Tiwi Tours

Overview

Tiwi Island ladies

Tiwi Tours is based on Bathurst Island and operates from March to November each year, with tours departing from Darwin Airport.

Guests visit the modern day Aboriginal community of Nguiu (pronounced new-you) with a population of 2000 and are shown around by a local guide.

Bush Tucker demo with Mangrove Worm

The Tiwi people are experts at living off the land. Visitors have the option to try mangrove worm or a local favourite - Goanna.

Tours include:

• The opportunity to learn about the culture of the Tiwi people
• Meeting Tiwi ladies at morning tea
• Smoking ceremony
• Traditional dancing
• Local arts & crafts
• A visit to the early Mission Precinct In addition to this the two day tours also include:
• Camping in a remote location
• Wildlife spotting

Ownership and employment

Tiwi Tour guides

Tiwi Tours is wholly owned by Tiwi Land Council. The tour operation is leased to Aussie Adventure Holidays who manage the business and pay a fee to the Tiwi Land Council.

All tours are guided by Aboriginal Tiwi, as well as the Tiwi ladies who present aspects of culture and traditional cooking.

In addition to the direct employment, the community receives financial disbursements via the Tiwi Land council.

There are also a number of indirect benefits including sales of art and craft through the Tiwi art centres, the sharing of knowledge and fostering a greater understanding and awareness of Tiwi culture.

Challenges

Tiwi ceremony demonstration

Although the business has been operated under various management and ownership structures throughout its 20 years of operation, it has been consistently well rated by guests and industry.

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