Tiwi Islands Cultural Experience from Darwin Including Ferry

Visiting the Tiwi Islands was one of the most memorable experiences of my time in the Northern Territory. The day trip gave me the chance to meet the Tiwi people and learn about their deep connection to culture, art, and country. From the moment we arrived, we were warmly welcomed with a traditional smoking ceremony and dancing. Our guides shared stories about their history, traditions, and way of life, and it felt like a genuine cultural exchange rather than just a tour. We got to see incredible Tiwi art and carvings before having the chance to purchase unique pieces. What made it truly special, was the openness of the Tiwi people, who were happy to answer questions and share their knowledge. It’s not just a sightseeing trip, it’s an experience that leaves you with a deeper appreciation for Aboriginal culture and the strength of community life on the islands. I’d highly recommend this day trip to anyone visiting Darwin.

I enjoyed visiting Bathurst Island and learning about Tiwi culture. It is quite a long day with the 2.5 hour cruise each way on the Sealink ferry, but very pleasant. We had great guides on the island, very friendly and informative, and lunch was nice and healthy.

Great informative tour on Bathurst Island. Smooth trip over and back on the ferry. Really enjoyed the trip around the area, and the insights of both Trevor and Alfie on indigenous life. The lunch was so lovely and fresh. Totally recommend.

Great experience. Morning tea damper and Billy tea is actually had with lunch. Tour operators have asked for this to be changed with Viator, but for some reason they are not listening! Had we known we would have brought morning tea with us.

Do not get to the Sealink at 7am as suggested as the booking office does not open until 7.30am and it does not sail until 8am. 7.30am is plenty of time.

Really enjoyed the island, the information from our guide and the cultural history but would recommend the other tour company

I loved the experience on the Tiwi islands. The museum is fantastic- just wish we had more time. Lunch was delicious, the people serving us were lovely, and their cultural talk and dance was great. Ferry over was rough and lost us at least a half hour on the island. Check-in was also less than ideal. Nice weather there. Not enough time there- so many hours of travelling.

The ferry trip takes over 2 hours. Whilst we liked our guides Trevor and Cedric and enjoyed getting to know them it was difficult at times to hear or understand them. Our driver Alan was nice. Lunch was served outside under a tree but, for what the tour cost, some sliced meat and salad with water and tea seemed overpriced. We saw the museum which was interesting but was then taken to a shop and left there to buy some highly priced local art. We did not go outside the town border, were not shown any examples of their hunter/gatherer lifestyle and really only met the tour guides and 4 women. The ferry back was full and difficult to get a seat so was not very comfortable. In summary we felt that, whilst it was interesting to visit, we didn’t really experience the island and the cost of the tour was not reflected in what we got.

Excellent day. Very informative and the people were really lovely. The ferry over took 2 and a half hours over and was an enjoyable ride.

Long ferry trip - 2.5 hrs each way. Island not well kept and not inviting on arrival. Tour was guided by local Tiwi who showed us what was described on the tour. Lunch was sandwiches and salads all fresh. My Partner who came with me on this tour for a second time, took this tour 25 years ago and observed minimal significant improvements. Disappointed as I wonder where the funds go to what appears to be an overpriced tour. I do hope some funds do go to the communities.