Cancellation of bookings will incur the following fees:

<ul>
	<li>More than 30 days before departure - nil fees</li>
	<li>Between 7 and 30 days before departure - 50% of total cost</li>
	<li>Less than 7 days before departure - 80% of total cost</li>
	<li>Within 24 hours of departure or non arrival (no show)&nbsp;- 100% of total cost</li>
</ul>

The ferry service from Darwin to the Tiwi Islands docks at the community of Wurrumiyanga (formerly known as Nguiu) on Bathurst Island.

The duration is approximately 2.5 hours each way.

No. It is illegal to take alcohol to the Tiwi Islands. Security checks are performed on luggage, and anyone found with alcohol will be denied travel and will be banned from travelling in the future. Criminal charges may apply.

A highly personalised cultural experience, &lsquo;Tiwi By Design&rsquo; is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the busy day of one of the oldest and most artistically diverse art centres in Australia.&nbsp;Your day on the Tiwi Islands promises to be a rich tapestry of cultural immersion.

&nbsp;

After disembarking in the Aboriginal community of Wurrumiyanga on Bathurst Island, meet your Tiwi guide who will escort you to Tiwi Design Art Centre where local artists and dancers will perform a traditional Welcome to Country with a smoking ceremony and totem dances.

&nbsp;

Enjoy a typical Tiwi morning tea of damper and a cuppa whilst getting to know some of the Tiwi Island community members&nbsp;and get a glimpse into their daily lives and customs.

&nbsp;

Following the morning tea, a guided walking tour awaits, where you&#39;ll take in some of the local painted buildings that stand as a testament to the artistic spirit of the Tiwi people. The tour will also take you through the historic mission precinct, where the beautiful wooden Catholic church, featured in the Top End Wedding&nbsp;movie, will be highlighted.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Next up, a visit to the Patakijiyali Museum will deepen your insight into the Tiwi Islands&#39; heritage. The museum encapsulates the history of the Mission days, the Tiwi Creation story, the significant role of the Tiwi people in WWII, and the island&#39;s passion for football, which holds a special place in the community&#39;s heart. This educational experience will enhance your appreciation of the Tiwi Islands, bridging past and present.

&nbsp;

After a rest and lunch in the shade, you&rsquo;ll get to participate in an exclusive &lsquo;behind-the-scenes&rsquo; screen printing workshop. Choose from contemporary or traditional Tiwi design to print onto a take-home t-shirt, tea towel or fabric.&nbsp;This hands-on activity not only lets you create a unique souvenir, but also offers a window into the artistic processes and creative spirit of the Tiwi people.

&nbsp;

The remainder of your day can be spent exploring the bustling Indigenous art centre. This lively hub is where the community&#39;s artistic endeavors come to life, with art pieces destined for international exhibitions, artists engaged in carving or painting, and sometimes, women weaving and chatting. The centre&#39;s vibrant atmosphere, filled with the sounds of Ngarukuruwala music and the buzz of Tiwi people coming and going, provides a vivid snapshot of the island&#39;s cultural vibrancy.

&nbsp;

Throughout your visit, take every opportunity to connect with the Tiwi community. Whether sharing stories of where you&#39;re from, discussing football teams, delving into the narratives behind the paintings, or simply observing the artists at work, each interaction enriches your experience. This leisurely day on the Tiwi Islands offers not just a glimpse into the workings of an Indigenous art centre but an immersive journey into the heart of Tiwi culture.

Duration

Start & End Time

Pick-Up & Drop-Off

Minimum Age

Meals

Start & End Location

Sealink Northern Territory

<ul>
	<li>
	Get up to 10% cash back per person when you book with us
	</li>
	<li>
	Return ferry Darwin to Bathurst Island
	</li>
	<li>
	Traditional Aboriginal&nbsp;Welcome and smoking ceremony
	</li>
	<li>
	Walking tour with a local Tiwi guide
	</li>
	<li>
	Aussie morning tea of damper and tea
	</li>
	<li>
	Lunch
	</li>
	<li>
	Guided tour through the historic mission precinct and&nbsp;old Catholic Church
	</li>
	<li>
	Cultural art session where you can create your own take-home screen print souvenir
	</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>
	Child prices apply to children aged 5-14 years;&nbsp;
	</li>
	<li>
	Snacks and cold drinks, tea &amp; coffee, ice creams are available for purchase on board the ferry
	</li>
	<li>
	Please avoid wearing any skimpy clothing or cut off shorts as this is not culturally appropriate on the Tiwi Islands
	</li>
	<li>
	Keep hydrated: you can refill your water bottle at Tiwi Designs on our tours
	</li>
	<li>
	Social Media: please make sure you obtain permission before taking photos of people. Do not take photos of children.
	</li>
	<li>
	No Swimming: Be aware of crocodiles #BeCrocWise
	</li>
	<li>
	Quarantine: Before arriving or leaving check clothing does not have any weed seeds clinging to the fabric. NO Soil or fungus on shoes
	</li>
	<li>
	Dogs not permitted
	</li>
</ul>

Tiwi by Design Day Tour

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Don't miss this incredible opportunity to visit the Tiwi islands and learn about the fascinating history of the indigenous culture. Make it a part of your visit to the Northern Territory!

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