A Guide to the Northern Territory Islands

80km across the ocean from Darwin, are a collection of 11 small islands called the Tiwi Islands.

Also known as the ‘Island of Smiles ‘, the Tiwi Islands are rich in culture and history.

You’ll find Melville and Bathurst Island 80 kilometres North of Darwin. It’s a short enough ferry journey away for a day trip from Darwin, and an absolute must-do/see while you’re in the Northern Territory.

Melville and Bathurst Islands

Melville and Bathurst Island are the biggest islands, and they are the most inhabited. Melville Island/Yermalner is the bigger island out of the two.

Bathurst Island is the fifth largest island in Australia. The land here is slightly more elevated than the other islands, so there’s slight differentiation in the scenery.

Life on the Tiwi islands is relaxed, and packed with local customs, culture, tradition and cuisine. To say the nature on the islands is beautiful is an understatement.

Travelling to the Tiwi Islands

These islands are privately owned. Because it is all Aboriginally-owned land, you’ll need to get a permit if you plan to travel there.

Approximately 90% of the community there are Indigenous, and the local language that is most commonly spoken is Tiwi.

Tiwi artwork

The Tiwi artwork is famous on the islands, and around Australia! Tiwi artwork can be found in galleries worldwide.

Tiwi artwork uses ochre and amber colours, and many animals are painted. Owls, cockatoos, and brolgas are normally painted. There are many different designs and bright colours which all explore nature and their connection to the land.

Football in the Northern Territory Islands

Football is a big deal in the Northern Territory Islands! It’s integral to the community here, and there’s an annual football that happens on the Tiwi Islands yearly. Many famous AFL players were born on the Tiwi Islands! Micheal Long, Dean Rioli, and Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti. Football is a big part of island life!

Things to remember/be aware of…

Visiting the Tiwi Islands is a great way to spend a day from Darwin. But what can you expect when you visit the islands?

• Don’t swim in the sea – there are crocs!

• Ask Tiwis before taking any photos

• Don’t take any shells or rocks from the beaches

• The best time to go is May-October if you want a comfortable temperature. November – April is the wet season, which brings lush green landscapes – but accessbility can be a bit limited.