1 Day Tiwi Island Cultural Experience - TIB1 08/09

Tour Details

Operator

Aussie Adventure - Small Group Tours & Safaris

Destinations

Darwin and Tiwi Islands

Departs From

Darwin and Cullen Bay

Tour Description

A day tour to Bathurst Island provides a unique and rare opportunity to experience a modern day Aboriginal community and learn about the history and the culture of the Tiwi People from a local resident’s perspective.
ITINERARY:
After a 30 minute scenic flight you arrive at Bathurst Island. Here you are met by your local Guide to be taken on a journey through the progressive, modern day Aboriginal community of Nguiu. Visit the museum with its interesting displays of traditional art and depictions of the Tiwi ‘dreamtime’ stories and 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. Be taken through the successful arts and crafts centres and see where the artists work. You also have the opportunity to purchase Tiwi arts and crafts and screen-printed fabric at Island prices. At morning tea we spend time with some Tiwi Ladies enjoying billy tea and damper while they work on their weaving and painting. 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. Learn some of the complex rituals associated with the Pukamani (burial ceremony).
Set out for a scenic drive through the wilderness of Bathurst Island. Enjoy lunch and visit a local waterhole for a swim (bring swimmers and towel). Learn about traditional bush tuckers, bush medicine and natural fibers and dyes on your return to the community for your return flight to Darwin.