[4] The Mitchell River enters the locality from the west (Maramie) and exits to the north-west into the Gulf of Carpentaria.

[citation needed] The community is situated on the banks of the Magnificent Creek, a tributary of the Mitchell River, 20 kilometres (12 mi) inland from the coastline of the Gulf of Carpentaria.

[citation needed] Kowanyama is accessed by an all-weather airstrip, as well as unsealed roads in the dry season from Pormpuraaw to the north, Normanton to the south and Cairns to the east.

[citation needed] Kunjen (also known as Koko Wanggara, Ngundjan and Olkola) is a language of Western Cape York.

[citation needed] In July 1987, the State Government of Queensland implemented legislation for a DOGIT (Deed of Grant in Trust) over the lands in the Mitchell River delta, an area of 250 square kilometres (97 sq mi).

The newly formed Kowanyama Council assumed responsibility for implementing certain conditions of the DOGIT.

Language groups associated with countries in the Kowanyama region are Yir Yoront, Yirrk Thangalkl, Koko Bera, Uw Oykangand, and Olkola.

[19] Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council originally held a liquor licence allowing light beer to be consumed on the premises of the Kowanyama Canteen at specified times, but this was suspended by Queensland's Liquor Licensing Commission and Queensland Treasurer, Andrew Fraser, in February 2008.

[21] As a consequence, on 30 October 2008, the Council went to Queensland's Supreme Court to challenge the liquor licensing decisions as racially discriminatory.

[citation needed] Early storms in October can make the 400-kilometre (250 mi) dirt road to Chillagoe east of the community subject to flooding.

[citation needed] The monsoons are regarded as the arrival of nhawrr yirrpa, the Rainbow Snake who brings the life giving water to the land.

During the wet season, fresh foods and perishables are flown into the community each week on charter planes by stores in town.