BATHURST ISLAND TWO DAY TOUR

Bathurst and Melville Island are twenty minutes flying time north of Darwin. A visit to these islands makes for a rich cultural interaction where you can observe traditions that have withstood the impact of the outside world for centuries.

The Tiwi are a sea people with a fierce strong cultural heritage. They have successfully resisted the original European intrusions and remain a stronghold of cultural tradition manifested in their stunning art, independent outlook and adoption of Australian rules football as a Tiwi pastime practiced with religious fervour. Daily life still revolves strongly around harvesting the abundant marine foods from the island shores. Your visit will provide you with an insight to the main Tiwi community at Nguiu and explain some of the history of Tiwi creation, early European contact, conversion by catholic missionaries and modern Tiwi enterprises.

TWO DAY TOUR

Day 1
After a wonderful scenic flight you arrive at Bathurst Island where you are met by your guide and taken on a journey through the progressive community of Nguiu visiting the museum to learn about Tiwi history and culture and the successful arts and crafts centres to see the artists at work. You also have the opportunity to purchase Tiwi arts and crafts, screen-printed fabric and clothing at Island prices.

Time is spent with some Tiwi ladies enjoying a refreshing cup of billy tea and damper and enjoy a cultural exchange before a scenic drive through the wilderness of Bathurst Island to enjoy a picnic lunch and, if conditions permit, visit a local waterhole for a swim. Learn about traditional bush tuckers, bush medicine and natural fibres and dyes.

This evening enjoy a relaxing barbecue dinner with your guides in a remote location.

Day 2
After breakfast you travel out to the westernmost point of Bathurst Island (Cape Fourcroy) and explore the rugged coastline learning about traditional uses of the native flora and fauna from your Tiwi guide and visiting Tomorrupi Waterfall with the opportunity to cool off in the refreshing water before enjoying a picnic lunch. A visit to a Tiwi burial site where you learn about some of the complex rituals associated with the Pukumani Poles (Burial Poles) and a wander along Tamtipi Beach follows before returning to Nguiu for your return flight to Darwin.

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