Tiwi Islands One Day Art Tour

Length of Tour: 1 Day Bathurst Island

Tour Dates: Thursday & Friday *Additional peak season departures (selected Monday's) June, July & August. Does not operate on the following dates in 2023 - 7 April, 12 June, 28 July, 7 August

Departure Months: 2023 - 1st April to 30th November. Departs from Marina Bay Boulevard, Cullen Bay, Darwin 2 ½ hr ferry transfer Ferry check-in 7.30 am, Ferry Departure 8.00 am, Ferry Returns 5.45 pm

Community: Wurrumiyanga (formerly Nguiu) Bathurst Island

Cost:
AUD$429.00 Adult
AUD$350.00 Child (5-14 years)
 

Includes:

• Return ferry transfers Darwin to Bathurst Island
• Local Tiwi Guide 
• Welcome to Country ceremony
• Morning Tea
• Walking Tour 
• Picnic Box Lunch
• Art/Design workshop at Tiwi Designs

Overview:

Located 80km north of Darwin, or a 2.5 hr ferry ride, are the beautiful Tiwi Islands which consist of Melville and Bathurst Islands. On this cultural day tour your destination is Bathurst Island and the Aboriginal community of Wurrumiyanga (formerly Nguiu).

A highly personalised experience; this leisurely walking tour visits all the places of interest with your friendly Tiwi guide. After disembarking in the Aboriginal community of Wurrumiyanga on Bathurst Island, you'll be escorted to Tiwi Design where local artists and dancers will perform a formal Welcome to Country with a smoking ceremony and totem dances.

Enjoy a typical Tiwi morning tea of damper and a cuppa whilst getting to know some of the Tiwi Island community members. A walking tour with your guide will take in some of the local painted buildings and the historic mission precinct where you will see the beautiful wooden Catholic church that featured in the ‘Top End Wedding’ movie. You will learn of the Tiwi Creation Story through the mural in the art centre and there’s some free time to browse the carvings, paintings and fabric, your best opportunity to purchase authentic Tiwi pieces at Island prices.

After a rest and lunch in the shade, you’ll get to participate in an exclusive ‘behind-the-scenes’ screen printing workshop. Choose from contemporary or traditional Tiwi design to print onto a take-home t-shirt, tea towel or fabric – a wonderful souvenir of your Tiwi visit.

This is a leisurely day of absorbing the workings of a busy Indigenous art centre – you may see art pieces destined for international exhibitions, talk to artists who are carving or painting, and sometimes the ladies will be there weaving and chatting. It is always loud and busy with Tiwi people coming and going, Ngarukuruwala music playing on repeat. Take the time to connect, share where you’re from and which footy team you support, ask about the stories you see on the paintings, or ask the artists there to show you their work.

Depart approximately 3 pm for your return journey to Darwin. 

Please note: This is a walking tour (not coach) conducted at a leisurely pace. No special level of fitness required.

Maximum group size 40 persons

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