13 Day see Australia through the eyes of an Aboriginal- Departs 2 Sept 2012

Tour Details

Operator

Just Cruisin 4WD Tours

Destinations

Ayers Rock (Uluru), Alice Springs, Flinders Ranges, Oodnadatta Track, Coober Pedy, Kings Canyon, Wilpena Pound, Tiwi Islands, Port Augusta and Lake Eyre

Departs From

Adelaide and Port Augusta

Tour Description

JUST CRUISIN'S 13 DAY AUSTRALIAN ABORIGINAL CULTURAL TOUR:

SEE AUSTRALIA THROUGH THE EYES OF AN ABORIGINAL

OPTIONAL TOURS AVAILABLE TO QUEENSLAND AND NORTHERN TERRITORY




DAY 1: Depart Adelaide 8:00AM for Wilpena Pound Resort via Port Pirie, Port Germein and Port Augusta (the cross roads of Australia). At Port Augusta we explore the Flinders Ranges and Outback in Wadlata Outback Centre’s Tunnel of Time. We discover its origins, the Aboriginal Dreaming, European settlement and much more. After lunch we head towards Wilpena Pound via Quorn and Hawker. From Hawker we visit Kanyaka ruins and Death Rock. If you are feeling energetic perhaps we can climb up to see the Yourambulla Caves, where we view Aboriginal rock painting. We spend tonight at Wilpena Resort. arriving approximately 4:30PM.

DAY 2: We spend today exploring the Majestic Flinders Ranges visiting Bunyeroo Gorge, Brachina Gorge- (This Gorge traces the geological history of the Flinders Ranges for hundreds of million years), to Parachilna’s Prairie Hotel for some Aussie tucker (optional). After lunch we visit Sacred Canyon and Arkaroo Rock, which are major Aboriginal Art sites. Overnight Wilpena Resort.

DAY 3: After breakfast we head to Arkaroola visiting Chambers Gorge before arriving approximately 11:30 AM. After lunch where we join the exhilarating Ridgetop Tour to the top of Sillers Lookout. The view after the bone jarring 4WD trip is fantastic and makes you think you are on top of the world. We now head to Iga Warta arriving approximately 6:00PM. This evening, after our evening meal, we are welcomed by the Adnyamathanha People. Overnight Iga Warta. (permanent tents with camp stretcher) optional upgrade to twin share bungalow.

DAY 4: We spend today with Adnyamathanha People learning their culture and environment. After breakfast we visit an ochre pit where we learn about the colours, purpose and history of the Ochre pits. After lunch we participate in another tour to the Malkii Painting site where you can immerse yourself in one of the oldest cultures in the world. Learn the interpretation of rock art through Adnyamathanha eyes. We return to Iga Warta for our evening meal before joining our hosts at a traditional campfire listening to Adnyamathanha music and Yura Muda storytelling around the campfire, including supper of traditionally cooked damper and urti jam. Overnight Iga Warta. (permanent tents with camp stretcher) optional upgrade to twin share bungalow.

DAY 5: Today we learn about native plants and their uses for bush tucker and bush medicine, Social history tour (Learn about Adnyamathanha contact history of the area) and Adnyamathanha language information sharing circle after our evening meal. Overnight Iga Warta

DAY 6: After breakfast there is also the opportunity to create your own Tapping Sticks or Wadna 2-3 hours before we head to Marree via Lyndhurst and the Oodnadatta Track. After lunch we head to Lyndhurst via the ochre cliffs of spectacular reds and browns. On the way to Marree we visit Talc Alf and Farina Ruins, first surveyed in 1878. Overnight Marree Hotel.

DAY 7: This morning after breakfast we are met by Reg Dodd, our Aboriginal guide. We drive out to Lake Eyre looking at a few things on the way, i.e. Reg telling people about aboriginal boundaries and land. Lunch at Alberrie Creek or somewhere pleasant, then on to the Lake. we head to William Creek via the Oodnadatta Track. At William Creek: the worlds most isolated pub, you can indulge in a well-deserved Australian beer. The most important claim to fame for William Creek is that it is the smallest town in Australia and that it is located on the worlds largest cattle station (Anna Creek Station) which is 32,500 square kilometres. We can walk along the old Ghan Railway Line to the bridge at Breakfast Time Creek This is a land of contrasts. There’s red gibber plains stretching to the horizon, mound springs (we visit Bubbler Springs and Blanche Cup Springs) which create bush oases and wetlands, red gum lined creeks and vast areas of grey salt bush and spiky spinifex. Remnants of the old Ghan Railway are abundant along the Oodnadatta Track. An optional flight over Lake Eyre North and South is available (own expense). Lake Eyre North which covers 8430 square kilometres, is 144 kilometres long and 77 kilometres wide is by far the larger of the two lakes. The creek like Goyder Channel joins Lake Eyre South to Lake Eyre North, which at its narrowest is only 150 metres wide. At the lakes lowest point it is 15.2 metres below sea level and drains more than one sixth of the continent. Overnight William Creek Hotel.

DAY 8: Today we head to Coober Pedy (arriving approximately 11:30AM) in the heart of South Australia’s vast outback; it is an opal wonderland. After lunch we spend some time visiting mines and interpretive centres which a great insight into the town and its mining operations. There are more than 30 opal shops in Coober Pedy if you like to purchase some opal. The town takes its name from the Aboriginal word Kupa (uninitiated man or white man) and Piti (hole). Overnight underground accommodation. (please note underground rooms may not be available for entire group as these rooms have limited availability).

DAY 9: After breakfast we head to Marla visiting Breakaway’s Reserve and Moon Plain en-route to Uluru. Arrive Ayers Rock Resort approx 4:00 pm in time to see the sunset over Uluru.

DAY 10, 11 : We spend the day Uluru and Kata Tjuta National Park. This gives us plenty of time to appreciate the Aboriginal culture and environment on a 2-hour tour with an Aboriginal guide. (optional tour) We can also enjoy a walk around the base of Uluru/Ayers Rock (optional tour) . A number of optional tours are available from Yulara. These include: Harley Davidson Tour of Uluru/Ayers Rock, Camel rides to Uluru/Ayers Rock, Helicopter flights over the Rock and Olgas, many more are available. Tonight we have our farewell dinner with the Sounds of Silence dining experience. (Optional tours at own expense)

DAY 12: After breakfast we head to Kings Canyon. Here, a breath-taking walk around the rim of the canyon allows you to gaze down in awe at the sandstone chasm plunging 270 metres to the canyon floor. OR we can venture down into the chasm and discover luxuriant cycads around the permanent waterhole in the exotic Garden of Eden. We can also discover traditional and contemporary Aboriginal Culture with Lilla Aboriginal Tours on a journey through an area of sacred caves and paintings, learn about traditional medicine and bush tucker and try your hand at spear and boomerang throwing. Overnight Kings Creek Station.

DAY 13: We travel to Alice Springs via the Explorer Highway. Arrive Alice Springs approximately 6:00PM at your accommodation before joinig optional tour to Cairns or Tiwi Islands. Return trip to Adelaide (2 Days) is also available at minimal extra cost.

COST PER PERSON: (including GST)

13 DAY SEE AUSTRALIA THROUGH THE EYES OF AN ABORIGINAL.............................COST PER PERSON: $6650:00 (minimum 8 passengers)

OPTIONAL ADD ON;15 DAY INCLUDING TIWI ISLANDS................................................COST PER PERSON: $7850:00 (minimum 8 passengers)

OPTIONAL ADD ON; 18 DAY INCLUDING CAPE YORK...................................................COST PER PERSON: $9350:00 (minimum 8 passengers)

OPTIONAL ADD ON; 21 DAY INCLUDING CAPE YORK AND TIWI ISLANDS.....................COST PER PERSON: $10950:00 (minimum 8 passengers)

TOUR INCLUDES: Accommodation (twin share) Wilpena Resort, Marree Hotel, William Creek, Coober Pedy, Yulara Resort, Camping Iga Warta, Victory Well, Mount Woodroffe, breakfasts, morning & afternoon teas, Evening meals, entry Wadlata Outback Centre, Ridgetop Tour, Iga Warta tours (ochre pit, Malkii Painting, Yura Muda story telling, bush tucker and bush medicine, Social History and Adnymathanha language information sharing circle), Lake Eyre tour from Marree, Coober Pedy mine tour, Sounds of Silence dining experience (farewell meal day 13 Uluru)

NOT INCLUDED: Lunches, Optional tours & mobile phone calls, domestic flights

TOUR CONDITIONS: “JUST CRUISIN” reserve the right to alter or modify itinerary if prevailing weather, road conditions or adverse conditions require such change. Tour costs do not include additional accommodation, meals and incidental expenses incurred from flooding, natural delays, unavailable connections or other unforseen circumstances. It is suggested travel insurance is purchased to cover additional accommodation, meals and incidental expenses resulting from flooding, natural delays unavailable connections or other unforeseen expenses prior to departure. Due to the nature and remoteness of outback travel it is suggested anyone with health problems should seek advice from their doctor if necessary.

CANCELLATIONS: Must be made 14 days prior to departure or full deposit is forfeited.

DON’T FORGET: Your camera, good walking shoes and hats. Please limit luggage to a small bag, and most of all don’t forget your sense of adventure. It is suggested that appropriate sickness, accident & personal liability insurance be taken out.

CULTURAL NOTES:

RESPECTING RESTRICTIONS:

There may be places that are closed to visitors because of their cultural significance-heed advice if you are asked not to enter an area.

In some places it is culturally inappropriate to swim or fish in waterways, waterholes and/or sea country.

Some places can only be visited by men or women- please respect these protocols where they apply to non indigenous people.

When are in doubt about where you and cannot go it is good practice to ask first.

The possession and consumption of alcohol is restricted in some indigenous communities-these restrictions apply to non indigenous visitors.

RESPECTING PEOPLES PRIVACY:

If you are visiting an Aboriginal community, wail until you are invited to approach homes or groups of people.

Funerals and cultural ceremonies are times of special privacy- use extra sensitivity in communities at these times. Please note we may be limited or prevented from entering some areas or communities due to these events. TALKING TO INDIGENOUS PEOPLE:

If you are talking to an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander recognise that they may communicate differently to non-indigenous people- English may be a second or third language.

Access to specific cultural knowledge or stories may not be open to everyone - it is best to avoid direct questions about matters that could be sensitive unless invited to do so.

Dress etiquette applies when visiting some indigenous communities - if in doubt avoid wearing short skirts, short shorts or other revealing clothing.

TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS AND FILMING:

Always ask before filming or taking photographs of a person, a group of people or cultural activities.

Photographing and filming some places and subjects is restricted for cultural reasons - please respect the important request from traditional owners.

If you intend to use your photographs in a publication or for other commercial purposes, you will need to seek copyright permission from the people featured in the photo.

TAKING HOME A MOMENTO:

Locally produced Aboriginal art and craftwork make an excellent memory of your visit to a place - if possible choose items designed and made by Aboriginal people. Look and ask for items that have a label of cultural authenticity.

Purchasing items from Aboriginal people through respected outlets helps to create economic support for people in communities where there may be limited employment opportunities.

Please do not remove rocks or other objects from Aboriginal land or waters without permission of traditional owners. Disturbing cultural sites is also prohibited by Australian law.


TOURS AVAILABLE AT AYERS ROCK / ULURU:

Dot Painting Workshop

Morning Sunrise Tour

Join Aboriginal artists at the Uluru Cultural Centre for a fun introduction to Aboriginal art and the chance to join the artists to try your own hand. Aboriginal Guides provide an introduction to their culture. Join the artists to complete your own painting, which you can take home as a personal memento. Tour departs approximately at 2.00pm. Tour duration is 3 hours.
$79.00

per adult

$56.00

per child

Uluru Walk

Morning Sunrise Tour

Follow the oldest walking track on earth around the base of Uluru on a 9km easy amble. Hear some of the Aboriginal stories associated with the Rock and view ancient Aboriginal art. Marvel at the diverse plant and animal life and learn how Aboriginal people used these scarce resources to survive. Examine tracks of nocturnal animals. Experience the beauty and mystery of Uluru at dawn. Departs approximately 6am, returns at approximately 11am.

Spirit Of Uluru

Morning Sunrise Tour

This is a vehicle-based version of the Uluru Walk. Witness the spectacular sunrise without rushing. Learn of the natural history and the significance to the Anangu people as you take short walks around Uluru. Visit waterholes and view the rock art at a relaxed pace. The final stop is a visit to the Uluru and Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre before returning to the Ayers Rock Resort. Tour Departs at approximately 6am, returns at approximately 10.00am

Kata Tjuta & Dunes

Afternoon Sunset Tour

This tour allows you to experience the mysterious rock domes of Kata-Tjuta. Travel through the great dome formations to discover the secrets of plant and animal survival in the desert. As the sun sets you stroll into the grand recesses of Olga Gorge and appreciate why Aboriginal people found this place so important. Later relax with champagne and experience the magic of sunset in this special place. Departs approximately 3.30pm, returns at approximately 7.30pm.

Uluru Eco-Pass

Morning Sunrise and Afternoon Sunset Tours

Visit the two ‘must see’ locations in the Red Centre. Combine one of the Uluru morning sunrise tours (either Uluru Walk or Spirit of Uluru) with the afternoon sunset tour to Kata Tjuta (the Olgas). Includes one breakfast, sparkling wine and nibbles, sunrise & sunset viewing.

Uluru Sunrise & Kata Tjuta Valley of The Winds Walk

We get an early morning start to witness the first rays of sunlight rise over Uluru. Enjoy a cup of tea or coffee before travelling to Kata Tjuta. Witness the magic of the early morning light creeping across this ancient landscape as your guide explains the geological history of Kata Tjuta. Your guide will escort you on a 2-3 hour walk among the ancient domes. Once at the Valley of the Winds lookout, take some time to gaze out over the central valley of Kata Tjuta. Departs 90 minutes prior to sunrise and returns at approximately 12.00 noon.

Uluru Sunrise & Guided Cultural Base Walk

Rise early this morning and travel to the Uluru sunrise viewing area to see the Red Centre set alight by the first rays of sun. Enjoy a warming cup of tea or coffee as the colours of Uluru gradually change as the sun rises on the horizon. Commence a base tour of Uluru, including a guided walk into Mutitjulu waterhole. View Aboriginal rock paintings and learn about the flora, fauna and Aboriginal history from your Driver/Guide. Continue around the base of Uluru by coach and see various sacred areas. Visit the Uluru – Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre where there is time to read the Tjukurpa (Aboriginal law) or purchase some locally made Aboriginal art. Departs 90 minutes prior to sunrise and returns at approximately 12.00pm.

Kuniya Sunset Tour

Afternoon Sunset Tour

The Kuniya Sunset Tour gives you a very special introduction to the spirit and culture of Uluru. After being picked up at your hotel, spend time in the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre before joining your Aboriginal guide for the spectacular and fascinating Kuniya Walk. Discover local bush foods, and hear tales of desert survival. Watching the colours of Uluru changing at sunset is the perfect end to this fascinating experience. Tour departs at approximately 2.30pm, returning at approximately 7pm.

Mt Conner Outback Safari

Afternoon-Evening Tour

Located 100kms east of Uluru on the fringe of Curtin Springs cattle station, Mt Conner is the third of the great monoliths. The tour visits vast salt lakes that are remnants of ancient inland oceans and examines fossilized remains. As you circle Mt Connor by 4WD you’ll be surprised to find a hidden series of rugged gorges, a perfect haven for Red Kangaroos and Rock Wallabies. Enjoy a glass of champagne as the sun goes down over the changing colour of Mt Conner. Then drive to Curtin Springs to enjoy a three-course dinner prepared by the station cook, before returning to Ayers Rock Resort. Tour departs approximately 2.30pm and returns 9.30pm.

1-day Kings Canyon (ex Ayers Rock)

Full Day Tour

Drive through the sand hill country to Kings Canyon, stopping for breakfast at Kings Creek Station (own expense) along the way. Make the rocky climb to the rim of the Canyon to be rewarded with marvelous views. The climb may take up to 3 hours and is for the energetic. Alternatively, you may wish to explore the boulder-strewn Canyon floor, an easier walk. After lunch (own expense) we make our way back to Ayers Rock Resort. Departs at approximately 4.00am daily, returning at approximately 4.00pm.

Cancellation within 72 hours of touring, incurs a 100% cancellation fee

Kata Tjuta Valley of the Winds Walk, Sunset & Barbecue Dinner

Afternoon Sunset Tour

This afternoon your guide will escort you on a 2-3 hour walk through the Kata Tjuta domes to the Valley of the Winds lookout. The walking path is rocky, and requires a good level of fitness. After the walk, take in a magnificent ‘outback’ sunset. Refresh yourself with a glass of sparkling wine before continuing on to enjoy a traditional Australian barbecue dinner consisting with steak, sausages, kangaroo meat, salads and bread, complimented by Australian sparkling wine. There is time for stargazing too (weather permitting). Tea and coffee provided. Vegetarian meals can be organised. (Note: During the hotter months of the year the National Park Rangers may preclude access to the Valley of the Winds lookout. This will be substituted with the Walpa Gorge walk. Departs 2.15pm (Apr-Sep), 3.00pm (Oct-Mar) and returns 3 hours after sunset.

Cancellations within 72 hours of touring, incurs a 100% cancellation fee

Uluru Base & Sunset Tour

Afternoon Sunset Tour

Travel around Uluru in the comfort of your coach whilst listening to the commentary about the sacred areas and features to be found at Uluru. Visit Mutitjulu Waterhole and view Aboriginal rock paintings. Visit the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre before traveling to the sunset viewing area. Enjoy nibbles and a glass of wine as the sun sets over Uluru. Tour departs approximately 2.45pm and returns approximately 20 minutes after sunset to Ayers Rock Resort.

Helicopter Flights

Rock Blasting (15 mins) – you'll see Ayers Rock Resort, the waterhole Mutitjulu, the surrounding desert, a panorama of breathtaking scenery unique to the Red Centre. Uluru & Kata Tjuta (30 mins) – Fly over Kata Tjuta, Uluru and Ayers Rock


RockRock Resort. See these amazing sites the best way possible! Departs on demand.

Scenic Flights

Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Lake Amadeus – Spectacular 1-hour long scenic flight to Uluru (Ayers Rock), Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) and Lake Amadeus. Departs on demand.

See The Lot! Uluru, Kata Tjuta, Lake Amadeus and Kings Canyon – Flight duration approximately 120 mins

With its brilliant sights, this is the ultimate Outback adventure! Kings Canyon’s steep cliff faces, the Garden of Eden and the Lost City are all a must see from an aeroplane.

Camel Tours to Sunrise or Sunset

Meet the Camel Tours shuttle at the entrance to your hotel for transfer to our camel farm where you will be taking a camel to either sunrise or sunset. Enjoy a peaceful camel ride amongst the undulating red sand dunes. After your tour, return to the camel farm for a taste of our Bushranging past…billy tea and homemade beer bread fresh from the oven for breakfast or for sunset tours you will return for a glass of champagne or a cool ale and enjoy a tasting of camel, dukkah & bread. Approximate duration 2 hours.

OPTIONAL ADD ON TOURS; CAPE YORK AND TIWI ISLANDS:

DAY 14:: Board flight to Cairns where we join our new guides to discover Cape York, in Far North Queensland.

About The Bama Way....

The Bama Way is an Aboriginal journey through Tropical North Queensland; a journey along story-lines through coastal mangroves, rich rainforest and hilltop Savannah. The word ‘Bama’ (pronounced Bumma)is widely used throughout Cape York to mean an Aboriginal person, but in both Kuku Yalanji and Guugu Yimithirr, the word simply means ‘person’ regardless of nationality or race.

The Bama Way was developed by three highly -acclaimed Aboriginal-owned tours–Guurrbi Tours, Walker Family Tours, and Kuku Yalanji Cultural Habitat Tours-Each Aboriginal tour has a different story to tell. You can learn how to spearfish with the Kubirri Warra brothers on one of their beach, mud flat and mangrove walks...meet the Walker sisters from the Nyungkul clan, traditional custodians of the Bloomfield Falls....and spend a magical time with Nugal- warra Elder, Willie Gordon, amongst the Nugal rock art sites, high in the hills above Hope Vale. Accompanied by an Aboriginal driver-guide, this special journey allows you to see this beautiful and diverse corner of Far North Queensland through the eyes of its traditional custodians, whose links to the country span tens of thousands of years. It will give you an unforgettable insight into the area’s rich Aboriginal history and culture, and will have you thinking about your own place in the world, and your relationship with the land.

DAY 15: Today, your journey of discovery begins as you travel north along one of Australia’s most scenic coastal drives to Cooya Beach to join Kubirri Warra brothers of Kuku Yulanji Cultural Habitat Tours, on one of their beach, mudflat and mangrove walks. This is time to get native Linc and Brandon Walker follow the traditions of their ancestors who, for thousands of years, educated visitors about their traditional country in order to ensure the survival of their Kuku Yalanji culture.

Today the brothers teach their guests how to throw a spear, hunt whilst stalking and observing wildlife and country, and how to track coastal resources.

They share some of their extensive knowledge of this special area and how they care for their country. Enjoy fresh, homemade damper, tea and coffee, before continuing along the Daintree Coast where we cross the mighty Daintree River by cable ferry .This great serpent of water is a special Aboriginal meeting and trading place. Our journey takes us through Cape Tribulation where we lunch at Coconut Beach Resort. We continue through the World Heritage Listed Daintree National Park, journey through this spectacular example of Mother Nature, which contains the highest number of plant and animal species that are rare, or threatened by extinction. Overnight, Cape Tribulation and experience one of the world’s most diverse and beautiful examples of Mother Nature.

DAY 16: After breakfast, this morning we continue in to the heart of the World Heritage Listed Daintree National Park, and travel the famous 4wd only Bloomfield Track, crossing mountain ranges and rivers. At Wujal Wujal we visit the Bloomfield Falls in the company of traditional custodians from the Walker Family, This is a very special place for the Kuku Yalanji Bama, so it is disrespectful to go there, unless accompanied by one of the traditional custodians. The Walker Family will share some of their knowledge about this special and sacred place. We journey on to Helenvale, where we lunch at the famous Aussie bush pub, The Lions Den Hotel. Visit the mysterious Black Mountains steeped in Aboriginal legend before arriving in Cooktown for your overnight stay. Enjoy free time to explore historical Cooktown, rich in history, rich in nature and rich in spirit .Nestling on North Queensland’s stunning tropical wilderness coast, this small historic town, with its pristine environment steeped in Aboriginal culture, has everything to offer those looking for a taste of real Australia. Named after Captain James Cook who careened the H M Endeavour in 1770 ,the town has a rich modern history, and an Aboriginal history which stretches back tens of thousands of years. Once Australia’s second busiest port during the Palmer River goldrush, today the town has a population of only 2,000, but the buildings, statues and world-class James Cook Museum, reflect its rich past.

DAY 17: Enjoy a tropical breakfast before this mornings tour and magical experience with Nugal-warra Elder, Willie Gordon, the traditional story-teller of the Nugal-warraclan, takes you to the his ancestral rock art sites, set in stunning country side high in the hills above Hope Vale, 40 minutes from Cooktown. You’ll visit six sites, including the Reconciliation Cave and an ancestral Birthing Site ,where Willie shares the stories behind the art–stories which can only be told by Elders of the Nugalclan-and explains how the paintings speak of the essence of life and the lores of his people. With his great smile and infectious laugh, Willie gives you an amazing insight into Aboriginal society and spirituality, and has you thinking about your own relationship with the land and how the lores of his people can apply to us all. The tour includes an estimated 30-minute bush walk on generally easy terrain. Water is provided, and cameras are welcome. Return to Cooktown for a delicious lunch at the Nature Power house museum. The return journey we travel along the Great Dividing Range, the backbone of Australia which takes you through the spectacular scenery of Far North Queensland's outback, and the diverse landscape of the Palmer River goldfield region. Your tour of amazing discovery comes to a close as you are transferred back to your accommodation early evening.

DAY 18: Today we board a flight to Darwin for the final part of our journey

DAY 19 & 20:

1 Day Tiwi Island Itinerary:
A day tour to Bathurst Island provides a unique opportunity to experience a modern day Aboriginal community and learn about the history and the culture of the Tiwi People from a local resident’s perspective.

After a 20 minute scenic flight you arrive at Bathurst Island. Here you are met by your local Guide to be taken on a journey through the progressive, modern day Aboriginal community of Nguiu. 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. Be taken through the successful arts and crafts centres and see where the artists work. You also have the opportunity to purchase Tiwi arts and crafts and screen printed fabric at Island prices. At morning tea we spend time with some Tiwi Ladies enjoying billy tea and damper while they work on their weaving and painting. 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. Learn some of the complex rituals associated with the Pukamani (burial ceremony). Set out for a scenic drive through the wilderness of Bathurst Island. Enjoy lunch and visit a local waterhole for a swim (bring swimmers and towel). Learn about traditional bush tuckers, bush medicine and natural fibres and dyes on your return to the community for your return flight to Darwin.

OR 2 DAY TOUR OPTION

2 Day Tiwi Island Itinerary:
A two day camping tour to Bathurst Island provides a unique opportunity to experience a modern day Aboriginal community and learn about the history and the culture of the Tiwi People from a local resident’s perspective, plus the adventure of camping in a remote location and learning more about the way of life on the Island.

Day 1: Tiwi Islands
After a scenic flight you arrive at Bathurst Island. Here you are met by your guide to be taken on a journey through the progressive community of Nguiu. Visit the museum and learn about the Tiwi history and culture. Explore some successful arts and crafts centres and see artists’ work. You also have the opportunity to purchase some Tiwi arts and crafts, screen-printed fabric and clothing at Island prices. Spend time with some Tiwi Ladies enjoying billy tea and damper while they work on their weaving and painting, and show you their totem dances. Set out for a scenic drive through the wilderness of Bathurst Island. Enjoy lunch and visit a local waterhole for a swim (bring swimmers and towel). Learn about traditional bush tucker, bush medicine and natural fibres and dyes. Later, head off to Moantu (the home of the Rainbow Serpent) and set up camp at this picturesque spot overlooking a large freshwater lake. Take a walk over the sand dunes to admire the view and a Tiwi Island sunset before dinner around the campfire.
Accommodation: Moantu Camp, Bathurst Island.
(Lunch, Dinner)

Day 2: Cape Fourcroy
After breakfast travel out to the westernmost point of Bathurst Island – Cape Fourcroy and explore the rugged coastline. Walk along this beautiful beach in search of turtle nests. There will be many opportunities to see a diverse range of native wildlife, so don’t forget your cameras! Learn about traditional uses of the native flora and fauna with your Tiwi guide. Visit Tomorrupi Waterfall and cool off in the refreshing water and enjoy a picnic lunch. Visit a Tiwi Burial Site and learn about some of the complex rituals associated with the Pukumani Poles (Burial Poles) before returning to Nguiu for your return flight to Darwin. (Breakfast, Lunch)