Tiwi Islands

The Tiwi Islands consist of two flat islands – Bathurst and Melville. These islands are native land of Tiwi aborigines.

In 1820 British decided to organize a settlement. The whole thing failed because colonists could not built good relationships with local inhabitants. The majority of the aborigines live on Bathurst Island. There they do not live the traditional aborigine’s lifestyle. But for a few weeks every year they are coming back to Melville and to their traditional life. Melville is also known for Japanese pearl divers, who settled here in the beginning of the last century.
The most comfortable way to come to the islands from mainland is by airplane. Both islands have small airports. 

On the Bathurst Island only one day visitations are allowed. During this visit you may explore former missionary station, drink some tea with local women and take a swim.

On Melville you may plan a two-day tour, but then you should have everything prepared for camping. 

At the Tiwi Islands there is a well known kind of sport: Football. Even when Australian rules are a bit different from ours, aborigines enjoy this game greatly.