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ITINERARY: A day
tour to Bathurst Island provides a unique and rare opportunity
to experience a modern day Aboriginal community and learn
about the history and the culture of the Tiwi People from
a local residents perspective.
Day 1:
After a 30 minute scenic flight
you arrive at Bathurst Island. Here you are met by your local
Guide to be taken on a journey through the progressive, modern
day Aboriginal community of Nguiu.
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 the Tiwi people have blended their culture
with Christianity. Be taken through
the successful arts and crafts centres and see where the artists work. You
also have the opportunity to purchase Tiwi arts and crafts and screen-printed
fabric at Island prices. At morning
tea we spend time with some Tiwi Ladies enjoying billy tea and damper while they
work on their weaving and painting. 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. Learn
some of the complex rituals associated with the Pukamani (burial ceremony). Set
out for a scenic drive through the wilderness of Bathurst Island. Enjoy
lunch and visit a local waterhole for a swim (bring swimmers and towel).
Learn about traditional bush tuckers, bush medicine and natural fibers and dyes
on your return to the community for your return flight to Darwin.
Special Note: The roads
can be dusty, not a place for your best clothes.
Special Note: The tour
departs from Direct Air at the General Aviation Terminal.
Please reconfirm your tour 24 hours prior to departure by
calling 08 89236523 as flight times can change.
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