Tiwi Islands
Entry fees apply
Located 80 kilometres north of Darwin, the Tiwi Islands are the combination of Bathurst and Melville Islands and collectively the Aboriginal population call themselves the Tiwi people. The Tiwi Islands remain a unique and rare opportunity to view and share this culture. You can’t arrive on the islands unannounced and tour around – there are no facilities to do so. You must go with an organised tour or fishing group. There are several fishing lodges on the islands to cater for the fishing enthusiast, or for those wanting the cultural experience you can do this on a day tour. There are also overnight camping tours for a once in a lifetime authentic cultural exchange and experience, including going out with a hunting party to gather traditional bush foods such as mud mussels, mud crab and mangrove worms.
The Tiwi people are world famous for their art, and many paintings can be found hanging in major art galleries around the world. Their art extends from the traditional forms of paintings on bark and canvas to wood carvings, distinctive silk screened cloth, woven accessories and pottery. There are several art galleries on both Melville and Bathurst Island and you are more than welcome to purchase directly from the artists.
The Tiwi Islands are also famous for their love of sports, in particular Australian Rules Football with several Tiwi men holding important positions in the Australian Football League. The Tiwi Football Grand final held in March is a must see if you are in the area at the time.
Nicknamed the Islands of Smiles, Tiwi people are coastal Aboriginals with a culture different to those on the mainland. Their strong traditions from who can be married to who, rituals and traditional foods are still a very important part of everyday life today, and they appear to have successfully combined both traditional and modern lifestyles.
Facilities
- Public Telephone
- Public Toilet
- Shop
