AAT Kings launch new tours and savings in Tiwi Islands

Flight over untouched nature , coastline and rivers

By Zach Havard

AAT Kings announced the 2023 season start of its short break and day tours in the Tiwi Islands, beckoning travellers to take in the culture of the far NT.

Situated only 80 kilometres north of Darwin, the Tiwi Islands (or Ratuwati Yinjara meaning “two islands”) are made up of 11 islands, two of which, Bathurst and Melville, are inhabited by the local Tiwi indigenous people, whose art, language, and culture remain truly unique and different from those found on the mainland.

The formation of the islands play an important role in the Tiwi creation story which took place during the dreaming or Palaneri; the time before living memory, when an old blind woman, Mudungkala, divided the islands from the mainland into the form they take today.

“AAT Kings is extremely excited to be commencing 2023 season tours in the Tiwi Islands for travellers, while also being able to offer some exceptionally great and increased discounts on tours in the Northern Territory, helping drive tourism and allow guests to add the little-known yet stunning region to their 2023 bucket list,” CEO, AAT Kings, Ben Hall, said.

The Tiwi identity is often expressed through art and dance, where traditional stories are depicted in paintings, sculptures, ceramics and painted Pukamani poles, known as tutini. These poles are found throughout the forests and woodlands and decorated with geometric patterns made with white, red, and yellow ochres, and are used in significant ceremonies including the Kurlama or yam ceremony and Pukamani or traditional burial.

Indigenous man, Tiwi Islands. (Supplied)

The tours offer travellers the best combination of Kakadu National Park with a visit to the Tiwi Islands, from exploring the National Park to enjoying a Yellow Water Billabong or Jumping Crocodile Cruise, visiting the Warradjan Cultural Centre or soaking up Edith Falls.

As part of the new season launch, AAT Kings is offering a number of deals on its most popular Tiwi Island tours. Savings of up to $90 off per couple are available on the three day Kakadu & Tiwi Islands Explorer tour (from $1569 per adult), and up to $100 off per couple on the four day Kakadu, Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge & Tiwi Islands Explorer tour (from $1975 per adult). Offer valid for sale until June 21, 2023, for select travel departures from Apr 1, 2023 to Mar 31, 2024.

To celebrate the restart of tours in the Tiwi Islands, AAT Kings has also deepened its discounts on selected departures across the Northern Territory, giving travellers up to 20% off select experiences between 14th April 2023 and 21st June 2023.

Key savings include:

20% off Northern Territory Explorer (31/05/2023 departure). From $4,788per person, twin share save $1,197
20% off Top End Highlights (15/06/2023 departure). From $2,428 per person, twin share save $607
20% off Outback Adventure (20/06/2023 departure). From $6,756 per person, twin share save $1,689
20% off Outback Safari (1/07/2023 departure). From $5,432 per person, twin share save $1,358

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