Tiwi Islands

Tiwi Islands NT 0822, Australia

The duo Bathurst and Melville make up the Tiwi Islands—also known as “the islands of smiles"—and they provide a brilliant primer on Aboriginal culture and art, along with tropical scenery and prime blue-water fishing. Join a SeaLink Tiwi Tour, which starts with an easy ferry journey of 2.5 hours from Darwin. Once ashore, a local Tiwi guide will teach you about the cultural and linguistic differences between the Polynesian-influenced Tiwi people and the indigenous people of Arnhem Land (just across the water.) Linger to check out the islands’ three art centers and cultural museum, which provide a fascinating overview of the region’s highly collectible art.

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Explore the Aboriginal Culture of the Tiwi Islands

The duo Bathurst and Melville make up the Tiwi Islands—also known as “the islands of smiles"—and they provide a brilliant primer on Aboriginal culture and art, along with tropical scenery and prime blue-water fishing. Join a SeaLink Tiwi Tour, which starts with an easy ferry journey of 2.5 hours from Darwin. Once ashore, a local Tiwi guide will teach you about the cultural and linguistic differences between the Polynesian-influenced Tiwi people and the indigenous people of Arnhem Land (just across the water.) Linger to check out the islands’ three art centers and cultural museum, which provide a fascinating overview of the region’s highly collectible art.

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