Australia's Tiwi Islands

Further information

Art Centres:

• Tiwi Design (tel: 08 8978 3982), an art centre on Bathurst Island (one of the two Tiwi Islands)
• Ghunmarn cultural centre (tel: 08 89774250), an art gallery run by Djilpin Arts Aboriginal Corporation in the Beswick Community, approximately 110kms from Katherine
• Maningrida Art and Culture Gallery (tel: 08 8981 4122), Mitchell St, central Darwin

How to get there:

• Fly to the Tiwis with Tiwi Travel and Freight (tel: 08 8945 5600), $90 one way/$180 return. Departing daily from the General Aviation Airport at 8 Slade Court. Flight time is 35mins.
• Ferry to the Tiwis with Seacat ferry (tel: 08 8941 1991 or seacat@bigpond.com), departing for Bathurst Island at 7.30am on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and returning at 2.35pm. The trip costs $110 return and takes approximately two hours, leaving from Cullen Bay.
• Driving to the Beswick Community takes approximately five hours from Darwin, via Katherine. Follow the Stuart Hwy to the Beswick turn off. The roads are sealed but become single lane and pass through a number of dry communities. Alcohol is not permitted in these communities.
• Maningrida Art and Culture Gallery is on Darwin's main drag - foot it.

Where you can stay:

• There is no formal accommodation on the Tiwi Islands.
• There is plenty of accommodation at Katherine, including basic motels and camping grounds.
• At Darwin, there is every level of accommodation available.

Costs:

• Visiting the art centres is free.
• Petrol is expensive in remote areas, and scarce. Fill up regularly.

Important information:

• You will need to get a permit to visit the Tiwi Islands and certain other Aboriginal communities. Either arrange one through your chosen tour company or art centre you're visiting, or contact ANKAAA (tel: 08 8981 6134)

Good to know:

• The Tiwi Island Football Grand Final is held each March on Bathurst Island and is a massive event - well worth seeing.
• The Beswick Community holds the popular Walking with Spirits Festival each July/August at the Beswick Falls. Entry fees apply.

Useful websites:

• If you want to find out more about the Tiwi Islands and art tours go to www.tiwiart.com, email: tiwiart@tiwiart.com or phone 08 89413593.
• To learn more about Aboriginal art, go to www.ankaaa.org.au.
• To find out where and how you can travel in the Northern Territory, go to en.travelnt.com.