Tiwi Islands

Tiwi Island Grand Final, Tiwi Islands, NT.  Photo credit: Peter Eve/Tourism NT

Tiwi Islands

You’ve probably never heard of Bathurst and Melville, two of the 11 Tiwi Islands (and the only inhabited ones). So the fact that Melville is Australia’s largest island after Tasmania may come as a bit of a surprise. And that’s not the only surprise awaiting you.

 

If you were to distil and bottle the Australian travel experience you’d probably end up with the Tiwi Islands. 80km north of Darwin, and nicknamed the ‘island of smiles’ the Tiwis are a sort of greatest hits of Australian culture.

Things to see and do on Tiwi Islands

Aussie Rules football
The Tiwis love their Aussie Rules. Bone-crunchingly physical and ridiculously entertaining, don’t miss your chance to take in a game. Late March is the ideal time to visit as you’ll be able to combine The Tiwi Grand Final with the Tiwi Art Sale.

Art on Tiwi
People tour Tiwi just for the art. It’s a huge part of the local culture and economy. Visit any of the three main art centres (Tiwi Design, Jilamara Arts and Craft, Munupi Arts) and you’ll find a wealth of paintings, pottery, bark paintings, t-shirt printing and wood carvings.

Aboriginal culture
The Tiwi Islands are home to the Tiwi Aboriginals. If you’re able to stay on the island we’d recommend taking time to explore their culture:

  • Sit with the ‘morning tea ladies’ who serve damper and billy tea, and learn how to weave pandanu leaves (from the distinctive local tree).
  • Watch a smoking ceremony and traditional dancing, and learn the meaning behind these ancient rituals.
  • Explore the Pukumani burial poles. Placed around graves, you’ll find these carved and painted ceremonial poles are an eerie yet beautiful sight.

 

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Visiting the Tiwi Islands will take a bit of planning:

You can only visit the Tiwi Islands as part of a tour or by invitation. No individual tourism is allowed unless…

…you’re heading to the Milimika Festival, August’s celebration of music art and the Tiwi culture. It’s the one time of year the islands are open to anyone. You won’t need a camping permit but be aware you can’t take any alcohol onto the islands.

Get there by ferry from Cullen Bay (2hrs) or fly from Darwin (15 mins).

Some Tiwi tour operators will arrange overnight stays on request. They’re fairly uncommon but you’ll get a much better island life experience.

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