DESCRIPTION
Turkey Creek lies almost half way between Halls Creek and Kununurra. It doesn't offer a whole lot to the casual traveller
but it is the closest settlement to the Bungle Bungle park entrance and there is a small swimming pool at the roadhouse/caravan park.
Sites in the caravan park are limited but surprisingly it is much more attractive than the one in Halls Creek.
Helicopter flights are available from here and this is the best way to take photographs from the air.
HISTORY
European settlement in the area dates from the late 1800s and a government operated ration depot was built at Turkey Creek in 1901. The depot was established due to
the escalating violence between pastoralists and the traditional owners of the land as the stations began to force Aborigines off their traditional hunting grounds.
Note: One source says that a traveller's inn and telegraph station were established in 1886.
The official establishment of the Aboriginal community only dates from 1977 and today it is recognised as one of the largest Aboriginal communities in the East Kimberley.
A school was established in 1979 which allowed local children to stay in town instead of having to board at Wyndham.
The school was upgraded from primary to include secondary students in 1990.
The Daiwul Gija Cultural Centre opened in June 1998 with the aim of preserving Aboriginal culture. In the same year the Warmun Art Centre began operating and
today it is home to some of the most acclaimed Aboriginal artists.
The town was re-named Warmun as this is the local Aboriginal name for the area. A more correct spelling of the name is "Warrmarn" which more closely
reflects the correct pronunciation.
A flash flood hit the town on the night of March 13, 2011 and many buildings were extensively damaged. A reconstruction project saw most of the town
re-built but unfortunately a con-man (Craig Dale) later absconded with 3 million dollars of community funds.
During the flood it is estimated that Turkey Creek rose about 9 metres. Find out more about the flood by visiting THE WARRAMBANY OF WARMUN.
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OTHER INFORMATION
ATTRACTIONS
Bungle Bungle, Spring Creek, Art Centre
BUILDINGS OF NOTE
Unknown
REVIEW
Helicopter flight over the Bungles - 1999
These flights were expensive when we went ($170 a head with a minimum of two passengers - max 3) but since we didn't want to drive in to see the area it was our only alternative.
In 2018 the cost has risen to $425 per person.
We had never flown in a helicopter before and it was quite an exciting experience, at least it was for me, Belle got air sick.
The flight is VERY expensive and you only get to spend about 5 minutes flying over the bit you really want to see - the bee hive domes.
If we come back this way we will make the effort to hire a 4wd and drive in.
Reviewed: 1999
ELECTORAL ZONES
State : Kimberley
Federal : Durack
OTHER INFO.
Postcode : 6740
Local Government : Shire of Halls Creek
PHOTOS
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