Yirrkala School is located in the community of Yirrkala, 20km from Nhulunbuy and 700km east of Darwin. The population fluctuates between 800-1200 depending on the season and ceremonial activity. Particular clans own specific pieces of land in and around Yirrkala. The Rirratjingu and Gumatj clans are the traditional owners of Yirrkala. There are 16 clan groups that comprise the Yolngu cultural block of the Layanhpuy region in which Yirrkala is located. These clans remain connected and are highly mobile for ceremonial and family reasons. 4WD access is only possible during the dry season; Yirrkala is 15km from Nhulunbuy Airport on a sealed road and Nhulunbuy can be accessed via regular passenger air transport services.
