The Tiwi Islands - Bathurst and Melville
S 11° 46.177 E 130° 37.218
52L E 676554 N 8698411
The Tiwi Islands are home to a unique indigenous group 100 kilometres north of Darwin.
Waymark Code: WMFTGD
Location: Northern Territory, Australia
Date Posted: 11/28/2012
Views: 5
Bathurst and Melville Islands are a short plane ride from the northern Australian city of Darwin.
It is thought that the Tiwi had regular contact with the macassan traders to the north and met with Dutch explorer Commander Maarten van Delft in 1705.
Today the islands are home to 3000 people, with most living in the towns of Wurrumiyanga (known as Nguiu until 2010), Pirlangimpi (also known as Garden Point) and Milikapiti.
They're distinctive patterned artwork and burial pole carving are highly sought after. They are also passionate about Australian Rules Football, with almost a third of the population participating in the The Tiwi Islands Football League, which holds its Grand Final in March each year - attracting people from near and far.
I was fortunate to spend a day with the school children in 1993 as part of a traveling science program from Questacon.
Name of Source Book: 1000 Places to See Before You Die
Page Location in Source Book: 520
Type of Waymark: Experience
Location of Coordinates: Airport
Cost of Admission (Parks, Museums, etc.): 0.00 (listed in local currency)
List Available Hours, Dates, Season:
During the dry season is best, which is from March until September.
Official Tourism Website: [Web Link]
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Visit Instructions:
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