Tiwi Islands Cultural Experience from Darwin Including Ferry

The Tiwis

Very interesting visit to the crisis. Excellent guides. Fascinating history. Museum was a highlight.

Sad and not worth $430

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.

Tiwi hospitality

Whilst it was a long journey on the boat, the hospitality shown to us by the Indigenous community was well worth it. Lunch was lovely and our guides were great. Thank you to the Tiwis for making us so welcome.

Good and bad

The tour on the island, once we got there, was fantastic. We felt welcomed and included. The local guides, Roma, Fred and Steel, willingly shared their culture and historical insights of the island. Lunch was great too. They were very patient and forgiving with our lack of understanding of the local customs. Life on the island is so different from ours, going back thousands of years. The part they played in the Darwin air raids was very interesting so was seeing the places that Top End Wedding was filmed. However, the lack of communication from the ferry operators spoilt it. People arrived on one day early to find out that the ferry had broken down and the tour was cancelled. They should have been told when they knew instead of letting them spend money on taxi fares and wasting their time when there is so much else to be done in Darwin. They were given credits for the next day but there were still problems with the ferry and we waited for over an hour, not knowing what was happening. We were told to turn up early and it was a classic case of hurry up and wait. Simple organisational skills like being directed to checking in and bag checking in the correct order would have been less frustrating. We have had experience with AAT Kings before and every time we have been mucked around. They lack communication and we would be very hesitant in booking with them again.

Fabulous day trip to Tiwi

A wonderful day with AAT Kings . Our driver Adam was fabulous and local guide Phelan fun , informative and was generous with sharing his culture with us . The tour included the Museum , church art centre , and the most enjoyable part , an opportunity to sit with locals and talk , participate in a smoking ceremony, face painting and dancing . Lunch was a simple but delicious salad / cold meats buffet , eaten outdoors . The ferry ride is long , but it’s a large boat with indoor or outdoor seating, snacks and drinks . The best day , I’d recommend to anyone looking to explore the Tiwi culture

Fantastic

The whole day was fantastic so informative its was lovely listening to Trevor and friends and hearing about their way of living but we would have loved to hear more! We were sad we couldn't climb the stairs to get into the church and hear the history there!

How much of my $419 gets to the community?

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.

Amazing history lesson

Amazing tour. Had no idea what to expect. Learning about the islands history and culture was an eye opener.

Great Experience

Sensational local guide made the whole experience memorable. Would certainly recommend it to any person that wants to expand their knowledge of our great country & it's history

Glorious Tiwi Experience

Freddy, Steel and Trevor were wonderful local guides with lovely descriptions of their culture and history. The lunch was lovely and we left feeling part of their family. The museum and art gallery were also special.

NOT TO BE MISSED EXPERIENCE

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).

Tiwi Tales

Romy, our local Tiwi guide was wonderful. Funny, knowledgable and so willing to share his wonderful culture. Thank you from this murratani. I learnt so much and am proud this culture is part of our country.

Tiwi islands experience

Have always wanted to visit Tiwi islands especially after watching a movie called top end wedding I fell in love with the island and just knew I had to go visit on arrival we met our tour guide romolo who from the very start was welcoming and made sure we got the most out of our time on the island and was very informative on not just the island but the cultural side of things as well the only downside of the day was having to leave the island but rest assured I intend to book this tour again when I return in 2 years time thank you romolo for a wonderful day was a highlight of my trip and one I will never forget

An excellent Tiwi Island experience with guide Freddie.

This was an enlightening snd informative introduction to Tiwi Island culture and history. Huide Freddie was excellent. He shared his broad knowledge of Tiwi Islands culture and history. Driver John was helpful and friendly. A great day thank you.

Disappointing

Tried to book online on Sunday for following day tour (only date available whilst I was in Darwin) Never heard back at any time from AAT Kings to left booking request. On the off chance could get tour ticket at the jetty went at 7am - not possible.

Not worth the price.

Not worth the money. New guide who seemed like didn't want to be there. Tooo long for what was paid.

Our holiday

Learning about there culture was very interesting and the lunch was good and very informative tour. Guides where very cheerfull

Amazing!! Do the Tiwi By Design (art-focused) experience.

I did the Tiwi By Design day trip- loved it! The hosts were so friendly and interested in sharing their Country and culture. I loved the welcome ceremony and all the information they shared- fascinating to learn the differences between Tiwi people and Aborigines on the mainland. Silkscreening was a lot of fun (I made a towel!) and their woodwork is impressive. The only thing I regret was not having enough time in the museum (I'm a museum nerd, and 20 mins was not enough). The 2 1/2 hour ferry ride to Tiwi Island is long but worth it!

Waste of time and money

The smoking ceremony which was a laugh. The rest was poor from having to wait an hour at the arts centre for the bus, lunch which was a self made sandwich with what was left, as we were the last group. For $395 each one should expect better.

An historical day in the past

Loved the stories and the dancing especially Fred the young man who danced last. Not to be critical, but, most of us on the tour had breakfast very early and a cup of tea and Damper would have been appreciated before lunch.

Fantastic

Great experience we learn so much about there culture and story We for the first time so and participate on the smoke ceremony

Different island experience

We didn't know exactly what to expect from this tour, but it sounded interesting. Started a bit slow in the morning but after a buffet lunch, and the guides telling stories of their culture, such as the meaning of 'skin', it turned out great. A bit more info on what was going to happen on the day would have been helpful, as one of the ladies on our tour was loudly talking about lodging a complaint and getting her money back- but went very quiet after lunch and the real cultural experience. Worth a trip as the Tiwi people have had quite a different experience than the people of the mainland in relation to white intervention etc.

show mw my money back as it didnt run

Didnt happen due to wind.how do I get my money back from Viator.have not heard a thing from you on cash only on good things.

Tiwi islands

Lovely to learn that the Tiwi people still highly respect their culture. A lovely day out. Very informative

Great Adventure

The guide was friendly, eagerly shared cultural experiences and answered questions. He made the entire experience enjoyable.

Great cultural day out

I enjoyed finding out about the Tiwi way of life and their history and also that our tour was run by a local. Lunch was great and so was the dance and talk about their culture.

Terrible service

Cancelled. No advice. Claim voicemail but NO sms. Not showing missed calls because we were inflight.

Very interesting experience

Loved meeting the locals it was a very interesting experience. Unfortunately the boat was late to leave

Unique experience

Limited activities, expensive fees paid for the tour. Although it’s an unique experience of the Tiwi history and culture.

Good trip

The local guides were absolutely superb. Loved listening to their stories and about their culture. Would have given 5 stars if we could have seen a bit more of the village and their community. AAT guide could have helped out a bit more, especially towards the end.

A real cultural experience

Learning about the Tiwi Culture was very interesting. The museum was also very interesting, we could have spent more time there.

Lovely day trip

Tiwi Islands were on my must do list and I wasn't disappointed. The 2.5hr cruise to Bathurst Island was pleasant and uneventful. Perfect weather and smooth sailing. Greeted by John and 2 TI guides. Due to numbers were broken into 2 groups. The only "negative" I have, is that I feel more time is needed to see everything. Really enjoyed the traditional song and dance. Residents seemed very happy to chat to tourists

Different experience

The trip on the ferry is a bit tiring, but worthwhile to experience the different culture of the islanders. They are very open and friendly, and have kept their traditions despite benefiting from the support of the catholic church They run care health and education in peaceful existence with local culture. The tour guide was a local Islander who explained it all, we visited the museum and church had a smoking ceremony and introduction to crafts and painting by local women. We were treated to a delicious morning tea of damper and a very nice cold lunch.

Illness no refund

I became very I’ll during the night and was unable to travel. I did not want to go just incase it was Covid. I contacted both tour operations and Viator to try to get refund without success. My two friends did attend the tour.

What a wonderful day!

A fantastic day, relaxing on the ferry ride over and return to Darwin. The people involved were friendly and so helpful. Lunch and morning tea was lovely as well as a great group of likeminded travelers. Freddy was a great commentator.

Great experience

Great opportunity to visit the Tiwi Islands, I have been wanting to do this for a very long time and very happy that I have now been.

Tiwi Island experience

The island women propped up the show as no aboriginal men appeared at all! Disappointing to say the least. The aboriginal paintings for sale were too expensive to purchase. Our stand in tour guide (John) did his best and his wife (Trish) prepared great damper and lunch!

Interesting meeting with Aboriginal people

It was nice and interesting talking with Aboriginal People and listen to they story. I had the opportunity to ask for some explanations about their culture and I could buy some handmade art craft as well.

Underwhelming cultural experience

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.

Enjoyable Tiwi cultural experience

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)

Outstanding experience. A priveledge.

Loved hearing about your culture. The way you do things. Your laws, the relationship between tribes. Loved talking with the guides especially Mary Cruz’s Uncle. The museum was great, the aboriginal legends I love. I loved seeing Cyril’s jumper. I was bothered by all the Catholic Christian stuff. I understand they looked after you well but I don’t like them telling you their spirituality is better than yours.your spirituality is rich and beautiful and thousands of years old and must be continued to be lived.

Good day out

Loved my trip to Tiwi Is. People were great, damper n lunch were superb. Loved the dances performed for us. Point for improvement. As a person from NSW we were unaware of how long the ferry trip would be and coming home we got to the ferry so late we had to stand 2 hours back to Darwin so maybe get us back to ferry a little earlier. But, these point did not take away from a wonderful day

Cultural experience

An amazing cultural experience, everything was explained throughly and traditions are still upheld to this day

Fantastic day

Loved every minute of this trip. The guides were so informative and friendly. It was so good to learn about the history and culture of Tiwi islanders. The damper and lunch were delicious! Sea was a bit rough going back and a number of people were seasick so seasick tablets are essential for anyone who suffers. Overall a brilliant day!

A fascinating insight into life on remote Tiwi Islands

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.

An insult to the Islanders, a money maker for the operator.

AAT King you should be ashamed of yourselves. I was embarrassed to be a part of this tour that I was hoping would be a highlight of our top end trip. There was so much wrong with it, it is hard to break down into point form. Far too many people (~70). Not enough buses, quite a few missed out on lunch as there wasn't enough food. Time was stolen from us due to having to limit numbers allowed into areas so we couldn't stop and look closely. Questions that were quite basic were continually answered by our guide with "I can't help you with that" and when I asked why the tour was so overbooked that it couldn't cope with the numbers, I was curtly told "it was out if my hands". No way could you possibly learn anything or gain genuine insight into the real local culture and people. The guide was rude, condescending to both the locals and the visitors. Opening remark when entering the areas was "this is a gated community where the important people like teachers and police live". Are you serious? Time in the church was spent mostly talking to the other guides on the radio to make sure we didn't run into each other. The local people were lovely but I got the feeling they were being manipulated by the organisers rather than telling their own story. Billy tea and damper served by a local? Oh for goodness sake, how is that Tiwi culture? Insulting! Sure offer a cuppa but don't be tokenistic. Waste of >$700 plus the fact we stayed an extra night in Darwin so that cost too. Choose your tours carefully and try and support operators who empower the local community to tell their own story. Googling Tiwi museum will give you as much insight, possibly more than this tour offers. If I thought there was any possible chance of a refund I would try but I bet I know what the answer would be. AAT, lift your game with organisation. You knew how many people were expected, planning and dividing into groups should have been done before arrival, not have 1/2 an hour pfaffing around on site and there certainly should have been enough food! Thanks to the locals for trying under hard circumstances though.

Disappointing, not value for money

The women showing Islander painting techniques, spiritual dance quite good. Disappointing “city” tour, should have shown more of the island, not the slumb of the so called city

The Tiwi experience was very educational.

The smoking ceremony was nice, seeing the art work and the artist who created them. The stories about their clans.

Fascinating day trip

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.

Loved the damper morning...

Loved the damper morning tea, whilst watching the ladies paint mussel shells and talk of their traditions. Disappointed that the museum wasn’t open as it was a public holiday but nothing was offered in its place. After lunch it seemed disorganised, and our guides weren’t around to ‘guide’ us to other venues prior to the ferry arriving.