Tiwi Islands offer a feel good visitor encounter with a thriving Aboriginal community. Visit a place where the indigenous culture is happy to message their place in the tropical north of Australia. Listen, observe and enjoy the rush of excitement as you explore Tiwi Islands galleries, superb museums or spend time on a fishing trip.
Tiwi Island can be visited on a day trip from Darwin or indulge in several days off grid in a remote resort. A holiday escape with the promise of an original, unique Australian experience.
WHY GO TO THE TIWI ISLANDS, NORTHERN TERRITORY?
A powerful reason to go off grid and visit Tiwi Islands is the authenticity of the Aboriginal culture as well as the beauty of a tropical island located 80 km north of Darwin.
Tiwi is an archipelago of 11 islands, with Bathurst and Melville the two largest. The population is over 90% Aboriginal. Visitors need a permit to visit alcohol free Tiwi.
Locals in Tiwi Island adore Aussie Rules football, so much so that there is an annual festival every March with up to 3,000 visitors packing Tiwi Islands for the weekend.
WHAT TO DO ON THE TIWI ISLANDS?
Tiwi Islands, Northern Territory offers art lovers a rare chance to interact with artists who continue the tradition of using ochre paints rather than acrylics. Listen to tales about ironwood carving of totem poles which decorate graves and key ancestral sites. Snaffle glorious fabrics hand printed in Aboriginal inspired designs. There are three art centres, all within walking distance of each other.Â
The best bit about Tiwi Island art is the Tiwi artists don’t use acrylics (just ochre paints) and much local work is based on body painting patterns, called ‘jilamara’. Tiwi Island burial poles – derive from the ‘pukumani’ (funeral) ceremony. The Tiwis often use totems in place of gravestones, just check out the local cemetery.
Tiwi Island museum, 2nd most popular museum in the Northern Territory entrance Puruntatameri Tiwi Island Art Design Studio interior Australian Aboriginal Art – To Explore and Buy
- Tiwi Islands – Art Mob | Australian Aboriginal Art Gallery
- Jilamara Shop – Authentic Aboriginal Art from the Tiwi Islands – Carvings, Paintings, Prints & Textiles
- Tiwi Islands Aboriginal Art & Artists – Japingka Gallery
- Munupi Arts
Tiwi Island has no kangaroos or wallabies. Native frilled necked lizards and brightly coloured tropical birds. There are crocodiles (salties) in the sea and up the rivers. There are wild brumbies (horses).
HERITAGE & HISTORY – TIWI ISLANDS EXPLORATION
PATAKIJIYALI CULTURE MUSEUM
PATAKIJIYALI CULTURE MUSEUM is the place to find out more about funeral totem poles, traditional agricultural and fishing practices.
The ancient trading routes with Indonesia and beyond flourished in the pre-European period.
Listen to stories about the introduction of Christianity and the role the Catholic church continues to play in Tiwi Island culture.
Tiwi Island guide applying ceremonial tribal patterns with the wry comment, 'the modern way, a mirror, not longer need to use a fellow dancer to assit' Tiwi Island guide caught in crocodile dance pose, sharing his culture with guests No photos of cemetery totems (when you are visiting the cemetery) due to cultural beliefs. Visit the Museum for plenty of totem pole photo moments.
ST THERESA, TIWI ISLAND CATHOLIC CHURCH
Walk into the humble, visibly authentic historic Catholic church. The Catholic Church precinct at Nguiu (now Wurrumiyanga), was established as the Bathurst Island Mission by Bishop Francis Xavier Gsell MSC in 1940.
The practical timber framing, the corrugated iron adds to the sense of place and time. A truly memorable visit.
TIWI ISLAND TOURS
SeaLink NT and AAT Kings all offer one-day tours that start with a ferry trip to Wurrumiyanga and include visits to Tiwi Design, Patakijiyali Museum (displaying traditional art and depictions of Tiwi dreaming stories), and the community’s Mission Precinct, which features a beautiful, art-lined wooden Catholic Church. Witness a smoking ceremony and chat with local Tiwi ladies busy crafting goodies for you to purchase.
Tiwi Island Tours – BOOK NOW (free cancellation)
FISHING
The Tiwis has a reputation as a foolproof fishing destination. The shallow warm seas and rivers offer a fish bounty for everyone to hook a whopper.
Usual fish catch species are mangrove jacks, golden snapper, jewfish, coral trout, trevally, tuna, spanish mackerel, and barramundi.
CAMPING – TIWI ISLAND
Tiwi Island has three rustic campgrounds.for recreational anglers. You’ll find Camp Point and Robertson Creek on Melville Island, and Shaggy’s (Tinkanrow) on Bathurst Island. You will need a
PERMIT FOR THIS OPTION and allow for 40 days for approval.
FISHING LODGES
Stay at a beachfront lodge or join a guided fishing trip from Darwin to experience the Tiwi Islands’ world-class fishing. Bluewater, reef and estuary options are all on offer in this pristine environment.
Tiwi Islands Aboriginal Culture Tour – RESERVE NOW, PAY LATER
GETTING AROUND TIWI ISLANDS, NORTHERN TERRITORY
All visitors to the Tiwi Islands require a permit. If you aren’t visiting with a tour, you will need to apply for a permit. SeaLink Northern Territory operates a return ferry service on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays.
To get here, catch a charter plane from Darwin International Airport (DRW) or a ferry. The islands are serviced by three airports, so choose a flight based on the island you’re visiting.
- Flights from Darwin to Bathurst Island Airport (BRT) take 30 minutes
- Flights from Darwin to Snake Bay Airport on Melville Island take 25 minutes
- Flights from Darwin to Garden Point Airport (GPN) on Melville Island take 30 minutes
- Ferries from Cullen Bay Ferry Terminal to Wurrumiyanga on Bathurst Island take 2.5 hours
To travel between islands connect your travel provider and/or Tiwi Island accommodation.
WHEN TO VISIT TIWI ISLANDS, NORTHERN TERRITORY?
The Tiwi Islands are located in Australia’s tropical north, meaning you can expect two distinct seasons: the dry season and the wet season. As the islands are hot all year round, most travellers visit during the dry season when it’s less likely to rain.
- High season: Dry season (June to September)
- Low season: Wet Season (October to May)
If we have accidentally used your photograph without your permission, we are sorry and will remove the photograph as soon as possible. Any use without permission is an oversight… for more information regarding our Terms and Conditions check HERE.
BEST BITS TRAVEL GUIDE