Northern Territory » Bathurst Island

Bathurst Island lies 80 kilometres to the north of Darwin in the Arafura Sea and has been the home of the Tiwi Islanders for thousands of years. Nguiu is the largest of several Aboriginal communities operating on the island. All visitors must have a permit from the Tiwi Land Council. Bathurst Island was first sighted by Europeans in 1644, when Abel Tasman passed on his way from Batavia.

In 1910 a church minister persuaded the South Australian government to give him 10,000 acres of land on Bathurst Island to build a mission for the Tiwi Islanders. The mission achieved the dubious distinction of being the first place in Australia to experience foreign invasion when, on 19 February 1942, Japanese bombers, on their way to Darwin, bombed Nguiu.

In 1978 the ownership of Bathurst Island was formally handed back to the Tiwi people and today the island is run by the Tiwi Land Council. It is said that the word 'Tiwi' means 'people, the people or, perhaps, the chosen people. No visit to Bathurst Island would be complete without a tour of its art and craft galleries. The Tiwi people’s distinctive style is popular with collectors, who snap up bark paintings, textiles, pottery and wood carvings. The exciting annual footy grand final day (which is accompanied by an art sale) in Nguiu is an event not to be missed.

Temperatures for Bathurst Island
Bathurst Island has hot summer temperatures. The summer high temperature for Bathurst Island is approximately 34 °c. The summer low temperature is approximately 24 °c.

Bathurst Island has warm winter temperatures. The winter high temperature for Bathurst Island is approximately 33 °c. The winter low temperature is approximately 16 °c.

Noonamah
Noonamah is a small town just 46 kilometres from Darwin. The Darwin Crocodile Farm is located here and you can view over 7,000 crocodiles and American alligators. Noonamah was first settled during World War II when the army set up a series of airstrips and depots in the area. Despite being bombed by the Japanese, the airstrips still remain to this day.

Oenpelli
Oenpelli is an Aboriginal community on the eastern border of World Heritage listed Kakadu National Park at the base of the Arnhem Land escarpment. Being part of Arnhem Land, travellers wanting to visit Oenpelli require a permit before visiting. Permits can be obtained from the Injalak Art and Craft Centre. An open day is held annually in August or September, when travellers can visit freely and enjoy cultural activities without a permit.

Gunbalanya
Gunbalanya is the Aboriginal name for the Oenpelli settlement (which was originally a mission). The area includes the flood plains of the East Alligator River that are covered by water from December to April and a rocky sandstone plateau rising up to 200 metres above the plains. Local artists work is displayed in the Injalak Art and Craft Centre. Walking tours are also available around Injalak Hill, a site rich in ancient Aboriginal rock art paintings.

Palmerston
Palmerston is a dynamic city offering all-modern facilities and a great base from which to explore the Darwin region. Palmerston is located just 22 kilometres (or a short 25 minute drive) from the centre of Darwin and has a population of 23500. Palmerston is the site of the Australian Army’s Robertson Barracks, purpose built for the First Brigade as part of the Army Presence in the North Project.

There are several large shopping centres at Palmerston and a pleasant 18-hole golf course. The surrounding rural area has many mango farms and the Kakadu Mango Winery is located in town. Using only the world’s best Kensington Pride mangoes, these unusual wines have a delightful tropical ambience. Another popular attraction is Marlow Lagoon, a picturesque lake and park, which also offers an area for off-leash dog walking.