookings.
- Requests to camp within the Shire may be considered, but requests must be made to the Council, who can direct the request to the appropriate traditional owners and provide advice on protocols.
- Permits from Council are required for visitors wishing to fish on the reserve.
Alcohol
- Under the Queensland Government’s Alcohol Management Plan for Doomadgee, there are limits to alcohol that may be taken into the community – currently, 2 x 30 can cartons of light or mid-strength beer, no wine and no spirits.
Education
Doomadgee State School
The local school offers education from early childhood (kindergarten) through to Year 10. The school plays a vital role in the community, providing educational opportunities and supporting the development of local children.
Key Attractions
Connectivity
Doomadgee is located in Queensland's Gulf of Carpentaria. It lies approximately 140 km east of the Northern Territory boarder and around 100 km west of Burketown. It is situated near the Nicholson River and within the Doomadgee Aboriginal Shire. The town is part of the broader Gulf Country, characterised by its flat terrain, savannah woodlands and proximity to the Gulf's coastal wetlands.
- From Mount Isa: It's approximately a 600 km drive northwest of Mount Isa. The trip takes about 7-8 hours by car, with much of the journey on rural and unsealed roads, so a 4WD vehicle is recommended.
- From Burketown: Doomadgee is about a 100 km drive west of Burketown along the Savannah Way, which connects many outback communities. Again, road conditions can vary depending on the season, and a 4WD is usually required.
The roads can be affected by seasonal flooding during the wet season (typically November to April), making it difficult or impossible to travel by road during these months.
Doomadgee has a small airport and charter flights are one of the most common ways to access the community. There are also flights available from nearby regional centres like Mount Isa and Cairns. Air travel is often the preferred way to access Doomadgee due to the remote location and the considerable distance from major cities.
Regional Express (REX) operates flights to and from Doomadgee with regular service to Cairns and Mt Isa. For more details visit Rex Airlines.
Cairns International Airport is approximately a 4 ½ hour flight from Doomadgee and can connect passengers to regional, national and international destinations.
- Doomadgee has limited phone service, primarily provided by Telstra, which is the dominant telecommunications provider in remote and rural areas of Australia. Telstra offers 3G/4G mobile coverage, but coverage may not be as strong or reliable as in more urban areas. Optus and Vodafone generally do not have coverage in Doomadgee.
- View Telstra's Coverage Map
With Thanks
Live North West Queensland would like to thank Doomadgee Aboriginal Shire Council for their support in developing this resource and continued support in developing regional north west Queensland. For further information visit the Council website and support resources.
