Darwin Tours
Tiwi Islands Cultural Experience from Darwin Including Ferry
3.5

Tiwi Islands Cultural Experience from Darwin Including Ferry

By AAT Kings
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Lowest price guaranteeFree cancellation

Ages 0-99, max of 20 per group
Duration: 10h 15m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More


  • Transport by air-conditioned minivan
  • Experienced driver guide
  • Lunch
  • Return ferry from Darwin to Bathurst Island
  • Local billy tea and damper for morning tea
  • Visit the Tiwi Museum
What's not included
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Gratuities


Start:
  • Cullen Bay Ferry Terminal, Larrakeyah NT 0820, Australia
    Meet at Cullen Bay Ferry Terminal Address: Ferry Terminal, Larrakeyah NT 0820 Return point: Returns to original departure point at 5:45pm
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    • Not wheelchair accessible
    • Infants must sit on laps
    If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 2230P146

    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
    • Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there is not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund
    • Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
    • Most travellers can participate
    • This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
    • This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travellers

    • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

    If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 2230P146

    From
    AU$419.00
    per adult
    Select date and travellers
    Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.

    Similar experiences

    Itinerary
    • Larrakeyah NT 0820, Australia
      Meet at Cullen Bay Ferry Terminal Address: Ferry Terminal, Larrakeyah NT 0820 Return point: Returns to original departure point at 5:45pm
    • Pass by
      Cullen Bay Marina
      Wurrumiyanga
    • 1
      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 Tiwi people have blended their culture with Christianity. Spend time with some Tiwi Ladies while they work on their weaving and painting. You will then get the chance to sample local billy tea and damper. 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. Be taken through the Arts & Crafts Centres and see where the artist’s work. You also have the opportunity to purchase Tiwi arts and crafts and screen-printed fabric at Island prices. Learn some of the complex rituals associated with the Pukamani (burial ceremony) before taken back to the ferry landing to re-board your vessel. You'll depart Bathurst Island for Darwin at 3.15 pm.
    About the operator
    Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
    • AAT Kings
      1,018
      Australia
      Joined in December 2010
    • irenegL7711KX
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Jumping Crocodiles
      It was fantastic with AAT and I can't wait to do it again. Make sure you go with Libby she was great with her knowledge and her sense of humour
      Written 4 December 2024
    • E6337BQadrianb
      0 contributions
      4.0 of 5 bubbles
      Best Tour Guide Award fof Libby
      Really enjoyed it. The highlight was the driver Libby, who too us to Kakadu and back. Great commentary. Highly recommend the tour and driver Libby --one in a million. Adrian
      Written 26 November 2024
    • juliagraves82
      0 contributions
      4.0 of 5 bubbles
      See a lot of Australian Nature
      The positive and negative reviews were very accurate, but the negative ones seemed to be personal taste as to what was boring or not. Read the description - it's what you get. Positives - lovely locations and the tour company did a good job of hitting all the top spots with enough time to see the sights and swim if desired. The lunch was simple, but very well prepared - potato salad, pasta salad, deli sandwiches (make your own), watermelon for dessert. Ice cold water to refill water bottles was available. Negatives - Nov is HOT!!! and HUMID!!! but this is hardly the tour company's fault. Our driver was also the tour guide and while his commentary was good, it was so halting (distracted by having to talk and drive at the same time?) and such a strong accent (of course, I am the foreigner here) that it was hard to understand him. The bus had a very loud idling motor. I would definitely recommend this tour. We saw wallaby, bats, termite mounds and huge spiders. So cool!
      Written 15 November 2024
    • Katen777
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      An awesome experience in the outback.
      We had a wonderful long day, first stopping at the beautifully kept Adelaide River War memorial, then to Edith Falls which was pretty and many of our tour group went into the natural pool, through Katherine which was so much bigger then I first thought. After arriving at the gorge we went aboard the boat and out into the beautiful gorge. Natures gift. We did two boat rides on 2 gorges with full commentary. Walking a short distance between both. Our bus tour driver was competent and very knowledgeable, felt quite safe in his capable hands.
      Written 18 October 2024
    • jennettaa2024
      0 contributions
      1.0 of 5 bubbles
      Worst experience ever. Do not use
      This was the worst experience. Nothing but cattle herding. When we had a person from our group sick they didn’t care. Would not let us on the bus without all persons from the group. It did not matter to them. They only care about getting as many people through as possible. No concern for comfort or experience as long as they get paid. Seriously do not use this operator.
      Written 6 October 2024
    • MargotM342
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      True Top End Treat
      We also did the Jumping crocodiles & Kakadu tours. I would heartily recommend them to anyone looking for knowledge, informative & fun guides and a memorable experience. We enjoyed all 3 tours we did enormously.
      Written 19 September 2024
    • michaelgD5273MG
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Kakadau,Katherine and Litchfield great (But read the review )
      we did Kadua. , Litchfield Katerine gorge all brilliant , but as other people have mentioned they are very long tours , we did one per day ( BIG MISTAKE ) 6AM start at hotel 8/9 PM return , to early for hotel breakfast , couple of pee breaks on the trip up , maybe a muffin not long enough for 20/30 people to order a coffee, these locations are nowhere near Darwin and you will spend 70/80 % of that time on the coach , with a couple of swimming holes ( they were beautiful ) but by the time you walked down the track , got your swimmers on , one place had no facilities so we got changed out in the open on a rock , then get through the crowd jump in , its time to go , so be prepared with swimmers on already , the commentary along the way was informative , but a tad boring , as there is literally nothing to see along the way ,( flat burnt out vegetation , a few birds and the odd wallaby ( not roos ) so the driver does a good job of commentary about almost nothing , until you arrive at the highlights that are worth the long drive , Now here the kicker people if you do the three locations ,DONT do them separately (14 hour tours each trip) because there is only one highway up there , we saw the same stuff, same commentary, different drivers same blurb , we met a few that took all three but stayed in hotels up there (as they are all in the same region) cost is much the same but you actually can spend more time at the venues without rushing and no coach time , coming back into Darwin at 9 PM is pretty dodgy and nowhere to eat other than a dodgy Maccas. You will thank me if you take the advice they are great locations , long tedious drives
      Written 19 September 2024
    • M6320QC_
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      : Two days tour in Kakadu: great experience
      Two days tour in Kakadu & East Alligator river with Libi. Libi is the best, and the tour just as well. Great .explanations, great vibe, great care..recommended. Beware of the Crocodiles :-)
      Written 3 September 2024
    • W1298RNrobynm
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Jan and Robyn, Travellers from Adelaide. S.A.
      Was a great chance to see around the city and surrounds. Very informative driver. Aviation Museum and Art Museum recommended. Botanical gardens beautiful.
      Written 30 August 2024
    • irenegL7711KX
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Jumping Crocodiles
      Awesome day trip. Very good information about where we were going by Libby our driver. Great sense of humour made it a great trip
      Written 23 August 2024
    • Ian A
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Fantastic guide for Kakadu and Katherine.
      Fabulous 3 day tour of Kakadu and Katherine, including jumping crocs cruise, wetland cruise and Katherine Gorge cruise. I can't speak highly enough of our guide Libby. Her depth and breadth of knowledge were brilliant! A great sense of humour too. She also showed her first aid skills when one of our party cut his scalp on a rock overhand on one of the walks. Absolute legend
      Written 19 August 2024
    • ash005
      0 contributions
      4.0 of 5 bubbles
      Nice day trip
      Good timings - pick up 7.30. Drop off at 5pm. Not huge amounts of commentary but a nice helpful driver. Main focus is Litchfield Park waterfalls. Florence Falls pretty rushed in the time allowed - down the steps 5-10 min in the water and walk back via Shadey Creek. Nice though. Tolmer Falls ok and Wangi Falls was great! Enough time and great swimming. Could let go of stopping at airstrip on Stuart highway with cardboard plane cutouts and just focus on the park.
      Written 19 August 2024
    • ash005
      0 contributions
      3.0 of 5 bubbles
      Too long for one day
      Too long for one day. Left at 6.15am and back to hotel at 8pm - too late to eat dinner and too much time on a bus. Recommend NOT doing a day tour to Kakadu unless you like sitting on a bus for hours. Only saw rock art at Nourlange Rock but no time to walk up to the lookout and Yellow Water which was great but that was it apart from a stop at cultural centre. Waited for people who did flight which meant late arrival back in Darwin. Guide/driver Pren was very interesting. Return driver Roman had little of interest to say.
      Written 16 August 2024
    • Quest05501081649
      0 contributions
      2.0 of 5 bubbles
      Crocs Great. Driver Not
      Crocodiles were huge. We saw about 4 hungry crocs in their natural habitat. Super cool. Our drive/guide Warren was not good. Unhelpful, very vanilla in his commentary and driving not great. Company should hire passionate safe driver guides, very dissapointing. Enjoyed the bus plus fellow traveller's who were all excited for what is so symbolic to the nt.
      Written 6 August 2024
    • Q1683JNannem
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Katherine Gorge and oh so much more - Adelaide River, Edith Falls, good food and crocodile spotting.
      Bus Driver Libby provided wonderful local insights throughout the journey, making our tour memorable and enjoyable with her off-the-cuff humour adding to the fun, not to mention her skillful driving.
      Written 29 July 2024
    See all 1,018 reviews
    These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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    3.5
    3.5 of 5 bubbles32 reviews
    Excellent
    11
    Very good
    9
    Average
    2
    Poor
    5
    Terrible
    5

    Richard Gorham
    Claremont, Australia3 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    May 2024 • Family
    It’s a long and fairly expensive day with relatively low reward. I’m not sure how much of the cost flows back to the local community - if it’s a high proportion then I’d hesitate to be critical but I suspect otherwise. The boat trip each way is a full 2.5h and with extensive delays at start and end we spent only slightly more than 3h on the ground of an 11h day. The local guides put in a good effort but I suspect AAT Kings is making a good quid with minimal involvement from them and very little guidance as to how to run a rewarding tour. We were met on arrival by a bus that accommodated less than half the day’s clientele so most of us were asked to walk most of the tour. The tour itself is interesting and the community works hard to give insight into their life and culture but really, for $419 dollars it’s hard to see the value. A return ferry trip is $120.
    Written 1 June 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    ellenvfr
    Sale, Australia7 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We were very lucky to have a calm 2 1/2 hour ferry trip to Tiwi islands where we were warmly greeted by tour organisers. Our group of about 20 people went on to have a great day experiencing the culture of Tiwi people with local guides. Yummy damper and billy tea for morning tea was served whilst we enjoyed watching and conversing with local women decorating shells and weaving items. This was followed by a smoking ceremony, cultural dances and a relaxed informative chat about history of the island and culture. A bus trip around the island followed with stop at the museum, drive around township, visiting the Catholic Church (which had an appearance in the movie ‘Top end wedding) and a stop at the cemetery. Delightful lunch of chicken and great variety of salads refuelled us prior to short walk to Tiwi Design where there was plenty of time to purchase local arts and craft. Returned on another quiet trip back to Darwin. A pleasant and informative day, highly recommended. (Take seasickness tabs if you’re not as lucky with the weather)
    Written 20 October 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Roger C
    8 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Aug 2023 • Couples
    Not sure if I have already reviewed our amazing experience. My wife and I are so glad we had this experience. The First Nations people involved particularly were so friendly, helpful, and good company. The main bloke, I think he might be Freddy, was humorous and great company. We learnt a lot about their culture in an entertaining way. The boat trip was a bit choppy on the way back, but, we were all comfortable and safe. Being on the Aged Pension I initially wasn't sure if I could afford this trip, but, I will never regret it and I was so happy to be directly supporting First Nations people (especially since the shameful referendum result).
    Written 29 December 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Maree R
    Redondo Beach, CA2 contributions
    2.0 of 5 bubbles
    June 2024 • Solo
    Very disappointed in this tour.
    Arrived ant the ferry terminal early as instructed. The boat operators were late, and then we had a lengthy check in process.
    Arrived at Bathurst island, this tour had 40pax and only a bus for 22, so we wait again at the island terminal.
    When we do get onto the bus, it’s not air conditioned
    We spent almost an hour at a cemetery and there were people with mobility issues forced to stand for the whole time.
    Then we were ferried to the arts centre, which felt more commercial than cultural.
    Lunch was nice… fresh sandwiches you make yourself… then some traditional dancing.
    Because of our transport situation we missed seeing the museum because it had closed.
    The island itself is unkempt, uncared for and just sad.
    Sadly, this was a disappointing trip.
    Found out later you can just catch a ferry over for $90 return and walk around the island yourself. Wish I had had the benefit of hindsight.
    Written 20 June 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Mel
    6 contributions
    2.0 of 5 bubbles
    Oct 2022 • Couples
    A Tiwi local should be running these tours, not a unknowledgeable guide that cannot answer any questions visitors asked. Apparently a local Tiwi should be helping run the tour but on our tour today we were told he was taking a 'sorry day" which meant he wanted to sleep and couldn't be bothered to show up.
    For the overpriced amount of money this tour costs, we expected to receive a more cultural experience from the locals but basically got half a job from it.
    The lunch set up needs lots of improvement as the shelter is ready to fall down and if it had rained, we would be eating lunch in muddy slop.
    The ferry needs to run more often as the trip back to Darwin was overcrowded.
    Unfortunately we didn't get the cultural experience we wanted from this tour which was very disappointing as it's the only cultural experience on offer in the top end.
    Definitely not worth the $300 plus it costs.
    Written 21 October 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Thank you very much for your feedback. I'll pass this on to our product & operations team. Jess from AAT Kings
    Written 1 December 2022
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Michael775
    Launceston, Australia12 contributions
    1.0 of 5 bubbles
    July 2021
    So disappointed with this trip. Fortunately we didn’t take the overpriced art experience but still had to fork out $320 for a ferry ride and a smoking ceremony.
    This location has great potential but the only people who seem to take an interest are the staff at Tiwi by Design. That is the only business serving tourists (except for the museum) and where the art experience takes place. Problem here is the “art” work is very expensive and such a simple thing as a tea towel with printed artwork is “made in China” !!!, and is priced at $25 !!!
    It has to be conceded that the running of a tourism business here may not be a commercial proposition as the ferry runs only 4 days a week during the dry season and less during the wet, but as there is little else to occupy the locals a cooperative ought to be able to make the visit more attractive. There appears to be no community pride whatsoever with rubbish strewn everywhere, on the streets, gardens and the foreshore.
    The ferry ride is OK but that too could be improved by relieving the monotony with tourism items on the TV screen instead of the interminable social distancing instructions.
    Written 18 July 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Dear Michael775, We are very sorry to read about your feedback, and thanks for the suggestions on how it could be improved. We will pass along your comments to our local supplier to review. We hope you enjoyed the rest of you time in the Top End. Thanks, The Team at AAT Kings
    Written 19 July 2021
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Mary Q
    10 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    July 2022 • Friends
    We went by ferry to the Tiwi islands (Bathurst Island) with a friend who knew 2 locals - Mavis and Sarah. They very generously spent several hours showing us around: the Tiwi art centre, Bima clothing and design (where we bought a beautiful table cloth) and the museum which is really interesting. My only comment is that the museum closes at 2 pm. Although this might be because they want you to make the 3:15 ferry. There was quite a long queue for the ferry so get there in plenty of time. A fascinating day.
    Written 2 August 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Thank you for your review and we are so glad you enjoyed your time on Tiwi Islands, a very special place. AAT Kings
    Written 8 August 2022
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Eine_Wandererin
    Brisbane, Australia60 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    July 2021
    We found this tour very informative about the Tiwi culture and enjoyed hearing directly from the Tiwi guides and local women. Some aspects of the tour felt performative and the lunch was relatively basic. Overall we found the price to be in line with the experience and are glad we visited the Tiwi islands.
    Written 18 July 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Dear Eine_Wandererin, Thanks for reviewing our Tiwi Islands tour, and we will be sure to pass along your feedback to our local supplier. We hope you enjoyed the rest of your time exploring the Top End. Thanks, The Team at AAT Kings
    Written 19 July 2021
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    maggiepotriadis
    City of Greater Geelong, Australia46 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    July 2021
    On a recent five week holiday to the Northern Territory from Victoria, my husband and I went on tours to many beautiful locations the top end of Australia has to offer.
    Our day trip to the Tiwi Islands was an unforgettable one. Spending time with the local indigenous people, watching them paint, dance and tell us stories about their land and their culture was incredible. We visited the local church and museum. We got to have damper for morning tea and having lunch with our tour group was enjoyable. We were taken to a local art shop where there were many beautiful locally made products (paintings, jewellery, wooden sculptures) available to purchase. If it's a memorable experience you are after, I highly recommend this tour.
    Written 7 August 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Dear maggiepotriadis, Thanks very much for your feedback and we are delighted to read that you enjoyed exploring the Tiwi Islands with us as part of a wider trip. We hope to welcome you back soon in the Top End and thanks for choosing AAT Kings. Thanks, The Team at AAT Kings
    Written 9 August 2021
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Hannah Beaumont
    Melbourne, Australia13 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Aug 2022 • Couples
    Amazing experience, meeting local Tiwis and learning about their cultural. The Indigenous guides were very knowledgeable and good fun, showing us their dance and artworks. The church and cultural centres were fascinating. Enjoyed the cruise over there from Darwin too.
    Written 23 August 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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    Tiwi Islands Cultural Experience from Darwin Including Ferry provided by AAT Kings

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