Tiwi Tours, NORTHERN TERRITORY
Airing Date: Jul 26th, 2004
Bathurst Island is part of the Tiwi Islands, located in Australia's Northern Territory, about 80 kilometres north of Darwin. Although it's only a 30 minute flight from Darwin, this region remains unspoilt for the 2, 500 Aboriginal people who live there.
Tiwi Tours offers one or two day trips to Bathurst Island. There is little in the way of tourist facilities on the island, but the Tiwis are happy to share their elaborate religion and culture with visitors.
An important part of the Tiwi culture is the headband worn during ceremonies, as well as customary face painting before they perform totem dances. These rituals tell the stories of their animal spirit ancestors.
Due to the isolation of the Tiwi people their artwork, which is mostly sculpture, is unique. The art is becoming increasingly popular, especially with overseas tourists, and many visit the islands to buy Tiwi artwork for up to 50% less than in the cities. Some of the top artists sell to galleries in London, New York and Australia, and all the money goes straight back to the people.
There are burial sites are all over the island, and it's not uncommon for the locals to call out to the spirits. The sites are surrounded by totems called Pukamani poles, which are unique to the Tiwis.
The number of poles around a grave indicates how popular the deceased was, while the designs reflect their life story. Today, it's only the belongings of the deceased that are buried with the poles, and not the actual body.
The facts
A day trip with Tiwi Tours includes a return flight from Darwin, morning tea and lunch. Prices start from $310 per person. Tours run from March to November.
Aussie Adventure Holidays
Tel: 1800 811 633
Northern Territory Tourist Commission
Tel: 13 61 10
NT Holidays
Qantas can fly you to Darwin with one-way, online prices starting at $215 from Sydney and $277 from Perth.
Qantas
Tel: 13 13 13
Prices correct at 26/07/04
