From Darwin: Tiwi Islands Aboriginal Culture Tour with Lunch

Begin your adventure by making your way to the Cullen Bay Ferry Terminal, just a five-minute drive from Darwin CBD. At the upper platform, present a copy of your itinerary at the ticket booth to be checked by the Tiwi Island Ferry staff (Sealink) and collect your ferry ticket. Once boarding has commenced, step aboard the Tiwi Mantawi for a scenic 2½-hour cruise to Bathurst Island.

Please note: Your AAT Kings Guide will meet you on Bathurst Island and will not be present at the Cullen Bay Ferry Terminal.

On arrival at Bathurst Island, you will be welcomed by your local guide and begin an immersive journey through the vibrant Aboriginal community of Wurrumiyanga. Visit the museum to see traditional art and hear Tiwi ‘dreamtime’ stories, then explore the Early Mission Precinct to learn about the colourful history of the mission and how Tiwi culture has blended with Christianity. Spend time with Tiwi artists as they create traditional paintings, witness totem dances and a smoking ceremony that blesses visitors while explaining their cultural significance, and sample local billy tea and damper. You will also tour the Arts & Crafts Centre, see the artists at work, and have the opportunity to purchase authentic Tiwi arts, crafts, and screen-printed fabrics at island prices. Learn about the Pukamani burial ceremony rituals, a cornerstone of Tiwi tradition, before returning to the ferry landing to depart Bathurst Island for Darwin at 3:15 PM, completing a day full of cultural discovery and unforgettable experiences.