Tiwi Islands Aboriginal Cultural Experience - Fly in / Fly Out

** Scenic flight to Bathurst Island

Today you're up early to get started on a day that you'll long remember. Make your own way to Fly Tiwi Darwin General Aviation and after a 30 minute scenic flight you'll arrive at Bathurst Island. Here you'll be met by your local guide and be taken on a journey through the Aboriginal community of Wurrumiyanga.

Please note: Return flights to Bathurst Island are an additional cost and must be purchased at the time of booking.

** The Tiwi community

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 the Tiwi people, coastal island Aborigines with permanent smiles.

** 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.

** 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.

** Morning Tea with the Tiwi Ladies

At morning tea, enjoy billy tea and damper while we spend time with some friendly Tiwi Ladies as 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 these rituals.

Included Meals: Morning tea

** Bathurst Island scenic drive

You'll then set out for a scenic drive through the wilderness of Bathurst Island. Relax by a local waterhole where a delicious picnic lunch is served.

Included Meals: Picnic lunch

** Lookout and burial site

Stop at a picturesque lookout, which is the setting of a Tiwi burial site where we can learn some of the complex rituals associated with the Pukamani Poles (burial poles). Your guide will also share their knowledge about traditional bush tucker, bush medicine and the natural fibres and dyes used by the Tiwi people. We then return to the community before your return flight to Darwin.