Tiwi Islands Cultural Experience from Darwin Including Ferry

Overview

Available languages

English

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.

•Admission Not Applicable

Here you are met by your local Guide to be taken on a journey through the progressive, modern day Aboriginal community of Wurrumiyanga.

•Admission Not Applicable

Options

Tiwi Islands

Reviews

3.86

88 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Interesting but overpriced
Jeffrey S,
Jun 21, 2025
- Viator
3.00
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.
Valuable insight
Kblackwellau,
Aug 15, 2024
- Viator
5.00
Loved the fresh lunch, museum tour and after-lunch cultural activities. It all gave us a wonderful insight into the Tiwi Islands!
The Tiwi Islands Cultural Experience is excellent value.
Astha F,
Aug 11, 2024
- Viator
5.00
Our only disappointment was that the booking site says the ferry trip take 90 minutes but it actually 2hrs, 15 minutes. The tour games were excellent! This tour includes being able to see the locals paint their shells and you can buy directly from them for cash (be sure to bring cash, like we did). They also sell t shirts will local designs. You have plenty of time, as they are where buffet lunch was served and the wonderful dances and smoking ceremony happens. The Design Art shop takes a commission and sells the locals’ art for much higher prices. The museum is quite interesting and the toilets are very clean! We would love to go back again! A Bucket List item!!
Culturally uplifting experience
Terry M,
Jul 30, 2024
- Viator
5.00
Interesting hearing about the Tiwi cultural and history from some colourful characters. Lunch and the smoking and dancing which followed were particularly enjoyable.
The Tiwis
Coral V,
Jun 21, 2024
- Viator
4.00
Very interesting visit to the crisis. Excellent guides. Fascinating history. Museum was a highlight.