Your ultimate guide to the Tiwi Islands

The Tiwi Islands: a far-flung northern sanctuary where there’s art, footy and fishing fever abound.

Until recently, the Tiwi Islands have been just a blip on the tourism radar. While barramundi hunters and football selectors have been pretty hush-hush about their fertile hunting grounds, interest in this fascinating area and the Tiwi people who call it home is on the rise.

Before you take a ferry ride up from Darwin for a window into Top End Aboriginal culture and friendliness, you need to check out our guide to the islands below.

Why go to the Tiwi Islands?

an aerial view of Tiwi Island Retreat. — Tiwi Island Retreat is a tropical oasis on Bathurst Island. (Image: Tourism NT/Tourism Australia)

Surrounded by azure waters 80 kilometres north of Darwin, the Tiwis – also known as ‘The Islands of Smiles’ for its residents’ joie de vivre – is an archipelago of 11 islands, with Bathurst and Melville the largest of these.

About 90 per cent of the Tiwi population is Aboriginal and, despite cohabitating with European settlers since the 1800s, Tiwi traditions and culture remain strong.

Locals date and marry according to skin group rules, cultural pride reigns supreme, and the three Tiwi passions – footy, art, and fishing – colour life on the islands. This trio of activities also captures the main drawcards of a journey here.

Art lovers, fishing fans, and Aussie Rules spectators find much to love about this tropical oasis.

How to get to the Tiwi Islands?

a ferry going to Tiwi Islands — A SeaLink NT ferry arriving at Bathurst Island for a Tiwi Tours day trip. (Image: Tourism NT/Shaana McNaught)

Take a 2.5-hour ride with SeaLink NT Ferries from Darwin to Wurrumiyanga on Bathurst Island, book a tour, or catch a 20-minute flight from Darwin Airport with Fly Tiwi.

When to visit the Tiwi Islands

football players gather at the Tiwi Islands Grand Final and Art Sale — Football players with their arms linked at the Tiwi Islands Grand Final and Art Sale. (Image: Tourism NT/Shaana McNaught)

Anglers can happily fish here all year round. Otherwise, the Top End dry season – which runs from May until September – offers travellers the most comfortable weather.

That said, the biggest event on the Tiwi calendar – the Footy Grand Final and Art Sale – is in July in 2025, and day tours operate from April to November.

The main event on the Tiwi calendar? That’d be the Footy Grand Final and Art Sale, happening in July 2025. But if you can’t make it to the big day in July, day tours run from April through to November.

Permits and other Tiwi Islands tips and tricks

the Tarntipi Bush Camp on Tiwi Islands — The Tarntipi Bush Camp is within a short walk to a beach and a freshwater spring. (Image: Tourism NT/Nic Morley)

Tiwi communities occupy Aboriginal-owned land, so if you’re travelling independently, rather than on an organised tour, you’ll need to apply for a permit through the Tiwi Land Council .

The exception to this rule applies to those visiting via SeaLink Ferry to Wurrumiyanga – you can wander around the cultural precinct here permit-free. Bring your own food as there are no cafes or takeaway food joints on the islands.

What to do on the Tiwi Islands?

ART COLLECTING

ironwood carved birds at Jilamara Arts and Craft Association, Tiwi Islands — Carved Tiwi Tokwanpini (birds) and Tjurrukukini (owls) with ochre paintings at Jilamara. (Image: Tourism NT/Felix Baker)

There’s a depth and playfulness inherent in the art made by the Tiwis’ stock of artists. For starters, Tiwi painters use ochre paints rather than acrylics, and ironwood carvings of totem animals – such as owls, cockatoos and brolgas – are in abundance, as are brightly coloured fabrics in a suite of whimsical designs.

Take a stroll around the islands’ three key art centres to absorb the whole gamut and pick up a Tiwi creation for keeps. Tiwi Design on Bathurst Island is a hub for screen-printed fabrics and ironwood animal carvings, among other gems.

At Jilamara on Melville Island, you can encounter ironwood carved birds and Tutini poles (for Pukamani, funeral ceremony), hand screen-printed textiles and some of the archipelago’s more famous artists, such as Timothy Cook, a former winner of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards. Also on Melville Island, Munupi Arts is known for its pottery, as well as its works by female and emerging artists.

Check out our review of the Tiwi Island art tour to learn more.

FISHING

The Tiwi Islands have a reputation as a foolproof fishing destination. It doesn’t matter what the tides are doing, there’s always somewhere to hook a whopper.

Common catches include mangrove jacks, golden snapper, jewfish, coral trout, trevally, tuna, Spanish mackerel, and, of course, barramundi.

Hire a boat and camp if you prefer a more rustic, affordable and earthy alternative to a fishing lodge.

For a mere $10 per night, the islands offer three basic campsites for recreational anglers. You’ll find Camp Point and Robertson Creek on Melville Island, and Shaggy’s (Tinkanrow) on Bathurst Island.

Note: you’ll still need a permit for this option and should allow 30 working days for it to be processed.

TIWI ISLAND TOURS

a woven basket at Tiwi Islands annual art sale — Aboriginal art for sale at Tiwi Design. (Image: Tourism NT/Shaana McNaught)

SeaLink NT and AAT Kings all offer one-day tours that start with a ferry trip to Wurrumiyanga and include visits to Tiwi Design , Patakijiyali Museum (displaying traditional art and depictions of Tiwi dreaming stories), and the community’s Mission Precinct, which features a beautiful, art-lined wooden Catholic Church.

Tour highlights include making your own screen-printed fabric at Tiwi Design, witnessing a smoking ceremony and chatting with local Tiwi ladies while they weave baskets or paint.

TIME YOUR TRIP WITH A SPECIAL EVENT

Aboriginal art on a Tiwi Islands day tour — Take to the Tiwi Islands for an art tour. (Image: Tourism NT/Shaana McNaught)

The Tiwis’ annual footy final is taking place on 20 July 2025. It’s a huge day both for Tiwi Islanders and those keen to sample islander pride, art and football culture.

Travel by ferry for early morning art sales from all three Tiwi art centres, grab a gourmet burger and, when the afternoon arrives, take a seat at the Tiwi Islands Grand Final.

This high-octane event sells out almost every year – so make sure to book early.

Where to stay on the Tiwi Islands?

a glamping eco-lodge at Tiwi Island Retreat — A glamping eco-lodge with a relaxed beach-style vibe. (Image: Tourism NT/Tiwi Island Retreat)

The accommodation in the Tiwi Islands is mostly tailored to fishing travellers, but it also caters for those keen on unplugging somewhere seriously remote and beautiful.

The best of Tiwi’s small cluster of lodges is the luxurious Tiwi Island Retreat on the outer edge of Bathurst Island. Getting here involves a 20-minute flight from Darwin, a 50-minute troopy ride, and a short boat trip.

a beach near Tiwi Island Retreat — Wetlands near Tiwi Island Retreat. (Image: Tourism NT/Mark Fitz)

Set on a sandy beach lined with towering coconut palms, the retreat has a pool, an expansive deck, shared bathrooms and coastal-styled rooms. It’s also known for its cocktail-drink-welcome, plus the friendliness of its skippers who lead you to the finest fishing spots (if fishing is your thing). There’s a two-night minimum stay and prices include food, transfers to Darwin and activities on the island.

Also on Bathurst Island, but at Wurrumiyanga (where the ferry arrives from Darwin), Tiwi Enterprises runs the Mantiyupwi Motel, featuring 30 rooms, each with an ensuite bathroom and kitchenette.

On Melville Island, Tiwi Islands Adventures operates the Melville Island Lodge, which can accommodate up to 20 guests. It sits on the waterfront in the tiny township of Milikapiti (Snake Bay). From Darwin, the lodge is a 30-minute flight away – or reachable by sea, if you’re taking the slow road.

Planning a tropical getaway? Make sure to include Tiwi Islands in your bucket list and go for a Tiwi Islands art tour.

Originally written by Kate Bettes with updates by Leah McLennan

Spend a few days visiting the real-life Central Australian locations that inspired the new film everyone is talking about, and discover why Alice Springs is such an important part of Australian culture.

In the credits of the new Australian film Kangaroo , the first name under ‘cast’ should read ‘The Northern Territory ’. Not only is Alice Springs (and the surrounding landscape) integral to the movie itself, but the spiritual heart of Australia and its local Indigenous owners also inform the look and feel of every frame, explains Producer Trisha Morton-Thomas of Brindle Films, who also plays Charlie’s grandmother Gwennie.

“By setting Kangaroo in Alice Springs (Mparntwe), the film embraces how visible Aboriginal people are here, and the living Aboriginal culture that is woven through this community,” she explains.

still from kangarro film — See *Kangaroo*, then visit the real-life filming locations.

And while shooting in such a sacred part of the Northern Territory required extra planning, it was something the cast and crew were highly invested in.

“There are incredibly significant sacred sites and places of deep cultural stories in the area, that at times are very gender-specific, which we’ve kept out of the production,” she explains. “Even if overhead drone footage captures a sacred site that isn’t meant to be seen by other people outside of that clan, we’ve made sure to omit it from the film.”

If Kangaroo piqued your interest in a Central Australian holiday, we don’t blame you. Read on to discover eight places featured in the movie that you can visit in real life – and get planning. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen and a hat.

1. Alice Springs/ Mparntwe

artist at Many Hands Art Centre — Visit the galleries of Alice Springs, like Many Hands Art Centre. (Image: Tourism NT/ Helen Orr/ Many Hands Art Centre)

The red and dusty streets of the film’s fictional town of Silvergum were filmed on the outskirts of Alice Springs. And, while the art gallery featured in the film is fictional, Alice Springs is a hub of creativity. See the work of local artists at the Araluen Art Centre , Yubu Napa Art Gallery , Iltja Ntjarra (Many Hands) Art Centre and the famous Tjanpi Desert Weavers .

2. The Kangaroo Sanctuary & Kangaroo Rescue Centre

The Kangaroo Sanctuary Alice Springs, the inspiration for the Kangaroo move — Visit the movie’s inspiration at Kangaroo Sanctuary. (Image: Tourism NT/ Kangaroo Sanctuary)

Kangaroo was inspired by the journey of Chris ‘Brolga’ Barns, who founded the now world-renowned Kangaroo Sanctuary based in Alice Springs. For lead actor, Aussie Ryan Corr, the animals were central to the movie, alongside the landscapes.

“The animals in this story were a real calling point for me,” he explains. “What this story tries to tell us about the connection between humans and animals is beautiful.”

To gain a real insight into the fauna and flora of the Red Centre, you can visit the Kangaroo Sanctuary on a sunset tour, where you might even get the chance to hold a baby kangaroo.

3. Ormiston Gorge

woman walking along the edge of Ormiston Gorge near alice springs — Take a dip in Ormiston Gorge. (Image: Tourism NT/ @domandjesso)

The film captures the raw beauty of the West MacDonnell Ranges, known in the Arrernte language as Tjoritja. This national park is rich in Indigenous culture and stark geological wonders.

Only a 15-minute drive from Alice Springs, Tjoritja offers visitors the chance to camp, hike and swim among ancient landscapes (most attractions are less than a three-hour drive away).

Ormiston Gorge , a cooling oasis in among the red desert sands, is one of the most popular destinations, no doubt because of the permanent swimming hole and towering red cliffs. From here, visitors can also embark on the beautiful Ormiston Pound Walk and the shorter – more accessible – Ghost Gum Walk. Bring your bathers – it’s safe for swimming.

4. Standley Chasm

woman walking through Standley Chasm near alice springs — Wander through Standley Chasm. (Image: Tourism NT)

The 1.2-kilometre walk to nearby Standley Chasm will be a highlight for any visitor as the imposing 40 metre-high chasm walls project strength and ancient wisdom.

Visit at midday to experience the path illumined by the midday sun. Not only will you fill your camera roll with vibrant red images of the gorge and its intoxicating shadows, but you can also camp nearby in a powered or unpowered site so you can watch the brilliance of the desert stars fill the night sky after dusk.

5. Simpsons Gap

three people walking on path through simpsons gap near alice springs — Walk the trails of Simpson’s Gap. (Image: Tourism NT/ Helen Orr)

Closer to Alice Springs, the photogenic Simpsons Gap is the perfect place to spot the endangered Black-footed Rock wallaby near the permanent watering hole. While swimming isn’t permitted, soaking up the sun and views certainly is.

Explore the area’s numerous walking trails, appreciate the soaring cliffs on either side of the ‘gap’ and pick out the shooting locations of Kangaroo in the area.

6. Ellery Creek Big Hole

aerial of Ellery Creek Big Hole near alice springs — Dive into Ellery Creek Big Hole. (Image: Tourism NT/ Tourism Australia)

When it comes to classic Northern Territory landscapes, you can’t go past Ellery Creek Big Hole/ Udepata : tall gum trees sidling up to a refreshing watering hole (fed by the West MacDonnell Ranges and surrounded by rugged red cliffs.

Swim in the cooling waters, hike the cliff tops, watch for birds and even stargaze as you camp here overnight. It’s locations like this that attracted the film’s director Kate Woods to the project.

“It humbles you to be in this environment: it’s so beautiful, so old and so vast,” she explains. “I was thrilled to get a chance to … shoot such a beautiful story in the incredible landscape of the Northern Territory.”

7. Larapinta Drive

aerial of Larapinta Drive into alice springs — Drive along Larapinta Drive. (Image: Tourism NT)

There is no better way to get a feel for how the characters arrived at the fictional Central Australian town of Silvergum than to travel along the iconic state road, Larapinta Drive.

Connecting Alice Springs to the mighty King’s Canyon in the west, via the historic community of Hermannsburg, this road takes in the West MacDonnell National Park, Alice Springs Desert Park and artist Albert Namatjira’s house, among other attractions. Take your time, bring a camera and prepare for numerous stops along the way.

8. Todd River

competitors in Henley on Todd Regatta, alice springs — Join in the fun of the quirky Henley on Todd Regatta. (Image: Tourism NT/ TImparja Creative)

Meandering through Alice Springs like a lazy Western Brown snake, the Todd River is a central part of Alice Springs culture. Known as an ‘intermittent river’, the Todd can go from a dry dusty riverbed to a flowing waterscape in less than 15 minutes after heavy rainfall.

When it’s dry, the famous Henley on Todd Regatta fills the sandy riverbed with handmade ‘boats’ carried by sailors. This is the world’s only dry river boating event, and it’s referenced in the ‘Silvergum Boat Race’ in the movie. Inspired by the real-life event, the characters built quirky “Flintstones-style boats” and competed in teams.

See Kangaroo in cinemas now, and start planning your NT getaway at northernterritory.com.