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Explore the Tiwi Islands with a local tour guide, learning about Aboriginal culture, history, and unique rituals. Create traditional art with local artists before returning to Darwin.
We are proud members of Discover Aboriginal Experiences, a national collective of authentic Aboriginal tourism operators endorsed by Tourism Australia. Through this partnership, we share the oldest continuous living cultures on the planet, led by Aboriginal guides who connect travellers with genuine stories, traditions, and landscapes - offering an unparalleled cultural journey rooted in integrity and respect.
We are proud members of Discover Aboriginal Experiences, a national collective of authentic Aboriginal tourism operators endorsed by Tourism Australia. Through this partnership, we share the oldest continuous living cultures on the planet, led by Aboriginal guides who connect travellers with genuine stories, traditions, and landscapes - offering an unparalleled cultural journey rooted in integrity and respect.
A highly personalised cultural experience, ‘Tiwi By Design’ is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the busy day of one of the oldest and most artistically diverse art centres in Australia.
After disembarking from the ferry in the Aboriginal community of Wurrumiyanga on Bathurst Island, meet your guide who will escort you to the Tiwi Design Art Centre, one of the oldest and most artistically diverse art centres in Australia.
You’ll get to participate in an exclusive behind-the-scenes screen printing workshop. Choose from contemporary or traditional Tiwi designs to print onto a take-home t-shirt, tea towel or fabric – a wonderful souvenir of your Tiwi visit.
There's some free time to browse the carvings, paintings and fabric, your best opportunity to purchase authentic Tiwi pieces at Island prices. (Please note: cash payments are not accepted in the Art Centre. Card payments only)
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, and 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 to show you their work.
Read about our highly-rated tours on TripAdvisor.
| Passengers | Low Season 2026
(April, May) | High Season 2026
(June, July, August, September) |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | $469 | $479 |
| Child (5-14 years inclusive) | $399 | $409 |
| Senior (with valid seniors card) | $430 | $440 |
| Infant (0-4 years inclusive) | $0 | $0 |
| Months operating: April - September |
| Departure time: 8:00am |
| Return time: 5:45pm |
| Check-in: Arrive 30 minutes prior to departure time |
| Location: Cullen Bay Ferry Terminal |
Dietary requirements
Clothing
Food and drink
Social media
No swimming
What is the duration of the tour?
The tour runs for approximately 9 hours and 45 minutes.
Where are the Tiwi Islands?
The Tiwi Islands are 80km north of Darwin, Northern Territory.
How long is the ferry ride?
The SeaLink ferry takes 2.5 hours to travel from Cullen Bay, Darwin to Wurrumiyanga on Bathurst Island, part of the Tiwi Islands. Travel in air-conditioned comfort on SeaLink's state-of-the-art high-speed catamarans.
SeaLink Northern Territory acknowledges the Larrakia, Tiwi and Anindilyakwa Traditional Owners of the land on which we work and recognise their continued custodianship and connection to the land, waters, and community. We pay our respect to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Learn more.