Craving an island escape that combines goosebump-worthy scenery with soul-stirring cultural experiences? Add the Tiwi Islands to your 2025 travel list.
Just 80 km north of Darwin in the Northern Territory, this island duo—Bathurst and Melville—is known as the 'Island of Smiles'. Expect rich Aboriginal culture, sugar-white beaches, hidden retreats, stunning landscapes, and plenty of crocs.
One visit won’t be enough—but to get you started, here are the top things to see and do in the Tiwi Islands in 2025.
How To Get To The Tiwi Islands
There are two ways to get to Tiwi and it all depends on your time and budget. From Darwin you can catch a charter plane and land in paradise in just 30 minutes. Flight prices vary, but you’re looking at approximately $205 per person one-way—the gorgeous views of sparkling blue water from above are worth the price tag.
A more budget-friendly option is to jump aboard a ferry. Sealink ferries will get you from Darwin to Melville Island in around two and a half hours and will set you back around $60 per person, one-way. The ferry has comfy seats, air con (something you’ll realise is worth its weight in gold in this part of the world) and a kiosk on board serving snacks. They also offer Tiwi tours too which you can check out here.
Things To Do In The Tiwi Islands
Cheer On The AFL Grand Final
Image credit: Tourism NT/Shaana McNaught | Website
Mark your diaries for this one, because the most important footy grand final (in our opinion) in the country has to be seen IRL to be believed. Taking place every July (the exact date varies), the Tiwi Island finals clash is one of the most vibing, emotionally charged events you'll ever witness—it’s also the only day of the year you don’t need a permit to enter the islands. Held on Bathurst Island, you can cheer along with the locals and rush the field for mass celebrations when the final siren blasts.
Check Out The Art Scene
Image credit: Tourism NT/Helen Orr | Website
Held alongside the footy grand final, the Islands hold their famous, annual art sale, which gives you a chance to purchase a piece of beautiful Aboriginal art direct from First Nations artists. Marvel at paintings on canvas, drawings on paper, silk scarves and wooden carvings. The hardest part here will be narrowing down your choice.
When the art sale isn’t on, there are still plenty of stunning art to check out. Be sure to visit Munupi Arts and Crafts on Melville Island for carvings, acrylic paintings, ceramics, etchings and screen prints, natural fibre weavings and traditional bark tungas. Another must visit is Tiwi Design on Bathurst Island who specialise in ochre paintings on canvas and bark, ironwood carvings, screen printed fabrics, ceramics, bronze and glass sculptures as well as limited edition prints. Or if you’d rather a guided tour, you can learn about the arts from locals first hand, enjoy a welcome ceremony, morning tea and get the chance to join in a screen printing workshop.
Go Fishing
Image credit: Tourism NT/Backyard Bandits | Website
Up here, the seafood on offer is some of the best you’ll ever get the pleasure of devouring. And it always tastes that little bit better when you’ve caught it yourself. Common catches in this corner of the NT include mud crabs, cod, golden snapper, black jewfish and barramundi. There are a myriad of fishing tours you can check out including Tiwi Islands Adventures, who offer two to six day fishing trips including private charter flights, fishing permits and accomodation. Or Darwin-based Yknot Fishing Charters who offer extended day charters to Tiwi.
If you’d rather go it alone with your crew you can hire boats and set off for fishing in the mangroves. Just remember to get yourself a permit first.
Immerse Yourself In Nature
Image credit: Tourism NT/Elise Cook | Website
The naturescapes in Tiwi are some of the most incredible you'll ever lay your eyes on. Feeling a world away from the hustle aof daily life, one of the best things to do during your time on the island is to hit pause and simply zen out. Breathe in the fresh sea air, sip on a fresh coconut (there are palm trees aplenty here), and spot the various wildlife that call this paradise home. There’s wallabies, dolphins and crocs on offer here, so keep your eyes peeled.
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Where To Stay In The Tiwi Islands
Bathurst Island
Tiwi Island Retreat
Image credit: Tourism NT/Elise Cook | Website
If you’re heading to Bathurst Island then the Tiwi Island Retreat is an absolute no-brainer. Perched on the south west coast, the retreat is made up of a collection of luxury rooms set around a 12-metre pool, as well as glamping tents just steps from powder white sand and a sparkling ocean (that is home to resident croc Claudia).
There’s activities aplenty here too if you want to take a break from sunning yourself by the pool. Head out on a fishing tour where you'll throw out a line, sip a beer, turn the tunes up and bask in how bloody great your life is. If you’re lucky enough, whatever you catch, the staff back at the retreat will cook it up for you that night—it doesn’t get much fresher than that.
Image credit: Tourism NT/Tourism Australia | Website
You’ll also want to carve out an evening for a sunset buggy ride. You and your crew will be whisked away to your own private slice of island paradise to watch the sun go down, complete with bubbles, a cheese board, fire and a breathtakingly beautiful sunset. There’s also a chance to go on a helicopter tour which takes you to a secluded waterhole at Ranku for a dip, plus Indigenous art and cultural tours too. Head here for all the deets.
Shaggy's Campsite
On the total opposite end of the spectrum is Shaggy’s Campsite (Tinkanrow) which is on the east coast on the Apsley Strait. The campsite is located in a Permit Free Fishing Access Zone but you’ll still need a permit to camp—which can take up to 30 days to process so make sure you allow plenty of time. Head here to apply for a permit. The offerings here are basic, with an iron shelter, BBQ area and water tank. But on the plus side, you’ve got the stunning backdrop of Tiwi all to yourself.
Tarntipi Bush Camp
Image credit: Tourism NT/Helen Orr Tarntipi Bush Camp | Website
To truly immerse yourself in the magic of Tiwi Island’s culture, book a stay at Tarntipi Bush Camp. Tiwi Elder and educator Edward ‘Teddy’ Portaminni guides groups through a soul-nourishing itinerary designed to deepen cultural understanding. Activities include a Welcome to Country, fishing, beach and medicine walks, freshwater swimming, basket weaving and spear-making workshops, as well as storytelling, song, and dance around the campfire.
Melville Island
Camping
If you’d rather be at one with nature, there are two campsites on Melville Island to choose from—Camp Point Campsite on the east coast, and Robertson Creek Campsite on the central south coast. Just like Shaggy’s on Bathurst Island, the sites are equipped with an iron shelter, barbeque, and water tank and require a permit to stay at.
Important Things To Know About The Tiwi Islands
Image credit: Tourism NT/Helen Orr Tarntipi Bush Camp | Website
Tiwi is home to around 2,500 First Nations People so it’s important that you pay respect to them and their land when you’re visiting. Tiwi communities occupy Aboriginal-owned land, so you'll also need a permit (aside from the footy grand final day or Sealink tours) to enter the islands. Head here to apply for yours. Tiwi cultural ceremonies can and do take place regularly which also means some areas might be temporarily closed during your visit.
When To Travel To The Tiwi Islands
Image credit: Tourism NT/Elise Cook | Website
In the Top End, there are two distinct seasons—wet and dry. The latter typically runs from May to October with an average temp of 21°C to 30°C and an average humidity of around 20%. This season is perfect for bushwalking, hiking and camping.
The wet season covers the months of November to April and sees temps of around 25°C to 33°C with humidity levels of over 80%. Unsurprisingly the wet season can be incredibly wet, so expect tropical downpours. The upside? It leaves the islands incredibly lush and the sunsets are truly breathtaking. Locals often say that although the dry season is popular with tourists, the wet season is when the islands really come alive.
What To Pack For The Tiwi Islands
If you’re heading there in the wet season, pack an umbrella, raincoat and waterproof shoes. And all year round you’ll need sunscreen, insect repellent, light, breathable clothing and an insulated water bottle. And that's all you need, now you're officially ready for your Tiwi Islands adventure.
Hero image credit: Tourism NT/Shaana McNaught
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