Tiwi Islands

Most of the people who live on the two inhabited Tiwi Islands are Aboriginal Australians, and the land is Aboriginal Reserve. Art enthusiasts will especially enjoy visiting the Tiwi Islands, as the traditional Aboriginal art practices here are especially rich, with colorful paintings and fabric. There are three Indigenous art centers on the islands that collaborate with local artists to produce and sell artworks. Other reasons to visit the Tiwi Islands include the great fishing, and the beautiful landscapes; encompassing tropical rainforests, white-sand beaches, dramatic cliffs, and swimmable water holes.

Most travelers visit the Tiwi Islands on a tour from Darwin. These can be done in as little as a day, although it’s also possible to stay overnight at limited accommodation options on multi-day tours of the islands and other parts of the Northern Territory.

• As the Tiwi Islands are Aboriginal reserve land, travelers require permits to travel beyond Wurrumiyanga on Bathurst Island. Permits are normally arranged through a tour company.
• If you’re mainly interested in Tiwi Island art, head to Wurrumiyanga, where three art centers are located. Here you can also see the traditional burial poles in the cemetery.
• Like everywhere in the Northern Territory, salt-water crocodiles may be present around the sea and other water bodies. Always follow warnings from your guide or signs, as these animals pose a significant risk to life.

The Tiwi Islands can be reached from Darwin on a 30-minute flight, or a 2.5-hour ferry to Wurrumiyanga on Bathurst Island which typically operates three times per week.

For the best weather, dry season is a good time to visit the Tiwi Islands, which is typically May through September. Another notable event is an annual football final and art sale—which is usually held in March—at the Tiwi Design Art Centre on Bathurst Island. This is a great opportunity to purchase locally made art. Get there early, as the sale only runs in the morning and early afternoon, prior to the football match.

Another fascinating Northern Territory destination where you can experience ancient Aboriginal culture and dramatic landscapes is Arnhem Land, east of Darwin and the Kakadu National Park. The rugged red hills here are covered in rock paintings, some of which are up to 28,000 years old. Arnhem Land is also an Aboriginal reserve, and must be visited on a tour, with permits.