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Contemporary Traditions: Aboriginal Cultural Experience - Tiwi People of Bathurst Island + Tiwi Mantawi Ferry Ride

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Activity Schedule

  • When does it run?

    April, May, September, October, November: Thursdays and Fridays

    June, July and August: Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays

  • Duration

    10 Hours 15 Minutes

  • Start time

    7:30am

  • Meeting Point

    Please make your way to Cullen Bay Marina

  • Ending Point

    Same as starting point

Key Highlights

  • Meet a modern-day Aboriginal community - the Tiwi people of Wurrumiyanga
  • Embark on a lovely cruise aboard the Tiwi Mantawi
  • Admire traditional art and depictions of the Tiwi ‘Dreamtime’ stories at the Museum
  • Dive into their history at the Early Mission Precinct with its unique Tiwi-style Catholic Church
  • Learn painting and weaving skills from Tiwi women, and watch their totem dance
  • Sample some delicious local billy tea paired with the iconic Aussie damper
  • Witness native artists at work at the Arts & Crafts Visitor Centre
  • Marvel at complex burial rituals related to the Pukumani or burial ceremony

Overview

 

Dig into a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet a modern-day Aboriginal community - the Tiwi people - and garner incredible insights into their rich culture and lifestyle on this tour. 

Our memorable day begins with a two and a half hour cruise aboard the Tiwi Mantawi to Bathurst Island where you will meet your local guide, beginning the journey through the progressive, modern day Aboriginal community of Wurrumiyanga. We will head to the Tiwi Museum, home to intriguing displays of traditional art and depictions of the Tiwi ‘Dreamtime’ stories, as well as the fascinating Early Mission Precinct with its unique Tiwi-style Catholic Church. Meeting the Tiwi women is lined up next, as they show you their painting and weaving skills, demonstrate their totem dances and perform a smoking ceremony to bless the visitors - all while explaining the meaning behind the customs. 

You will then be treated to a lovely sampling of billy tea and the iconic Aussie damper, before making our way to Arts & Crafts Centre. An extremely successful enterprise by the community, you can witness the artists at work and also purchase some of it, especially their screen-printed fabrics - all at exclusive prices. Finally, we will deep dive into some of the complex rituals associated with Pukumani or the burial ceremony - a truly unique experience, before embarking on our return ferry back to Darwin. 

About The Supplier: With over 100 years of experience in helping travellers discover the best of Australia and New Zealand, AAT Kings are truly holiday experts. With multiple tourism awards in their kitty, AAT Kings are known for a broad range of holiday options including Guided Tours, Short Breaks and Day Tours, as well as their efforts towards sustainable tourism.

Inclusions

  • Return ferry to Bathurst Island (Cruise into culture!)
  • Local guide (Accompanied by the best!)
  • Morning tea (Your morning cuppa, on us!)
  • Light lunch (Taste the Aussie awesomeness!)
  • Museum entry (We got it all covered!)

Exclusions

  • Gratuities (If you’re feeling generous, though, go right ahead!)

Please note

Voucher Information: Sorry, but you will need to print a paper version of your booking voucher (we promise we are working on changing this). Unfortunately, at this time, we will not be able to give anyone a refund without a printed copy of his/her voucher. 

The confirmation voucher includes the local activity operator’s contact details. They’re a nice bunch, and will happily answer any logistical questions you may have. Please give them a call at least 24 hours before your organised  activity to reconfirm. 

Don’t forget to report at the meeting point or pickup location at least 20 minutes before the start time to avoid any last minute rush. 

It is recommended that you wear closed walking shoes and carry sunglasses, a hat, some sunscreen, a water bottle, and some warmer layers of clothing for the cooler months.

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