Discover Aboriginal Culture on Bathurst Island

Key facts

Where: Darwin, Australia

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Duration: 8 hours

Price per person

$582.18

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Who is going?

Adults Children Can I change travelers later?

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Take a 30 minute scenic flight to Bathurst Island
Learn some of the complex rituals associated with the Pukamani (burial ceremony)
Journey through the progressive, modern day Aboriginal community of Nguiu
Spend time with some Tiwi Ladies enjoying billy tea and damper while they work on their weaving and painting
Get to know about traditional bush tuckers, bush medicine and natural fibers and dyes

Tour Information
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A day tour to Bathurst Island provides a unique 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

This tour starts from Direct Air, General Aviation Section of the Darwin Airport, 2 Bonney Court.

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.

The tour ends at Darwin Airport.

Please note

Please call the activity operator at least 24 hours prior to start of the tour for reconfirming the departure details.
There should be minimum 2 passengers for guaranteed departure.

Inclusions

Return flights Darwin-Bathurst Island
Informative commentary
Learn about the culture of the Tiwi Aboriginal people, witness a smoking ceremony and traditional dancing, local arts and crafts, traditional burial customs, early mission precinct, visit local waterhole for a swim
Competent TIWI/NT Resident Guide
Entrance Fees
Bushtucker walk

Exclusions

Morning Tea
Lunch
Hotel transfers

What happens after I book?

A booking voucher will be sent to you by email
Print all pages of the voucher
Present the voucher at the tour start point or attraction entrance

Activity schedule

When does it run?
01 Apr - 30 Nov: Monday to Friday

Duration
8 hours

Start time
0730h (07:30 am)

Meeting point
Hotel pick up not included. Tour departs from Direct Air, General Aviation Section of the Darwin Airport, 2 Bonney Court (Check-in at 7:30am)
Please report at the meeting point 15 minutes before the start time. This is mandatory to allow time for pre-departure briefing.

Ending point

Sale price

$123.23

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Additional information

The confirmation voucher includes the local activity operator’s contact details and local telephone numbers at the destination. They will happily answer any logistical questions you may have.

Dos & Don'ts
Remember to bring sunscreen, hat, comfortable shoes, swimwear and towel, insect repellent.

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On most bookings

We will never charge you any administrative fees for cancellations. For most tours and activities, there is no penalty for bookings cancelled a week in advance.

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