Tiwi Aboriginal Cultural Experience by Ferry
Highlights
Meet the Wurrumiyanga Aboriginal Community
Explore Patakijiyali Museum
Visit Early Mission Precinct and see Tiwi Style Catholic Church
Sit with the Tiwi ladies while they Paint
Take time out for Lunch in a Scenic location
Watch Totem Dances and Smoking Ceremony
Learn some Rituals of the Pukamani
Purchase Arts and Crafts at Island Prices
Return Ferry to Bathurst Island
Experienced Guide on Bathurst Island
Comprehensive Commentary
Travel in an Air-conditioned Coach
Itinerary
After making your own way to the Cullen Bay Ferry Terminal, a five-minute drive from the CBD, take the 2½ hour cruise aboard the Tiwi Mantawi over to Bathurst Island.
You will be greeted by your local Guide to be taken on a journey through the progressive, modern day Aboriginal community of Wurrumiyanga. Visit the Museum with its interesting displays of traditional art and depictions of the Tiwi ‘dreamtime’ stories and see the Early Mission Precinct with its unique Tiwi style Catholic Church. Hear about the colourful history of the early mission days and learn how the Tiwi people have blended their culture with Christianity. Take time out for lunch. Spend time with some Tiwi ladies while they work on their paintings. Your guides and the ladies also demonstrate their totem dances and perform a smoking ceremony to bless the visitors and explain the meanings behind them. You will be taken through the successful Arts & Crafts Centre and will see where the artists work. You also have the opportunity to purchase Tiwi arts and crafts and screen-printed fabric at Island prices. Learn some of the complex rituals associated with the Pukamani (burial ceremony) before being taken back to the ferry landing to re-board your vessel, departing Bathurst Island for Darwin at 3.15 pm.
Please note: Your AAT Kings Guide will meet you on the island at will not be present at the Cullen Bay Ferry Terminal
included with
• Lunch • Return ferry to Bathurst Island • Experienced Driver Guide (at Bathurst Island) • Comprehensive commentary • Travel in an air-conditioned coach
excluded by
All other services not stated above
Essential
Information
**What to bring
Enclosed walking shoes
Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat
Water bottle
Warm layers in cooler months
Cash if purchasing Aboriginal artwork
**Additional Information
FITNESS: Leisurely
Detailed Description
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.
Departs
7:30am check-in for 8:00am departure Cullen Bay Ferry Terminal, Darwin
Returns
5.45pm approximately
