Connues comme les îles du sourire, les îles Tiwi sont populaires pour leur culture aborigène, leurs paysages insulaires tropicaux et leur pêche en eau bleue.
Comprenant Bathurst et Melville Island (la deuxième plus grande île d'Australie après la Tasmanie), les îles Tiwi sont situées à 100 kilomètres au nord de Darwin.
Découvrez les îles Tiwi dans le cadre d'une excursion d'une journée autochtone organisée et découvrez les différences culturelles et linguistiques entre le peuple Tiwi d'influence polynésienne et le peuple autochtone d'Arnhem Land juste de l'autre côté de l'eau.
Les îles Tiwi sont célèbres pour leur pêche diversifiée et passionnante et les conditions constantes toute l'année.Réservez dans l'un des pavillons de pêche locaux ou rejoignez une expédition de pêche.
Le long du paysage côtier des îles, vous verrez une forêt tropicale dense, des plages de sable et des bassins rocheux.L'isolement des îles et les précipitations extrêmement élevées signifient qu'elles abritent de nombreuses espèces non enregistrées ailleurs dans le NT (ou dans le monde).Les îles abritent la plus grande colonie de reproduction de sternes huppées au monde et une importante population de tortues olivâtres vulnérables.
L'accès se fait par avion léger depuis Darwin ou par ferry à travers la mer de Timor jusqu'à l'île de Bathurst.Un car-ferry relie les deux îles au point le plus étroit entre elles.
Choses à voir et à faire sur les îles Tiwi
Travellers’ stories
Questions fréquemment posées
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Yes you can, there are two main day trip options from Darwin to visit the Tiwi Islands. A flying tour will give you more time on the islands, although the ferry is an excellent way to see the coastline and give yourself a different perspective of Darwin.
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The Tiwi Islands are Aboriginal land, and all visitors are required to have a permit. If you're travelling on a tour your permit will be arranged by the tour operator. Visitors who are not part of a tour are required to be hosted by a resident who will arrange permits on their behalf. Visit the Tiwi Land Council's website for more information.
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The Tiwi Islands are made up of Bathurst and Melville Islands, the latter of which is Australia’s second largest after Tasmania. The Tiwi Islands are only accessible on a tour - your tour operator will arrange the transport, so you can sit back and relax. A range of touring options are available and include bus, car, boat and light aircraft.
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The Tiwi Islands are 80km north of Darwin, to visit the islands you will need a permit. Tours from Darwin include light aircraft flights or a ferry ride with Sealink Northern Territory. The flying time to Bathurst Island is 20 minutes, and the ferry ride takes 2.5 hours. Be sure to check timetables well in advance.
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The main community of Wurrumiyanga on Bathurst Island is 80km from Darwin, which is a 20 minute flight by light aircraft or 2.5 hour ferry ride. The communities of Milikapiti and Pirlangimpi on Melville island are 130 km from Darwin, which is approximately 40 minutes flying time.
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All year round, the Tiwi Islands offer an authentic insight into one of the most fascinating examples of Aboriginal culture Australia has to offer. Visit community art centres which feature contemporary Aboriginal art works including wood carvings, pottery, screen printed fabrics and impressive works on canvas. The Patakijiyali Museum uncovers the rich cultural history of the Tiwi people, along with photographs and stories about the modern history of the islands. The Islands are also a prime fishing spot, with many Darwin-based fishing operators offering extended tours to the region.
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When heading to the Tiwi Islands, don't forget to bring your hat, drinking water, sunscreen, mosquito repellent and comfortable clothing and footwear.
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Day tours operate Monday to Friday, April to November. The annual Tiwi Islands Football Grand Final and Art Sale event takes place in March each year and is a great opportunity to see an iconic game of Australian rules football. You'll also have the chance to scoop up some unique pieces of Aboriginal art.
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Once you've explored Bathurst and Melville Islands, check out the wilderness of Kakadu National Park or continue your cultural learnings in the off-the-beaten-path paradise of Arnhem Land.
