On a scenic drive through the woodlands and along the coast of Bathurst Island, it quickly becomes evident where the Tiwi Islands’ vibrant art community gets its inspiration.
The colourful communities of the Tiwi Islands in the Timor Sea are just a short flight or ferry ride from Darwin, capital of the Northern Territory. Having developed in isolation, the Tiwi brand of Indigenous culture is unique, and uses diverse mediums to tell its stories.
Visitors to the islands are greeted by brightly coloured homes and shop fronts, and significant totems. The art galleries on both Melville and Bathurst Island exhibit the traditional bark and canvas paintings as well as the more modern silk-screened cloth, woven accessories and pottery.
Fishing charters operate in the coastal waters and offer some of the best fishing around. Be sure to book ahead though, as these are hot spots if you want to catch barramundi, mangrove jack, black jewfish and Spanish mackerel.
To discover the art history of the Tiwi Islands, visit http://en.travelnt.com/ActiveContent.aspx?P=339
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