Tiwi Islands Information

Image courtesy of Tourism NT

Photos | View more photos of Tiwi Islands

Map | View detailed map of Tiwi Islands

Highlights of Darwin and Surrounds

Darwin Information

Darwin, the Northern Territory’s vibrant capital, is a city with influences that are as much..

Litchfield National Park Information

Litchfield National Park is an easy hour-and-a-half journey from Darwin, and is one of the Top..

Darwin Harbour Information

Dotted with sunken ships from World War II, Cyclone Tracy and confiscated Indonesian fishing..

Mindil Beach Information

Experience the atmosphere and flavours of the famous sunset markets. Enjoy the tropical night..

Territory Wildlife Park Information

This world acclaimed Territory Wildlife Park is nestled in 400 hectares of natural bushland and..

Florence Falls Information

The spectacular Florence Falls, found in Litchfield National Park, cascade into a plunge pool, set..

Casuarina Beach Information

Casuarina Coastal Reserve protects a large coastal area between the mouth of Rapid Creek and Lee..

Cullen Bay Information

Cullen Bay is a recently developed complex of serviced apartments, luxury houses, shops and..

Adelaide River Information

The Adelaide River snakes its way south from the Van Diemen Gulf, through Djukbinj National Park..

East Point Military Museum Information

The East Point Military Museum was originally set up as an artillery museum by the Royal Australian..

Australian Aviation Heritage Centre Info

Step back in time and explore Northern Territory heritage. The Australian Aviation Heritage Centre..

Holmes Jungle Nature Park Information

Holmes Jungle Nature Park protects one of the few remaining areas of monsoon forest in the Darwin..

See all locations in Darwin and Surrounds

Located 80 kilometres north of Darwin, the Tiwi Islands are the combination of Bathurst and Melville Islands and collectively the Aboriginal population call themselves the Tiwi people. The Tiwi Islands remain a unique and rare opportunity to view and share this culture. Travellers do need a permit to visit the Tiwi Islands and cannot arrive unannounced. It is therefore imperative to go on an organised tour or fishing charter. There are several fishing lodges on the Islands to cater for the fishing enthusiast or for those wanting a cultural experience, you can do this on a day tour. There are also overnight experiences including going out with a hunting party to gather traditional bush foods such as mud mussels, mud crabs and mangrove worms.

The Tiwi people are world famous for their art, many paintings can be found hanging in major art galleries around the world. Their art extends from the traditional forms of paintings on bark and canvas to wood carvings, distinctive silk screened cloth, woven accessories and pottery. There are several art galleries on both Melville and Bathurst Island and you are more than welcome to purchase directly from the artists.

The Tiwi Islands are also famous for their love of sports, in particular Australian Rules Football. The Tiwi Football Grand Final held in March is a must see if you are in the area at the time.

Nicknamed the Island of Smiles, Tiwi people are coastal Aborigines with a culture different to those on the mainland. Their strong traditions, rituals and traditional foods are still a very important part of everyday life today and they appear to have successfully combined both traditional and modern lifestyles.

Visiting Tiwi Islands?

Highlights of Northern Territory

Uluru (Ayers Rock) Information

No matter how many pictures you've seen, nothing will prepare you for your first view of Uluru...

Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) Information

Kata Tjuka (the Olgas) means "many heads" in the traditional Anangu language. They are situated in..

Alice Springs Information

Running due west from Alice Springs, the West MacDonnell Ranges contain a variety of impressing and..

Katherine Gorge (Nitmiluk) Information

There are many ways to experience the spectacular Nitmiluk National Park (Katherine Gorge) and its..

Kakadu and Arnhem Land Information

Kakadu and Arhnam Land are home to the longest continuing surviving human culture in the world...

Kings Canyon Information

Kings Canyon, Watarrka National Park, is located 450 kilometres south west of Alice Springs in the..

Katherine Information

Katherine is the third-largest town in the Northern Territory, with a population of around 11,000..

Alice Springs and Surrounds Information

Nestled between ancient ranges that glow red in the evening light is Alice Springs, widely known as..

See all locations in Northern Territory

Tiwi Islands Information

Highlights of Darwin and Surrounds