Darwin & Tiwi Islands

The tour starts at 4.00pm on Tuesday 6 August, at the Adina Apartment Hotel Darwin Waterfront.

The tour ends after breakfast on Sunday 11 August, at the Adina Apartment Hotel Darwin Waterfront.

We gather this afternoon at our hotel with tour leader Dr Peter McNeil for introductions, before an early light dinner at Snapper Rocks overlooking the harbour. We then kick off our events this evening at the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF), enjoying VIP access to the iconic Country to Couture fashion runway. An annual showcase of First Nations textiles and fashion design, the event builds on the growing textile design movement in remote Indigenous communities and has been presented alongside the DAAF since 2016. This high-energy runway session will present innovative collections from Indigenous designers and artists across Australia, as well as unique collaborations between Indigenous communities and well-known Australian labels. Overnight Darwin (D)

We begin our day with a tour through the Northern Territory’s Parliament House, admiring its magnificent blend of tropical and postmodern architectural features. Built overlooking Darwin Harbour, Australia’s newest parliament house sits near the site of the former Post Office and Telegraph Station, which were bombed during a raid in 1942. From Parliament House, we undertake a walking tour of Darwin’s award-winning street art with a local guide, learning more about the artists behind the murals and concluding our tour at the sensational Hanuman Restaurant, where we enjoy a menu of Thai and Indian cuisine. The afternoon is spent at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT), the NT’s premier cultural organisation. This evening we return to the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair for the prestigious National Indigenous Fashion Awards. Recognising and showcasing excellence across six categories, the award ceremony is a unique opportunity for the Australian and international fashion community to connect to the world’s oldest living cultures. Overnight Darwin (B, L)

Darwin has seen its fair share of devastation, from the raid of 1942 to Cyclone Tracy in 1974, and only a small handful of the original colonial structures have since survived. After wandering the informative displays at Darwin’s Military Museum this morning, we visit one of the few surviving buildings at the unique Burnett House, originally constructed in 1939. Today a National Trust property, our visit includes a tour of the gardens and its clever tropical design features. Lunch is then enjoyed overlooking Darwin Harbour at Yots Greek Taverna, before an afternoon at leisure on return to our hotel. Tonight we return to the Darwin Convention Centre to attend the Welcoming Ceremony of the 18th Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair, showcasing the work of emerging and established Indigenous artists from over 70 Indigenous-owned Art Centres located in Australia’s most remote regions. Overnight Darwin (B, L)

A far-flung northern sanctuary, the Tiwi Islands are home to incredible Aboriginal culture, and today we take the scenic ferry journey to Bathurst Island. After disembarking in the Aboriginal community of Wurrumiyanga, we make our way to the Tiwi Design Art Centre where local artists and dancers will perform a Welcome to Country with a traditional smoking ceremony. We then immerse ourselves in the unique culture of the Tiwi community, as our guide takes us through the historic mission precinct and Patakijiyali Museum before participating in an exclusive ‘behind-the-scenes’ screen printing workshop with a local artist. There will be some free time to browse the works for sale before returning to Darwin by ferry, with the evening at leisure. Overnight Darwin (B, MT, PL)

The day is at leisure to return to the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair, only a short walk from our hotel. There is the option to purchase artwork direct at the show, meet many of the artists in person and enjoy a program of material demonstrations, workshops and artists talks. You may also wish to spend the afternoon by the hotel pool! This evening we meet for an early farewell dinner before attending our final event – the 20th National Indigenous Music Awards, held under the stars at Darwin’s historic Amphitheatre. The Awards bring together acts who are yet to make their mark on the world alongside those who have achieved international acclaim, such as Gurrumul and Jessica Mauboy. Overnight Darwin (B, D)

The tour concludes after breakfast this morning. There are numerous options for returning to your home city. (B)