AAT Kings: Kakadu and Tiwi Island Explorer Short Break 25/26

This morning join your Driver Guide to explore the World Heritage Area of Ubirr, where you’ll climb up through the ancient Aboriginal rock art galleries, believed to be 20,000 years old, to the lookout for a view over the surrounding wetlands. Join the Guluyambi Cruise on the East Alligator River. An Aboriginal guide will provide an insight into their culture, including local mythology, the river’s abundant food chain, as well as bush survival skills. With special permission of the local people, you are able to go ashore in Arnhem Land. Visit the Marrawuddi Art Gallery before returning to Darwin.

Staying in:

• The Leaa Resort (1 night)

After making your own way to the Cullen Bay Ferry Terminal, a five-minute drive from the CBD,Take the 2 ½ hour cruise aboard the Tiwi Mantawi over to Bathurst Island. Here you are met by your local Guide to be taken on a journey through the progressive, modern day Aboriginal community of Wurrumiyanga. 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. Spend time with some Tiwi Ladies while they work on their weaving and painting. You will then get the chance to sample local billy tea and damper. 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. Be taken through the successful Arts & Crafts Centres and see where the artist’s work. You also have the opportunity to purchase Tiwi arts and crafts and screen-printed fabric at Island prices. Learn some of the complex rituals associated with the Pukamani (burial ceremony) before being taken back to the ferry landing to re-board your vessel, departing Bathurst Island for Darwin at 3.15 pm.