Tiwi Island Tour

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).

The Museum

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.

Inclusions

• Return ferry to Bathurst Island
• 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
• Camera
• Jacket in cooler months
• Small soft bag (no suitcases please)

Tiwi Islands Tour Fitness requirement

Low level of fitness required. Small amount of walking.

Rates

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

1 April 2025 – 31 May 2025
Adult $445
Child $315

1 June 2025 – 31 October 2025
Adult $465
Child $329

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.