Tiwi Islands, Darwin

Tiwi Islands, Northern Territory

The Tiwi Islands are what Melville Island and Bathurst Island are collectively known as. The Islands are located 100 kilometres north of Darwin in Australia's Northern Territory, and are a popular destination for a short trip from Darwin.

The Tiwi Islands are around 8,000 square kilometres of beautiful tropical paradise and have been home to the Tiwi aborigines for thousands of years. Because of the dangerous waters separating the islands from the mainland, the Tiwi people's aboriginal art, culture and language has evolved quite separately from those of the Australian mainland aborigines, and as a result is very different.

The Tiwi people's distinctive Aboriginal Australian paintings are available for purchase at a number of Art Centres located at Nguiu on Bathurst Island and Palarumpi and Milikapitti on Melville Island. The Tiwi people's art is characterised by its strong design, decorative features and vivid colours. The most popular styles of art include paintings, textiles, pottery, pandanus weavings, carvings and burial poles.

Travel to the Tiwi Islands by air or sea. A flight from Darwin takes around 20 minutes across the Timor Sea. Alternatively, catch a ferry from Darwin Harbour to Bathurst Island, which takes about two hours.

If you prefer, join one of the organised day or overnight tours which usually includes the required visitor permits, transport and catering. You will experience how the modern Tiwi people live, with strong ties to their culture – one of the world's oldest. The Tiwi people share their favourite places and stories about their fascinating culture, beliefs, ceremonies and famous artwork.