Welcome to Tiwi Islands
The Tiwi Islands are 80 kilometres north of Darwin. The Tiwi Aboriginal people are well known for their strong cultural connection, welcoming friendly nature and distinctive arts and craft. Visitors can buy a special piece direct from local art centres to take home.
Day tours to the Tiwi Islands from Darwin include a two and a half hour boat ride, a warm Tiwi welcome with a traditional smoking ceremony, and a visit to the local art centres, which sell vibrant printed fabric, carvings, paintings and pottery.
Access: Sealink NT run ferries to Tiwi Islands multiple times a week. Visitors can fly to the Tiwi Islands, however if not on a tour, they will need to arrange a visitor permit prior to arriving.
Top things to experience on the Tiwi Islands:
- Visit Tiwi Design Art Centre on Bathurst Island
- Purchase unique arts and crafts from Jilamara Arts or Munipi Arts and Crafts on Melville Island
- Sit with the ‘morning tea ladies’ – a group of Tiwi women Elders who serve damper and billy tea
- Learn how to weave Pandanus or join a local Aboriginal guide to explore the islands’ differing landscapes
- Stay overnight at Tiwi Island Retreat
Climate and weather: Season | Min/max temperature range °C | Min/max temperature range °F |
|---|---|---|
| The Dry (May-October) | 20 - 32°C | 68 - 90°F |
| Tropical Summer (November-April) | 24 - 32°C | 75 - 90°F |
