julieinred

I have searched Tiwi Islands on this forum and do not see any information...is there another way to search? We'll be in Darwin in June. We've heard that the only way to get to the Tiwi Islands is by booking a tour as they are private aboriginal islands. Can anyone provide information on how to book such a tour? Is it by boat, ferry, plane? Is it a worthy tour to include in a first time visit to Darwin? Any information is helpful. Thank you.

Peter_S_Aus

I went there about 15 years ago. It was fun and worth the money. I'd recommend it.

http://www.aatkings.com.au/au/index.php?tour_code=DB01

julieinred

I have checked your link, thank you. Was hoping there was a boat tour available? Being water fans, we would enjoy being out on the water if possible...transferring from Darwin to the islands by boat or ferry instead? And must we be part of a group tour setting like AAT Kings?

Peter_S_Aus

It's a half hour flight, so would be about a four hour boat trip.

The tour group was small - about eight people, I recollect, and we travelled around in a mini bus.
We visited a burial ground, the mission church (Catholic church, decorated with traditional Tiwi art), saw how to collect pandanus leaves and split them for weaving into baskets. I spent some time talking to a woman who was smoking a pipe made from a crab's claw, bound with copper wire.

Here's a hint. If you take the tour, and stop for refreshments, you'll find that the aboriginal people always sit on the ground. Ignore the folding chairs and sit on the ground with them, and you'll quickly make a friend.

Aboriginal people (or some, at least) regard looking someone in the eye when talking with them as rude. We Europeans think it is a sign of insincerity.

The Tiwi islands are a closed community, so you can't visit by yourself, and even if you could, you would need transport.

There may be smaller operators than Kings - I don't think that my tour was with Kings. But that was about 15 years ago.

julieinred

Thank you for your reply. We tend to shy away from group tours and prefer a more independent schedule, but understand now that this is not possible if you want to see the islands. I'll research smaller tour groups through my hotel concierge and see where that gets me. Thank you for the Aboriginal social hints - we Americans too prefer direct eye contact as it conveys honesty. Will have to work on that one Thank you again.

olivetta

You can access Tiwi Islands on a day trip by fast ferry from Darwin. Ferries leave from Cullen Bay marina and cost is reasonable for a full day trip, escorted bus tour around the island and visits to aboriginal art locations and settlements. We went last in 2008. I can't remember actual cost or the name of the ferry company - maybe something like Arafura -- someone else may be able to help. Lunch on board the ferry was provided. Great day out and very interesting.
Cullen Bay is an easy taxi ride from the centre of Darwin. From memory, the ferry trip was about an hour each way. It isn't really very far away from the mainland. The ferry is the main transport link to the island for residents and is well-known in area, so you won't have trouble in finding where to go.

olivetta

I have checked the web and found that the ferry to Tiwi Is is the Arafura Pearl. It takes TWO hours each way, not one as I suggested above. It is a pleasant journey anyway, so time up there is not so important. Cost of ferry each way is now $70 AUD and a full tour + ferry journey costs $295AUD per person. That includes an escorted bus trip around island and a lovely lunch. (I think that the cost has increased a lot but suggest that it is worth the money) The ferry leaves Cullen Bay at 7:30am and returns at 5pm. You are travelling at a good time of year because June is a cooler month in Darwin. Temperatures are lovely and warm - not hot and wet! Refer to www.seacat.com.au

julieinred

Thank you Olivetta...I too found that ferry online and thought $70 was good enough to book asap, but then with the tour added in at $295 - we're three people - this might not be so reasonable. I think we might choose to play it by ear. Do you think we'll have waited too long that things will be booked? Just wondering how busy Darwin is in June?

olivetta

I don't think that you will have a problem in getting across to Tiwis because there is usually plenty of room on the vessel. June is northern tourist season ( southern winter) but provided that you avoid southern states' school holidays (from 26th June)you should be OK. We booked on the night before the tour, but we may have been lucky and I think that we were there in October, just before the wet season when most tourists scramble for the south! The tour cost $295 AUD includes the return sea journey. Flying may be a cheaper alternative, but usually sea is the lowest cost.