Tiwi Islands

Tiwi Islands Information

Known as 'the islands of smiles', the Tiwi Islands are popular for their Aboriginal culture, tropical island scenery and blue-water fishing. Comprising Bathurst and Melville Island (Australia's second largest island after Tasmania), the Tiwi Islands are situated 100 kilometres to the north of Darwin.

Experience the Tiwi Islands as part of an organised Aboriginal day tour and learn about the cultural and linguistic differences between the Polynesian-influenced Tiwi people and the indigenous people of Arnhem Land just across the water.

The Tiwi Islands are famous for their diverse and thrilling fishing and the consistent conditions year-round. Book in at one of the local fishing lodges, or join a fishing expedition.

Along the islands' coastal landscape you will see dense rainforest, sandy beaches and rock pools. The islands' isolation and extremely high rainfall means they support many species not recorded elsewhere in the NT (or in the world). The islands host the world's largest breeding colony of Crested Terns and a large population of the vulnerable olive ridley turtle.

Access is via light aircraft from Darwin, or ferry across the Timor Sea to Bathurst Island. A car ferry connects the two islands at the narrowest point between them.