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Tiwi Islands Aboriginal Cultural Tour

1 day | darwin return, travel period.

• 1 May 2024 – 30 Sep 2024

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit a modern-day Aboriginal community. It will provide you with an insight into the Tiwi people’s rich culture and lifestyle. The tour will reveal scenes seldom seen by many outsiders and will leave you with a lifetime memory. Many cities are blessed with island destinations close by, but only Darwin has the Tiwi Islands.

7:20am check-in for 8:00am departure Cullen Bay Ferry Terminal, Darwin

5.45pm approximately 

Prices From CODE: TFER

• -start" --> Overview

Trip Details

What's included.

• • Lunch
• • Return ferry to Bathurst Island
• • Experienced Driver Guide (at Bathurst Island)
• • Comprehensive commentary
• • Travel in an air-conditioned coach

What to Bring

• • Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat
• • Water bottle
• • Warm layers in cooler months
• • Cash if purchasing Aboriginal artwork
• • Enclosed walking shoes

Fitness Requirements

• • Low level of fitness required

Bathurst Island - Take a 2½-hour ferry ride from Darwin aboard Tiwi Mantawi.

Wurrumiyanga - Join a local guide for a journey through this progressive modern community.  

Visiting sites - Visit the Early Mission Precinct with its unique Tiwi-style Catholic Church.

Tiwi women  - Spend time with some of them while they weave and paint.

Smoking Ceremony - See your guides and the ladies perform this to bless their visitors, and demonstrate totem dances and explain the meaning behind them.

Arts & Crafts Centres - Visit the centres and see where the artists work.

Arts & crafts at island prices -    Locally made artwork, fabric and artefacts can be purchased on the island during your tour. Please ensure you bring cash for purchases. The Museum & local artists take cash only, the Art Centre prefers EFTPOS/ Credit Card.

Return to Darwin - Depart Bathurst Island for Darwin by ferry at 3.15pm.

  Included Meals: Lunch

Please note: This itinerary may be subject to change.

Base tour price includes return ferry transport to Bathurst Island.

Prices above may vary according to your departure date.

Full Day Tour | Darwin

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Tiwi Island First Nations Cultural Tour

Unique cultural experience

Lowest price guaranteed

Our Tiwi Island Tour gives travellers to Australia a rare chance to become absorbed within a modern Aboriginal community located in the spectacular surrounds of Bathurst Island in the Northern Territory. By visiting the ancestral lands of the Tiwi people, you’ll be left with an incredible insight into the culture and traditions often overlooked by visitors to the region. This full-day excursion begins in Darwin and includes lunch and transportation.

Operates: Monday, Thursday & Friday (June - August) / Thursday & Friday (April - May & September - March)

Departs: 7:30am

Returns: 5:45pm

Child from: $295

Adult from: $419

Infant from: $0

Child prices are available for children aged 2 - 15 years. Infants under the age of 2 years travel free on the lap of a parent.

Please ensure you bring sufficient cash on the day as there are no card or eftpos facilities on the island.

Tiwi Island First Nations Cultural Tour Itinerary

Your epic day among the Tiwi people begins by boarding the ferry in Darwin’s docks and sailing due north across the warm waters of the Beagle Gulf to Bathurst Island. Fictionalized as Mission Island in the Baz Luhrmann movie Australia, you’ll land after approximately 2.5 hours at the island’s largest settlement, Wurrumiyanga.

Here you’ll be met by a local guide, who will escort you through this town of 1500 people to important sites including the Roman Catholic Mission founded in 1910.

You’ll then have time to get to know some of the personalities that call Wurrumiyanga their home, spending time with the Tiwi ladies as they paint and weave, before being blessed by the community in the traditional Smoking Ceremony.

Lunch is equally memorable, since you’ll be served billy tea which has been boiled in a billy can over an open fire. It comes with damper bread, cooked in the ashes of the fire on a stick, just as the earliest European settlers would have enjoyed it.

Be sure not to eat too much though, as your tour of this thriving community doesn’t end until after you’ve explored the incredible handicrafts available for sale at the arts and crafts centre, such as screen-printed fabrics and authentic dot paintings.

While your day with the people of Bathurst Island must end, it ends with a flourish, with the magnificent vistas of Darwin which come into view with the ferry journey back to mainland Australia.

• Lunch with billy tea and damper
• Return ferry from Darwin with Bathurst
• Air-conditioned coach transport
• Friendly and knowledgeable local guide
• Darwin accommodation transfer

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Tiwi Island First Nations Cultural Tour $419

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Tiwi Island First Nations Cultural Tour

Our Tiwi Island tour is your chance to connect with the people of Tiwi Island and appreciate their rich cultural heritage. We’ll whisk you away from Darwin aboard a comfortable ferry and transport you to Bathurst Island, affectionately known as the Island of Smiles. You’ll soon see how it earned its name as you spend the day getting to know the inhabitants and their island. Enjoy a tour of the island to learn more about its history and partake in cultural activities for a unique insight into this modern-day Aboriginal community.

The day starts in Darwin where you will climb aboard the Tiwi Mantawi ferry for the 2.5 hour journey to Bathurst Island. Admire the coastal scenery of the Top End as we cruise out of Darwin across the Beagle Gulf before arriving in Wurrumiyanga. Here we will join a local guide for a tour of the town and progressive community.

First up we’ll visit the Early Mission Precinct to view the Catholic Church, built in 1940 in the unique Tiwi style. You’ll be blessed with a traditional smoking ceremony conducted by your island hosts before spending time with the Tiwi ladies as they engage in traditional crafts.

Enjoy a delicious local lunch including billy tea and damper (bread), prepared on a fire just how the early settlers did it.

The Tiwi people are famous for their traditional arts and crafts and the afternoon offers a chance to see the artists at work. Browse the paintings, textiles and artworks on display and maybe pick up a handcrafted souvenir to take home.

In the afternoon, we head back to the boat for the return journey to Darwin. After an amazing day getting to know the welcoming Tiwi People and their culture, you’ll leave with them forever in your hearts!

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An insider guide to the best Tiwi Islands experiences

Lucy Cousins

Travel Journalist

26 March 2024

| THIS ARTICLE WAS CREATED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH AAT Kings |

This article was created in partnership with aat kings, just a ferry ride away from darwin’s bustling cafes, these islands are a sanctuary of rich artistic history, fascinating cultural traditions, and stunning coastal scenery..

Known for their rich Indigenous culture, diverse landscapes and unique wildlife, the Tiwi Islands could just be Australia’s best-kept secret. Located 80 kilometres north of Darwin and comprised of two main islands – Bathurst and Melville – the “Tiwis” are home to world-class artists with a deep cultural connection to the land, an in-depth museum documenting local culture, and a unique ecology found nowhere else. Touring this part of Australia on your own can be logistically challenging, especially as a permit is required, so the best way to visit is on the popular AAT Kings Tiwi Islands Aboriginal Cultural Tour – a fascinating day trip departing from Darwin. Here’s what not to miss on your visit.

Learn about Tiwi Islands’rich Indigenous culture fromt he locals. (Image: James Fisher)

1. Explore the community of Wurrumiyanga

Founded in 1911 as a Catholic mission, this is the largest settlement in the Tiwi Islands and over 2000 people call it home. Walking along the quiet streets, not only will you come across the friendly locals in the art centres, museums and churches, but you’ll also spot them playing their favourite game – Australian Rules Football.

Seen as (almost) a religion, the locals take their AFL very seriously so brush up on your kicking skills before you get there. Last year, they even kicked off the Tiwi Islands Football League Women’s Competition, with seven local teams and 300 players.

Discover how passionate the Tiwi Islands are about AFL.

2. Participate in a smoking ceremony

Your visit to the islands will include a traditional smoking ceremony conducted by the locals. This sacred practice links ancient Indigenous traditions with modern culture, the smoke from gum leaves conveying their welcome.

The ceremony also includes singing and a demonstration of totem dances, which are representative of the dancer’s dreaming totem. These take the form of animals, such as Yirrikipayi (Crocodile), Jarrangini (Buffalo), and Kitirika (Turtle).

Take part in a traditional smoking ceremony.

3. Learn about the island’s unique history

The Tiwi people have lived on this land for tens of thousands of years dating back to when the two islands were connected to mainland Australia via a land bridge. Find out about their traditional culture, as well as the first contact with Europeans in the 1600s and more recently, the island’s role in World War Two in the small, but detailed Patakijiyali Museum .

Founded a little over two decades ago, this museum documents the cultural significance of the Tiwi Islands as well as the ongoing relationship between the Catholic faith and Tiwi culture, using maps, models, and audio-visual displays. Look out for the Frangipani café next door, which is open on Saturdays for a cool drink.

Learn more about the history of the islands. (Image: Shaana McNaught)

4. Meet the local artists

Tiwi art is known for its geometric and abstract patterns, as well as its vivid colours derived from bright ochres (once you’ve seen the sunsets, you’ll understand why). With five art centres around the Tiwi Islands, most visitors can’t resist taking home a piece of authentic Tiwi art for themselves.

The three key art centres are Tiwi Designs , Jilamara Arts and Munupi Arts and Crafts , however, only Tiwi Designs and the smaller Ngaruwanajirri Art Centre are located in Wurrumiyanga. A visit to a Tiwi art centre offers the chance to see finished artworks for sale, practising artists, demonstrations, and sometimes hands-on lessons. Buying from an art centre is an easy way to support the artists directly.

Meet the local artists. (Image: Shaana McNaught)

5. Create with the talented Tiwi women

Tiwi women are famous for their intricate weavings, prints, etchings, linocuts, and detailed paintings. Spend time with the local women and see them hone their craft of weaving pandanus to exacting degrees, while paying homage to their cultural history. If you’re lucky, you might even learn how to weave a basket for yourself.

Watch as the local women create their goods. (Image: Shaana McNaught)

6. Take in the stunning coastal views

Due to their geographical isolation, the Tiwi Islands consist of pristine mangroves, coastal wetlands, eucalypt forests, and relatively untouched beaches. The beautiful coastlines look out towards the shallow Arafura Sea, and they are home to over 50 species of dolphins, birds, sea turtles, and dugong. Photographers will especially love and appreciate the clear light and beautiful wildlife.

As beautiful as it is culturally significant, discover Tiwi Islands. (Image: Elise Cook)

7. Support the traditional owners

Tourism is one of the biggest industries in the Tiwi Islands, creating jobs and opportunities, and bringing tourism dollars to the local traditional owners, the Mantiyupwi. As tour operators, AAT Kings has been involved with Tiwi tours since 2003 and currently manage the tours for the Mantiyupwi association, which has enabled them to offer authentic and sustainable experiences.

The AAT Kings Tiwi Islands Aboriginal Cultural Tour is a Make Travel Matter® experience , an initiative aiming to reduce inequalities, protect natural and built heritage sites and promote cultural vibrancy. AAT Kings’ local specialists are part of the large family groups on the island, and they are committed to preserving local traditions.

Support the traditional owners of Tiwi Islands on an AAT Kings tour. (Image: James Fisher)

For more information on visiting the Tiwi Islands, check out the AAT Kings Tiwi Islands Aboriginal Cultural Tour – departing regularly between May and September, from Darwin’s Cullen Bay Ferry Terminal.

Lucy is an experienced travel and lifestyle writer who loves exploring Australia and further afield any chance she gets. Whether it's on the water, in the air, by car or on foot, she’s always planning her next new adventure with her family and rescue dog, Stella.

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• Experiences
• Darwin NT, Austr... Darwin NT, Australia
• Darwin: Full-Day... Darwin: Full-Day Tiwi Island Aboriginal Culture Tour with Lunch & Roundtrip Ferry Ride

Darwin: Full-Day Tiwi Island Aboriginal Culture Tour with Lunch & Roundtrip Ferry Ride

Join the Tiwi people and delve into their rich history and culture with a full-day tour to the Tiwi Islands. You’ll depart from Darwin and set sail towards Bathurst Island, also known as the Island of Smiles. During this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit a modern-day Aboriginal community, you’ll witness a range of cultural activities and gain a unique insight into the lifestyle of the Tiwi people. With lunch included, you’ll get to the heart of this amazing community and have an authentic understanding of their ongoing connection to the land and culture.

• Valid for one infant (0–1), one child (2–15) or one adult (16+) (*please note, under 18s must be accompanied by an adult aged 18+)
• Full-day Tiwi Aboriginal cultural experience
• Return ferry to Bathurst Island
• Experienced driver guide (at Bathurst Island)
• Comprehensive commentary
• Travel in an air-conditioned coach
• Available: Thursday & Friday (April–May, September–November) and Monday, Thursday & Friday (June–August): 8am departure, 5.45pm return (approximately)
• Bookings valid to 31 March 2024

Itinerary Highlights:

• Bathurst Island: Take a 2.5-hour ferry ride from Darwin aboard Tiwi Mantawi
• Wurrumiyanga: Join a local guide for a journey through this progressive modern community
• Visiting sites: Visit the Early Mission Precinct with its unique Tiwi-style Catholic Church
• Tiwi women: Spend time with some of them while they weave and paint
• Smoking Ceremony: See your guides and the ladies perform this to bless their visitors, and demonstrate totem dances and explain the meaning behind them
• Morning Tea: Sample local billy tea and damper with your morning tea
• Arts and Crafts Centres: Visit the centres and see where the artists work
• Arts and crafts at island prices: Locally made artwork, fabric and artefacts can be purchased on the island during your tour. Please ensure you bring cash for purchases. The Museum and local artists take cash only, the Art Centre prefers EFTPOS/Credit Card

*Itinerary may be subject to change

Pricing & availability

Things to know.

Things don’t always work out, so enjoy peace of mind knowing that the following cancellation options are available to you.

From 2 days before your chosen date, onwards - Non-refundable

Up to 7 days after purchase (and at least 2 days before your chosen date) - 100% Cancellations

Cancellations made within 48 hours’ of departure: 50% cancellation fee applies

Cancellations made within 24 hours’ of departure: 100% cancellation fee applies

Changes to Booking

48 hours’ notice is required to change a booking you have made

• Warm layers in cooler months
• Cash if purchasing local artwork
• Enclosed walking shoes
• Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat
• Water bottle

Selected days

Availability:

• Not valid: Black out dates apply including 12 June 2023, 28 July 2023 & 7 August 2023
• Departure Point: Check-in from 7.20am for strict 8am departure at Cullen Bay Ferry Terminal
• Itinerary is subject to change and availability
• Low level of fitness required for this tour
• Participants aged under 18 must be accompanied by a person aged 18+
• This tour contains a third party operated ferry cruise which may be on request. Please contact AAT Kings prior to travel to confirm the ferry cruise
• Please see full Frequently Asked Questions here: https://www.aatkings.com/about-us/frequently-asked-questions/

Terms & Conditions:

• Minimum numbers apply for tour to proceed. If a trip fails to satisfy minimum numbers, the trip may be cancelled or rescheduled
• Cruises are weather dependent and may be cancelled at the discretion of the operator for the safety of passengers and crew
• Please see full Terms & Conditions here: https://www.aatkings.com/about-us/booking-conditions-published-02-08-22/

Please Note:

• Bookings for this offer are limited and subject to availability. Not valid with any other offer
• Entire value must be used in one visit; any unused portions will be forfeited, and cannot be used at a later date
• The destination you are travelling to may have health, insurance and vaccination requirements in place. Please ensure you stay up to date with any requirements prior to your visit
• We reserve the right to modify prices for marketing and commercial reasons. Please note that full terms and conditions apply. Full terms and conditions are located on the terms and conditions page of our website

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Tiwi Island Tour

On this Tiwi Island tour Learn about the Tiwi people and their unique culture – a once in a lifetime opportunity to visit a modern day Aboriginal community.

Tiwi Island NT

Tiwi Island Tour + Return Ferry

The Tiwi Island Tour you will Learn about the Tiwi people and their unique culture – a once in a lifetime opportunity to visit a modern day Aboriginal community. This one day tour will provide you with an insight into the Tiwi people’s rich culture and lifestyle. The tour will reveal scenes seldom seen by many outsiders and leave you with a lifetime memory. Many cities are blessed with island destinations close by, but only Darwin has the Tiwi Islands. They are home to coastal island Aborigines with permanent smiles.

• Departing Thu & Fri in May & Sep & Mon, Thu & Fri – Jun/Jul/Aug 8.00 am  (7.20 am check-in) from Cullen Bay Ferry Terminal
• Returns 5.45 pm approximately to Cullen Bay Ferry Terminal
• Group size – 18 Passengers

Ferry Crossing to Tiwi Islands

Today you’re up early to get started on the Tiwi Island Tour a day that you’ll long remember. Make your own way to Cullen Bay Ferry Terminal to board The Tiwi Mantawi and after a 2.5 hour cruise you’ll arrive at Bathurst Island. Upon arrival at the Aboriginal community of Nguiu on Bathurst Island you will meet your Local Guide who will take you on a journey through the progressive, modern day Aboriginal community of Nguiu (Wurrumiyanga).

First you will visit the museum with its interesting displays of traditional art and depictions of the Tiwi ‘dreamtime’ stories and Early Mission Precinct with its unique Tiwi style Catholic Church. Your guide will tell you about the colourful history of the early mission days and learn how the Tiwi people have blended their culture with Christianity.

Tiwi Ladies Weaving and Painting

Spend time with some Tiwi Ladies while they work on their weaving and painting. Your guides and the ladies will also demonstrate their totem dances and perform a smoking ceremony to bless their visitors and explain the meanings behind them.  Sample some local billy tea and damper with your lunch. (included)

Tiwi Arts and crafts co-operatives

You will also be taken through the world renowned Tiwi Arts and Crafts co-operatives and see where the artists work and possibly see some of them at work. You also have the opportunity to purchase Tiwi arts and crafts and screen-printed fabric at Island prices before being taken back to the ferry landing to re-board your vessel, departing Bathurst Island for Darwin at 3.15 pm.

• Return ferry to Bathurst Island
• Billy Tea, Damper & Lunch
• Experienced Driver Guide (at Bathurst Island)
• Comprehensive commentary
• Travel in an air-conditioned vehicle (at Bathurst Island)

What to bring

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat
• Water bottle to hold 1 litre
• Jacket in cooler months
• Small soft bag (no suitcases please)

Tiwi Islands Tour Fitness requirement

Low level of fitness required. Small amount of walking.

June 2024 – September 2024 Adult $439 Child $309 (2-15 yrs)

If you plan on booking a Kakadu Tour you may wish to consider booking one of the below tours that combine Tiwi Islands with Kakadu and or Katherine.

Kakadu & Tiwi Island Tour – includes 2 days in Kakadu (overnight Mercure Crocodile Hotel), 1 night in Darwin (Travelodge) + 1 Day Tiwi Tour.

Kakadu, Katherine “Nitmiluk Gorge” & Tiwi Tour – includes 2 days in Kakadu (overnight Mercure Crocodile Hotel), 1 night in Katherine (Contour Hotel) & 1 night in Darwin (Travelodge) + 1 Day Tiwi Tour.

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Contact Details

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Flights to Tiwi Islands

[vc_row background_style=”parallax”][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”1918″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” css_animation=”appear”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”boxed” background_style=”normal”][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text] Jandakot Flight Centre » Flights to Tiwi Islands

Scenic Flights

If you’re taking a trip to the Northern Territory, visiting the Tiwi Islands are a must-do on your itinerary. Located around 80km north of Darwin, the islands are comprised of Bathurst and Melville Islands. Home to the Tiwi Aboriginal people, a visit to the islands is a cultural highlight of the Top End. You can enjoy beautiful natural sites and a distinct culture well known for creating vibrant art and the odd champion AFL player.

The experienced team at JFC has 22 years of experience in providing quality scenic flights and air charter services with our main operational bases located in Perth and Darwin. We offer scenic charter flights to the Tiwi Islands and other beautiful destinations in the region from Kakadu to Katherine Gorge.

Tiwi Islands Flight Tours – An Unforgettable Experience

Travel in style and fill your eyes with the natural beauty of northern Australia. We offer scenic flights to the Tiwi Islands paired with a variety of experiences such as snorkelling, treetop walks, winery tours and amazing dining experiences. On the Tiwi Islands, you can enjoy a variety of cultural experiences, including experiencing the individual style of art the Tiwi people are internationally renowned for.

The Tiwi Islands are in the tropical region of Australia, meaning you can expect a distinct type of weather:

• June to September (Dry Season) – Temperatures range from 18 degrees celsius at night to around 33 degrees during the day. There is very limited rain, with occasional fog or sea mist. Bush fires, burning and smoke may occur.
• October to May (Wet Season) – Temperatures range from 25 degrees celsius to around 38 degrees with high levels of humidity. Tropical thunderstorms, tropical monsoons and cyclones may occur.

Contact JFC Today for Scenic Tiwi Flights

Ready for your next adventure? Contact JFC today to book your scenic flights to the Tiwi Islands. We offer a variety of aviation services including flight training, air charter, scenic flights and air freight services. JFC is an Australian family owned company which started operations as a husband and wife team and operates throughout Australia and as far afield as Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and New Zealand.

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Tiwi Island Adventures: A Guide To The Best Tiwi Island Tour

With its amazing beaches, stunning water holes, prime fishing spots, and immersive cultural tours, a Tiwi Island adventure is one of the best tours to take in the Northern Territory. Our Tiwi Island Retreat offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and allows you to dive into the tranquillity of island living. If you’re looking for the perfect summer getaway, our Tiwi Island Adventure is where it’s at!

If it’s your first time going on a Tiwi Island tour in Darwin, here’s everything you need to know to make your adventure action-packed and enjoyable.

How to get to the Tiwi Islands

To get to the Tiwi Islands , you can either fly via charter plane from the Darwin International Airport or go by ferry. Choose how to get to the Tiwi Islands from the following options:

• Darwin International Airport to Bathurst Island Airport (BRT)
• Darwin International Airport to Snake Bay Airport (located on Melville Island)
• Darwin International Airport to Garden Point Airport (located on Melville Island)
• Cullen Bay Ferry Terminal to Wurrumiyanga (located on Bathurst Island)

If it’s your favourite time visiting the Tiwi Islands, you will require a permit before entry. If you’re not travelling with a tour, you will need to get a permit yourself, which you can apply for here . Most visitors go to the islands during the dry season, which is between June to September – which helps you to avoid rain during your stay.

How much does a Tiwi Island Retreat cost?

Whether you’re looking for a more luxurious stay in our glamping tents, or something simple but still cosy like our ocean rooms, we can help you choose the right Tiwi Island accommodation that’s right for your budget.

For a more detailed breakdown of the Tiwi Island retreat cost , you can find out more details about our rates on our retreat page. We offer a range of deals for solo travellers as well as vacationing families for each of our lodging types. We also have inclusive room rates for two, three, and four-night stays so you can stay and explore the Tiwi Islands for as long as you wish.

What is there to do during a Tiwi Island tour in Darwin?

There are lots of fun and exciting adventures to explore in the Tiwi Islands .Get the full island experience by signing up for any number of these activities:

Speed away on our picnic buggy tour

Explore the beautiful 5 Mile Beach on a fun buggy ride! Marvel at the vast expanse of the beach and stop for a picnic and some fishing as you watch that breathtaking sunset while laying on the sands.

Catch fish from estuaries and blue water fishing spots

Take a helicopter flight to the ranku swimming hole.

Enjoy a scenic helicopter ride overlooking the beautiful island as our pilot takes you to the Ranku waterhole. Swim, eat, take pictures, and soak in the beautiful waters of this secluded pocket of tranquillity within the island.

Learn more about arts and culture from the best Tiwi Island cultural tour

Learn more about the locals and their art through our Tiwi By Design Cultural Tour and the Jilamara Fine Art Experience. Gain an appreciation for Aboriginal art and culture by getting a firsthand look at their work and way of life.

With so many new things to experience on the Tiwi Islands in the Northern Territory, your visit to Darwin would be incomplete without a trip to these idyllic Islands! If you want to learn more about the Tiwi Island Retreat experience, visit our website at Matt Wright Wild Territory for more info. Click here to enquire!

We acknowledge and pay respect to the past, present, and future Traditional Custodians and Elders of this nation; we are proud to work closely with the traditional owners of the Northern Territory and to honour their land and culture in everything we do.

Matt Wright

Matt Wright's unique outback lifestyle and knowledge of helicopters, boats and airboats has led him to develop some of the most unique tourism experiences in the world, in Matt’s Wild Territory series

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A Day Trip to the Tiwi Islands with SeaLink NT

Have you heard of the Tiwi Islands before? Made up of Australia’s second and third largest islands – after Tasmania of course – the Tiwis are just north of Darwin, and are still a pretty remote location to explore.

The two Tiwi Islands, Bathurst and Melville Island are both still home to the local Aboriginal people, with just under 5,000 people living across both of the islands. They can be quite difficult to figure out if you’re trying to plan a visit, with very little concrete information out there about how to visit or actually get to experience these islands.

One of the best way to get to see more of the Tiwis and learn more about their culture is by jumping on one of SeaLink NT ‘s Tiwi Island day tours. They offer a few different options, depending on what you want to see or do on the island, but for the complete Tiwi experience you can’t go past the Tiwi by Design day tour.

From Cullen Marina it takes about 2 and a half hours to reach Bathurst Island, the main island in the Tiwis that is open to visitors. Our ferry departed Darwin at 8am, so we arrived about half an hour before to check in and find ourselves a seat inside. The ferry is quite large with two levels, a small cafe, an outdoor seating area and plenty of tables and space for everyone.

Onboard there is a mix of people doing the day tours like we were, as well as locals who use SeaLink as their main method of transport between Darwin and the Tiwi Islands. It’s a flat easy ride from Darwin to Wurrumiyanga on the other side, but it can be a little long so bring a book or download a podcast or two for the ride.

After we disembarked in Wurrumiyanga we were greeted by Kevin and Remi, our tour guides for the day. They introduced themselves and us to the islands, and told us a little bit about the island before we began the tour. The Tiwi Islanders are very traditional and have maintained their culture for thousands of years, but they are also so happy to welcome visitors to their islands and to share their culture with others. In fact, the Tiwi Islands are also affectionately called the “island of smiles”.

It is only a short walk from the jetty to the Tiwi by Design studio area, and we were welcomed to the Tiwi Islands with a traditional smoking ceremony. A small group of the local artists and dancers blessed the group during the smoking ceremony, before sharing their totem dances with us as well as some of their Dreamtime stories.

We checked out the Tiwi by Design studios, where you can purchase some artwork created by some of the local artists and also got to have a chat to some of the local community members. One in particular, also named Remi, was quite a character. He told us his stories of travelling to Finland, Canada, Scandinavia and all around Australia. He was so passionate about travel, and about sharing his stories and culture with any visitors to the Tiwi Islands. Such a character and a great chat if he’s around when you visit Wurrumiyanga.

We had a tasty morning tea of damper with jam and cream, before jumping in to our art lesson for the day. Tiwi Design creates lots of beautiful screen printed artwork and clothing, and on the tour you get to learn how to screen print your own t-shirt, tea towel or canvas that you can take home with you. They have heaps of different stencils for you to choose from, with all kinds of patterns, from crocodiles, turtles and bird life, to cute Tiwi designs and emblems.

We chose a crocodile stencil to print onto a canvas and one of the local artists showed us how they combine paint colours to create a really beautiful palette for the artwork. He definitely gets all the credit on this one, I literally said to him maybe I would like something yellow or orangey, and he created this beautiful colour combination. It was so impressive, we loved what he came up with.

Watching them work is so lovely too, they take so much pride in each piece they create and do it with such skill, it’s really a great experience. While we all took turns trying our hand at screen printing we also got to tuck into our little box of lunch.

After lunch we took a short walking tour around some of Wurrumiyanga and learnt a little more about culture on the Tiwi Islands. They told us their stories from the war, different cultures trying to take over the Tiwi Islands, some of their creation stories, family relationships and how they keep their culture alive in today’s day an age.

One of the most interesting things we learnt was how siblings and cousins of the opposite gender don’t speak or make eye contact from the time they hit puberty for the rest of their lives. In an effort to keep their bloodline pure, biological brothers and sisters do not speak directly to each other or look directly at each other, instead passing messages to each other through other members of their families (often their kids or nieces and nephews) if they need to.

We also got to check out the old Catholic Church that sits near the coastline of Bathurst Island and they shared with us the history of how Catholicism came to the Tiwi Islands. These days the Tiwis strongly identify as catholic, but they still also take part in their own traditional ceremonies and rituals, often combing the two for different occasions.

At the time of our visit the Patakijiyali Museum and Mission Precinct were closed due to Covid-19, but normally you would also get to visit these spots on the island as well.

Tiwi by Design is definitely the best way to learn more about the Tiwi Islands, the people and tribes that live their and their cultures and traditions. It’s a great insight into life in the Tiwis, PLUS you get to create your own beautiful piece of art that you can take home with you. Such a wonderful day.

About the Tiwi by Design Day Tour

The Tiwi by Design day tour operates on Thursdays and Fridays, however check out the SeaLink NT website as they do have date changes sometimes.

Inclusions: In addition to all the guided tours on Tiwi Island, your tour also includes return ferry transfer between Darwin and Wurrumiyanga, morning tea and lunch, water and a take home screen print that you help to create. SeaLink NT also takes care of your permit to visit the Tiwi Islands, so you do not need to apply for another one on your own.

Tickets: Tiwi by Design costs $349 per adult, with discounts for children and seniors.

Important: SeaLink NT and the Tiwi Islands request that you please avoid wearing any skimpy clothing or cut off shorts as this is not culturally appropriate on the Tiwi Islands. Also, please make sure you ask any Tiwi locals before you take a photo of them and do not take any photos of children.

You can find more information about the Tiwi by Design day tour HERE .

Other Tiwi Island tours

In addition to Tiwi By Design, SeaLink NT offer several other types of tours to see and experience the Tiwi Islands.

Tiwi Islands Football Grand Final: If you’re visiting around March considering checking out the Tiwi Islands Football Grand Final & Annual Art Sale. The Tiwis are just crazy about AFL, they absolutely love it. In fact, they have 14 teams between the two islands and have created a handful of AFL’s biggest superstars. They play their grand final in March and it is definitely an event to try and grab a ticket to if you’re around at the right time. Limited tickets are available for this one and they sell out every year, so make sure you get in early.

Awana Tiwi: To explore more of Wurrumiyanga on a self-guided tour, this option is for you. After joining in the traditional welcome ceremony in the morning you are free to enjoy the town of Wurrumiyanga at your own pace. We’d recommend checking out SeaLink NT’s highlight recommendations though before you set off on your own, to make sure you don’t miss any of the top spots.

We joined the Tiwi by Design tour as guests of SeaLink NT. All opinions are, as always, our own.

Explore more of our travels around the Northern Territory

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Happy travels, if you enjoyed this post, we'd love you to share it for us follow us on instagram @exploreshaw to see our latest adventures around australia. check out our travel favourites: click here to subscribe to our newsletter, for blog posts and updates emailed straight to your inbox use this link for $25 aud off your next hotel stay with booking.com, or this link for $55 aud off your first booking with airbnb..

Emma is a travel writer, photographer and blogger, chasing the sun around Australia. Travelling in her recently renovated vintage Viscount caravan, along with her husband Thom and daughter Macey, she's sharing the very best experiences from around her beloved sunburnt country.

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Tiwi Islands Day Tour

Select travellers & date, what you can expect.

Begin your journey to Tiwi Island with a scenic ferry ride to Bathurst Island departing the Cullen bay Ferry Terminal. After your ferry ride, a local guide will take you on a journey through the fascinating lifestyles of the Tiwi Island's people. Visit a museum with displays of traditional indigenous art and depictions of the Tiwi 'Dreamtime' stories, a unique Tiwi style Catholic Church, arts and crafts centres and enjoy some billy tea and damper with some Tiwi ladies for morning tea.

Locals will demonstrate totem dancing and will perform a smoking ceremony, before you head out on a scenic drive through the Bathurst Island wilderness. As if you haven't already learnt enough about this amazing community, you will also learn about traditional bush tucker and bush medicines to complete your visit to the Tiwi Islands.

Hotels transfers are not included in this tour, so guests are to make their own way to the Cullen Bay Ferry Terminal by 7:20am to depart at 8am and return at 5:45pm. If you were looking for a complete Aboriginal Cultural experience not far from Darwin, then book this tour online today.

What you need to know

• Return ferry to Bathurst Island departing Darwin
• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Experienced driver/guide
• Morning tea
• Hotel pick ups and drops offs - you will need to make your own way to the Cullen Bay Ferry Terminal
• Ferry Crossing to Bathurst Island
• Morning Tea with the Tiwi Ladies
• Arts and crafts co-operatives
• Lookout and burial site
• Tours depart Monday, Thursday & Friday (May-September) from Cullen Bay Ferry Terminal, Darwin at approximately 8.00am and return at approximately 5.45pm
• Tour does not operate from April - October
• Check-in commences at 7:20am for 8:00am departure
• Please note there are no hotel pick ups for this tour, you will need to make your own way to the Cullen Bay Ferry Terminal
• Comfortable shoes
• Insect repellent - cream or lotion (non aerosol)
• A reasonable level of fitness is required
• The roads can be dusty, not a place for your best clothes
• Companion card holders are entitled to a 50% discount, however the companion card must be presented at time of travel to validate. Please contact the tour operator directly to book in for your companion passenger. Once the booking has been made you will be sent a voucher with the tour operators details attached
• For day tours
• Cancellation 24+ Hours Prior to Departure: No cancellation fee will be charged for day tours cancelled 24 or more hours before the scheduled departure.
• Cancellation 0-24 Hours Prior to Departure: A 100% cancellation fee will apply for day tours cancelled within 0-24 hours of the scheduled departure.
• Confirmation in the form of a tour voucher will be received at time of booking
• Upon completion of purchase, please print the voucher and present on day of the tour
• For your information, complete Tour Operator Information including contact details is included on your tour voucher

Recent reviews

This tour was great and the ferry trip over was lovely.

This tour was great and the ferry trip over was lovely. The tour during the day was great - getting to know the local indigenous culture and people was the highlight of the tour. The local indigenous tour guides were lovely and fun and knowledgable and answered all my questions and I got some lovely photos of them undertaking the local art and smoke ceremony. It was also great to hear that these local tour guides from the island got paid and were able to gain an education and support their families from this income and it was obvious they loved their jobs. Learning about the history of the island and the Tiwi island indigenous people was also great. I did 4 days tours from Darwin and this was the best of the 4.

Culturally incredible, spiritually wonderful and worth the rocky waters to get to!

Absolutely fantastic trip over from Darwin via the Sea Link Ferry - we had a wonderfully smooth ride over and got to enjoy some local NT flavours on the boat. Once we arrived, we were greeted by our Tiwi guides, Freddy, Andrew and Basil, we ventured to the arts precinct where we got to look at all the various arts and styles the Tiwi people have done/do. We had a local explain to us the stories of some of the art which were phenomenal. We were able to tour the town via an air-conditioned bus but had a perfect mix of walking to really explore, the museum is incredible and definitely, a highlight of the trip, as were the Tiwi guides performing a cleansing after lunch and showing dances for their totems. Absolutely wonderful day trip!

• Email us at [email protected]
• Help code: D2B-2114
• This experience is supplied by AAT Kings Darwin

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