Tiwi Islands Cultural Experience from Darwin Including Ferry
Overview
Available languages
10 hours 15 minutes
Mobile ticket
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit a modern-day Aboriginal community. It will provide you with an insight into the Tiwi people’s rich culture and lifestyle. The tour will reveal scenes seldom seen by many outsiders and will leave you with a lifetime memory. Many cities are blessed with island destinations close by, but only Darwin has the Tiwi Islands.
Additional Info
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there is not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund
Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Local billy tea and damper for morning tea
Return ferry from Darwin to Bathurst Island
Lunch
Visit the Tiwi Museum
Experienced driver guide
Transport by air-conditioned minivan
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Gratuities
What To Expect
Cullen Bay Marina
Make your own way to the Cullen Bay Ferry Terminal, a five-minute drive from the CBD, and take the 2.5 hour cruise aboard the Tiwi Mantawi over to Bathurst Island.
Here you are met by your local Guide to be taken on a journey through the progressive, modern day Aboriginal community of Wurrumiyanga.
Options
Tiwi Islands
Reviews
96 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Amazing day trip!!
Getaway64117642376,
Aug 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Visiting 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.
A chance to experience Tiwi culture
GoPlaces53451738707,
Aug 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00I 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.
Informative tour
923sheryll,
Aug 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great 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.
Morning tea mix up
Jeanne B,
Aug 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00Great 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.
The island tour was very informative. Take a couple of snacks as there is lunch served around 1pm which was very good.
Charmaine S,
Aug 1, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00Do 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.
Disappointed that other tour for same price provided more ( morning tea, a better lunch and screen printing experience )
Raeleen H,
Jul 31, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Really enjoyed the island, the information from our guide and the cultural history but would recommend the other tour company
AAT KINGS TOUR RIO OFF
Navigator68141988162,
Jul 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00TOTAL RIO OFF The tour is very poor and basit.They have the same things we have and do just live a more rekaxed iskand life Nor wort the money .We waisted mist of the day waiting for the tour guide to take the second tour around in our time .Saw now wraving no lagjes doing art things wr closed never wrnt in the Churchill did not scrern printimi had a ham turkey proced neat Salam and then they uses a lightet ti light the leaves to smoke us home .The 4 lagjes did a few 1 min dances and them the same .The tour Was ok But wr wrte very board. IT WAS ONLY EORT NO MORECTHE ABOT 160 Ruo off.The garbage was every where as the garbage truk had not been working.
Loved it!
maureens779,
Jul 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00I 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.
Interesting but overpriced
Jeffrey S,
Jun 21, 2025
- Review from Viator
3.00The 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 Tiwi Island Tour
C9261VLneilw,
Jun 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent day. Very informative and the people were really lovely. The ferry over took 2 and a half hours over and was an enjoyable ride.
From A$465.00
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