Tiwi Islands Travel
Tiwi Islands Overview
Tiwi Islands are part of Australia's Northern Territory, 80 km north of Darwin where the Arafura Sea joins the Timor Sea. They comprise Melville Island and Bathurst Island, with a combined area of 8,320 square kilometers. Tiwi has an odd climate, having summer as wet season and winter as dry season. The best time to go is during the dry season, May to November.
Tiwi Islands Main Attractions
Tiwi is inhabited by indigenous Australians, making the island the birthplace of an art, the Indigenous art. Its creation is an important part of Tiwi Island culture and its economy. There are three Indigenous art centres on the islands: Tiwi Design, Munupi Arts & Crafts, and Jilamara Arts and Craft, and these collaborate through a cooperative venture, Tiwi Art.
Known for the name Islands of Smiles, Tiwi people are coastal Aboriginals with a culture different to those on the mainland. Their strong traditions from who can be married to whom, 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.
Tiwi Islands Activities
North of Darwin laid the Tiwi Islands where traditional life thrives alongside modern ways. The customs and culture of the local people are strong, but they're also partial to a good game of Australian Rules football. The Tiwi Islands are also famous for their love of sports, in particular Australian Rules football with several Tiwi men holding important positions in the Australian Football League. The Tiwi Football Grand final held in March is a must see if you are in the area at the time. And for the love of the sport, Tiwi showcases activities that reflect the importance of the sport for the Tiwi culture. Have it a try, and they'll assure you that you'll enjoy the game.
Tiwi Islands Accommodation & Dining
There is limited accommodation in the Tiwi Islands which is mostly in fishing lodges and outback style camps. Most visitors tend to stay in Darwin accommodation and visit the Tiwi Islands on boat or air tours to experience this fantastic destination. However, these limited accommodations are far much better than camping out. Having limited choices for accommodation, it doesn't mean that Tiwi also has limited places to eat. Your eyes may be stunned seeing a huge number of restaurants or cafes all throughout the island serving only good and fine food.
Tiwi Islands Shopping & Nightlife
The intense and delightful nights in the island are always a must for Tiwi. Embracing the culture and the mix of modern life, you can expect lots of gathering for some party and drink outs. The island is one of the most amazing nightlife in Darwin. Guests and locales do much of their getting to know the difference of their culture. Known for the indigenous arts, Tiwi art galleries offer a right price for their creations. So, take a glance and take home this amazing art.
Getting To & Around the Tiwi Islands
You can travel to the Tiwi Islands on 20-minute flight in a light aircraft from Darwin or cross the Timor Sea, in around two hours, on a ferry from Darwin Harbour to Bathurst Island. A commercial flight operator, Fly Tiwi, connects both islands to each other and to Darwin.
