JANUARY 2020
EXPLORE TIWI ISLANDS WITH GECKO CAR HIRE DARWIN
Tiwi Island via Tourism Top End
Laying 100km north of Darwin, the Tiwi
So how to get to the Tiwi Islands? There are
Islands is the perfect day tour destination to
two options to get from Darwin to the Tiwi
explore the culture and history of the “Island
Islands – a 30-minute flight from Darwin, or a
of Smiles”. There are minimal tourist facilities
ferry that travels from Darwin to Bathurst
across the 11 islands that make up Tiwi,
Island three times a week. If you are coming
however only Bathurst and Melville Islands is
from Darwin Airport, we offer car rentals in
are open to visitors.
Darwin close to the airport. It is then just
geckocarhiredarwin.com.au
JANUARY 2020
nder 10km to Cullen Bay Marina where you can
This particular tour has been designed to give
get the ferry to the Tiwi Islands.
participants first-hand experience in sharing spaces with Tiwi families. In keeping with
2 Day/1 Night Experience the Tiwi Way
cultural protocol, activities will often be split into men and women’s groups, however this
SeaLink ferries offer a 2-day/1-night package to
gives you a really great insight into the day to
the Tiwi Islands. Arriving at Wurrumiyanga on
day life on the Tiwi Islands.
Bathurst Island, your Tiwi guides will show you how the locals live over two days.
Tiwi Islands Football Grand Final & Annual Art Sale
Once you have stepped off the ferry, you will be met with a traditional “Welcome to Country”
If you are a fan of AFL, March is the best time to
ceremony. Other activities over the two days
plan a trip to the Tiwi Islands. The Tiwi Football
include fishing, hunting, walks, listening to
Grand Final and Annual Art Sale are combined
stories and songs around the fire and more.
on one day, where visitors can spend the morning visiting the museum and Catholic mission precinct or following the art trail and purchasing authentic art from Jilimara, Manupi and Tiwi Design art centres. Enjoy a lunch under the shade, and then it’s on to the football! This once-a-year event sells out fast, so you will need to plan ahead. Traditional Arts and Crafts Every culture has its own arts and crafts, and the people of the Tiwi Islands are no different. On the islands, you’ll find a great range of arts and crafts that you can purchase including woven bangles, painted shells, pottery, wood carvings and clothing. There are a few places to pop on your list to stop by.
Tiwi Island originally on IG via @powershala
JANUARY 2020
Tiwi Design is located on Bathurst Island and is one of Australia’s oldest art centres. Here you will find ochre paintings on canvas and bark, carvings, fabrics and glass sculpture. If you have time, join the Tiwi by Design cultural tour, where you’ll get a session with a Tiwi artist to create your own artwork. Munupi Arts is located on Melville Island and is an Aboriginal owned and governed association with traditional arts. Catch a Fish Tiwi Islands Adventures offers two to six-day fishing trips, perfect for any experience level. With accommodation on Melville Island, charter flights from Darwin and island transfers, and fishing permits, spend some time chasing the barra, croc spotting or crabbing. To relax, sample bush tucker that is traditional to the islands. The
Tiwi
Islands
are
a
fantastic
cultural
experience and certainly not to be missed when exploring Darwin!