Tiwi Islands
NT 822 • Northern Territory
About Tiwi Islands
The Tiwi Islands are a group of islands situated approximately 80 kilometres north of Darwin in the Northern Territory, comprising mainly Bathurst Island and the larger Melville Island. Covering around 7,450 square kilometres in total, the islands are governed by the Tiwi Islands Regional Council and are home to the Tiwi people, an Aboriginal Australian group with a rich and distinct cultural heritage. According to the 2021 Census, the islands had a population of approximately 2,348 across all communities, though the ABS locality count for this record captures a subset of that population.
The main communities on the islands are Wurrumiyanga (on Bathurst Island), and Milikapiti and Pirlangimpi (on Melville Island), all accessible by air or ferry from Darwin. The Tiwi Islands are renowned for their unique art, including the distinctive Pukumani burial poles, screen-printed fabrics, and ceramics, which are sold through the Tiwi Design arts centre. Visitors come for cultural tours, barramundi fishing, and AFL football — the Tiwi Bombers are a celebrated team in the Northern Territory Football League.
Tiwi Islands falls under postcode 822 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Spillett electorate.
Location
Transport & Commute
Commute to Darwin CBD
🛣️ Access via ferry from Darwin to Wurrumiyanga (Bathurst Island) or by air to island airfields
Remote island communities with limited local services; vehicle required for travel between communities.
Supermarkets Nearby
No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.
Schools
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Nauiyu (Daly River)