tours to tiwi islands northern territory

Tiwi By Design Day Tour

• Enjoy a hands-on Aboriginal art workshop
• Get a closer look at Tiwi history and culture
• Experience a place that most visitors miss
• Observe wildlife in its natural environment
• See itinerary
• Local guide
• WiFi on board
• Restroom on board
• Entry/Admission - SeaLink Northern Territory
• Entry/Admission - Tiwi Design
• Food and drinks, unless specified
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Cullen Bay Ferry Terminal, Larrakeyah NT 0820, Australia Cullen Bay Ferry Terminal, at the end of Marina Boulevard, Cullen Bay, Darwin. 5 minutes drive from Darwin CBD, free all day parking in off-street carparks.
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Pushchair accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Near public transportation
• Infant seats available
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travellers can participate
• This is a walking tour, an easy stroll over short distances between the ferry landing, art centre and mission precinct. **Please note that the Bathurst Island Museum is closed until 2022, and is no longer included in this tour**
• Covid Procedures: We have always had stringent and rigorous hygiene standards, cleaning procedures and health and safety practices. During this time, we have stepped our practices and procedures up even further. Where possible we have made additional hand sanitisers and cleaning stations available to our customers and employees to exercise good hand/hygiene practices. We have also placed hygiene communications in our vessels, vehicles, accommodation, food venues, shop fronts/counters/terminals from the relevant health authorities.
• This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 35 travellers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• Tiwi Design

Similar experiences

• You'll start at Cullen Bay Ferry Terminal Larrakeyah NT 0820, Australia Cullen Bay Ferry Terminal, at the end of Marina Boulevard, Cullen Bay, Darwin. 5 minutes drive from Darwin CBD, free all day parking in off-street carparks. See address & details
• 1 SeaLink Northern Territory Stop: 5 hours - Admission included See details
• 2 Tiwi Design Stop: 2 hours - Admission included See details
• You'll return to the starting point

• X6600EVkatrinah 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Didn’t happen Looking forward to it. Arrived early for the cruise. Only to be told by someone who walked off the ship ‘ no harbour cruise today’ sorry we only had a few bookings anyway and a staff member left. So that was our cruise looking at the water from the terminal Read more Written 20 May 2024
• nobbyc115 0 contributions 2.0 of 5 bubbles Tiwi islands a must but. The Tiwi Islands have always been on my bucket list, so I booked the Tiwi Islands Day Tour through SeaLink. On the day of our scheduled departure, the tour was canceled because their boat was out of action. That same day, we were contacted by SeaLink sales staff and given the option of getting a refund or rebooking the tour for another day. We chose the latter and were told that a reconfirmation email would be sent, but we never received it. With no response from SeaLink, we had to contact the sales staff again, and an email was eventually sent. We understand that ships break down, and that was not the issue. However, upon our arrival for the rescheduled tour, it was still uncertain whether the boat would be departing. The situation was chaotic, with no clear instructions, signage, or communication about the check-in process. Everyone was walking around from one area to another, unsure of what to do. We eventually got checked in and boarded the boat for the pleasant journey to the Tiwi Islands, which had a nice onboard cafe. Upon our arrival, there was more confusion. There were no signs for our tour, and the SeaLink staff kept directing us from one line to another. It seemed that our names had been added to the tour at the last minute. We were placed with an AAT Kings tour group and, at times, did not feel very welcome. The tour itself, led by the locals, was very informative and eye-opening. It's a shame it was so short. The small lunch and smoking ceremony added to the experience of this special place. The Kiwi Design art centre was nice but very pricey compared to the rest of the Northern Territory and Western Australia. For those interested in purchasing Aboriginal art and concerned about the provenance of their purchases, it's worth noting that the art center could not provide photos of the artists with their work. Overall, the Tiwi Islands and its people are wonderful, and we hope to return for a longer visit in the future. Read more Written 18 May 2024
• biancavC1663JX 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Do not recommend Apauling - trip was cancelled on our arrival at Cullen Bay with no prior warning as we were the only ones booked - disgusting 😡 Read more Written 6 May 2024
• maw334 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Very disapointing We had been to Darwin several times and missed this buffet, so back in January l checked their dates for the tour and booked flights and accommodation to coincide with the August tour and my birthday. After having booked and paid for the tour in January, on the Wednesday before they rang to say the tour would not be operating. Yes, l got my money back, but this turned out to be a very expensive nonevent- too late to book anything else we spent our week on the local buses and having a look around that way- Read more Written 3 September 2023
• GudGollyMsMolly 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Awesome Day on Bathurst island We recently completed the Tiwi Islands Day Tour. It was fantastic. The locals were all very friendly, the design centre was amazing with its huge array of local arts - if you can't find something as a souvenir or exquisite artwork for your home then you're not looking very hard :-). The museum gave a good insight to the local history & our guide Freddie was fabulous with his intimate knowledge of the islands & their history. Highly recommended. Read more Written 3 September 2023
• JimbobAdelaide 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Relaxing and informative short cruise Nice relaxing cruise that was a good orientation to Darwin. Informative commentary and good value for money. Read more Written 18 August 2023
• 443emmien 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles The highlight are the crew! The crew was absolutely amazing, so friendly and great vibes. Great little cruise around Darwin Harbour to see the sights. Thanks for an awesome cruise guys! Read more Written 12 August 2023
• Norah L 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Very pleasant and informative trip Very pleasant trip with plenty of interesting commentary. It was a beautiful day, and the crew were very friendly. We caught the Big Bus there and then back to town. We have certainly learned a lot about Darwin. Read more Written 1 August 2023
• Venture19888859795 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Short Cullen Bay harbor cruise. This was a short harbor trip on a catamaran. The captain visited with us before the excursion and did commentary while cruising. Really friendly staff at the office where we purchased the tickets. A nice, short harbor cruise (45 minutes) which gave us a good feeling for where we were. We also got some interesting historical information. It was worth it for us. Read more Written 11 April 2023
• melzyattard85 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Not worth the money This tour is very misleading. They say its a cruise to a resort with a seafood buffet lunch but what it should say is its a 2 hour ferry trip (so basically public transport) over to a resort that isn't really a resort with a seafood/BBQ lunch that you may or may not get to try everything from it as they don't cater enough for everyone and then run out of plates so take yours as soon as you finish so they can quickly wash them for the rest of the people patiently waiting at the buffet table at 1pm to eat something. The staff there aren't very welcoming and you are watched like a hawk so you don't put too much on your plate. If you want to dip in a small backyard style pool that won't fit everyone in, then this is the place to go. If you want to relax in an actual resort with an actual resort style pool, then the Mecure Darwin Airport Resort is the place to go. This tour is not worth the amount of money they charge for it. You can go to a beautiful waterfront seafood restaurant and enjoy it a lot more and pay nowhere near as much. We tried to get a taxi or uber back to Darwin but they don't go out that far, so were forced to sit around and wait for the dreaded long ferry back as there is nothing to do there. This was a terrible way to end our week in the NT. Don't waste your money on this trip, spend it on something more enjoyable. Read more Written 22 October 2022
• ronp1954 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Very informative cruise Did a lunchtime cruise of Darwin Harbour and it was well worth the price paid. Comfortable journey and very informative throughout. Tour lasted 90 minutes which we though was perfect. Read more Written 28 September 2022
• Resort397989 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Informative Had a morning open prior to flying out and it was the perfect activity to fill in. Super informative, yet relaxing. Appreciated the water as we boarded as it was already getting warm Good bit of history! Read more Written 20 September 2022
• Mikablack2229 0 contributions 2.0 of 5 bubbles Harbour cruise without commentary The audio on this cruise was indecipherable. It seemed that there was plenty of information available but next to no-one on the upper or lower cabins could hear it. Read more Written 18 August 2022
• Vacationer169129 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Disappointing What should have been a lovely day ended up in disaster. The departure time that was provided by viator was 10.30 when in fact the ferry left at 9 am. Being a Saturday no one could be contacted as it was out of office hours This was an epic failure by vistor/TripAdvisor and I am requesting a refund of $389 however the worse is that we won't be able to take this tour as it is booked out til October and we won't be back in Darwin anytime soon. Think twice before booking with viator Read more Written 9 August 2022
• Sam_AndyCapeTown 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Luxury beach life My family stayed in the new deluxe cabins and we were blown away by the high quality finishes and features. They were much bigger than we expected and seemed almost brand new. The beds were super comfy and the bathrooms well designed and very clean. The views from the cabin balcony takes in the beach and water with the mangroves close by. Stunning! We loved having some drinks and playing boards games with the kids on the balcony. The Crab Claw restaurant and deck area is also very well presented and the dinner was lovely, enhanced by a wonderful sunset. Bacon and eggs for brekkie was also a winner! John, Daniel and the team really looked after us and could not do anything more to make us feel welcome and ensure we had a great stay. Highly recommended. Read more Written 27 July 2022

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Tiwi Islands, Northern Territory © Tourism Australia

Guide to the Tiwi Islands

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• Getting to the Tiwi Islands
• When to visit

With a thriving Aboriginal arts culture, secluded fishing lodges and a passion for football, the Tiwi Islands promise a holiday like no other.

A unique part of Australia, the Tiwi Islands are an off-the-beaten-track destination for intrepid travellers. The islands are renowned for the excellent fishing opportunities and welcoming locals. Almost 90 per cent of residents are of Aboriginal descent, and you can learn about their fascinating culture on a range of guided tours.

All visitors to the Tiwi Islands require a permit. If you aren’t visiting with a tour, you will need to apply for a  permit . To get here, catch a charter plane from Darwin International Airport (DRW) or a ferry. The islands are serviced by three airports, so choose a flight based on the island you’re visiting.

• Flights from Darwin to Bathurst Island Airport (BRT) take 30 minutes
• Flights from Darwin to Snake Bay Airport on Melville Island take 25 minutes
• Flights from Darwin to Garden Point Airport (GPN) on Melville Island take 30 minutes
• Ferries from Cullen Bay Ferry Terminal to Wurrumiyanga on Bathurst Island take 2.5 hours

There are several ways to get around and travel between islands. Hire car, bus, ferries and tour operators are on offer.

The Tiwi Islands are located in Australia’s tropical north, meaning you can expect two distinct seasons: the dry season and the wet season. As the islands are hot all year round, most travellers visit during the dry season when it’s less likely to rain.

• High season: Dry season (June to September)
• Low season: Wet Season (October to May)
• Don’t miss: Embracing the island’s passionate art and football culture during the Football Grand Final and Art Sale, which takes place each March

Trips and Itineraries

3 days in Darwin

10 days of Australian Aboriginal experiences

Nature’s Way: 7-day road trip to Kakadu and Litchfield

Destinations near the tiwi islands.

Arnhem Land

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We acknowledge the Traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Owners of the land, sea and waters of the Australian continent, and recognise their custodianship of culture and Country for over 60,000 years.

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Northern Territory's Tiwi Islands

Your guide to uncovering the northern territory’s tiwi islands.

Located a short ferry ride across the Beagle Gulf from Darwin, the Tiwi Islands are a  little-known  gem in the Northern Territory’s Top End.  Home to  indigenous culture rich in tradition,  art  and Aussie Rules football,  you’ll receive a warm welcome when you visit the Island of Smiles.  For those  with  a day to spare in Darwin, a guided visit to spend time experiencing a glimpse of modern and living Aboriginal culture is a highlight of any trip to the Top End.   

Where are the Tiwi Islands?

Situated only 80kms north of Darwin, the Tiwi Islands (or  Ratuwati   Yinjara   meaning “two islands”)  actually number  11 islands in total, 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. These rich stories and the separation from the mainland allowed a strong and distinctive identity to develop.  A  trip  to the  Patakijiyali   Museum  gives visitors the opportunity to  learn about  the  Tiwi Dreamtime and  the islands’  more recent history through  displays of traditional art  and sporting heritage.  

Why are the Tiwi Arts & Culture so unique?

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.   With five Tiwi-owned art  centres   located here,  you’ ll  be sure to be headed home  with some  beautiful souvenirs and handcrafted memorabilia of your visit to the Tiwi Islands ,  as well as meet the artists who make them  and learn more about their craft.  On  AAT Kings’ Tiwi Islands Aboriginal Cultural Tour,  you’ll have the chance to spend time with the  Tiwi   ladies  while they weave and  paint and experience a traditional smoking ceremony.   

Dance , or  yoi ,  is also a part  of everyday life here , with different dances performed during and significant events, a nd as a way of passing history down to younger generations .  Narrative dances tell stories of everyday life or historical events , accompanied by songs which are  specially created to convey the dance’s meaning.  Each Tiwi person also has their own  dreaming dance which is inherited from their father  and  children are taught from very young age to perform theirs . These dances are representative of the person’s dreaming totem  which take the form of  animals  such as  Yirrikipayi  (Crocodile),  Jarrangini  (Buffalo),  and  Kitirika  (Turtle) .  

The Tiwi Islands are also renowned for having the highest community football participation rate in Australia, with  the Islands Football League (TIFL) boasting 900 members out of a total population of 2500!  Some of the Australian Football League’s (AFL) top players  are Tiwi Islanders, including Maurice and Cyril  Rioli  who played for Richmond and  Hawthorn  respectively.  The Tiwi Islands Grand Final takes place every March  and attracts up to 3,000 spectators, the biggest day of the year for fans and visitors  alike.  

What is there to see on the Tiwi Islands?  

From Darwin, your ferry journey will take you to the  town of  Wurrimiyanga  on Bathurst Island , which has the largest population of around 2,000 people  and is located within walking distance of the ferry wharf.  The town  dates back to  1911 when it was established as a Catholic Mission , and here you’ll find the fascinating  Patakijiyali  Museum, which depicts the dreamtime and modern history of the islands , also offering an interactive space for Tiwi children to learn about their culture.  The Catholic Church building, which  dates back to  194 1, was built in the style of a typical Queenslander building,  decorated inside with traditional artwork adorning the walls and altar.  The town  also  offers a fascinating insight into World War II history,  and the role the Tiwi Islands played  in the conflict .   

When is the best time to visit the Tiwi Islands?  

Traditionally there are three major seasons in the Tiwi  Islands;   Kumunupunari , the dry season (or the season of smoke),  Tiyari , the  build-up  season and  Jamutakari , the wet season .  From April to mid-August the dry season sees very little rainfall and temperatures  range from 19C – 29C degrees, making it a pleasant time of year to visit .  Tiyari  brings with  it   hot weather and high humidity from mid-August to November , closely followed by the wet season months from December to March.  AAT Kings’ Tiwi Islands Aboriginal Cultural Tour  runs  twice a week from April to May and September to November, and three times a week from June to August.   

How do I get to the Tiwi Islands?   

A 2 ½ hour ferry ride takes you from  the Cullen Bay wharf in Darwin to  Wurrumiyanga , travelling onboard the Tiwi  Mana tawi .  The Tiwi Islands are owned and managed by the local Tiwi people and a permit is required to visit.  AAT Kings’ Tiwi  Islands Aboriginal Cultural Tour  includes a Tiwi visitor permit, return ferry  to Bathurst Island, an experienced driver guide and travel in an air-conditioned coach as well as lunch .   

These culturally rich and unique islands are waiting to be explored, and the  vibrant living culture  offers a wonderful glimpse into  the friendly and welcoming communities who call the Tiwi’s home. A trip to  discover the fascinating ancient and modern heritage is a  wonderful addition to a visit to Darwin and the Northern Territory.   

How to book  

The  Kakadu & Tiwi Islands Explorer   3-day  Short Break combines the best of Kakadu National Park with a visit to the Tiwi Islands. Priced from  $1,209 per person, twin share, this introductory journey showcases the  diversity of indigenous culture in the region and gives you the chance to experience ancient and modern  art,  song  and dance. You can book  your Tiwi Islands Aboriginal Cultural Adventure  here , or call us on 1300  228 546 and speak with our friendly reservations team to  book your trip to experience the Islands of Smiles today.  

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Matt Wright is National Geographic’s Outback Wrangler and the star of Netflix’s hit show Wild Croc Territory. Matt ’s extraordinary outback lifestyle, passion for wildlife and knowledge of helicopters, boats and airboats has led him to develop some of the most sort after outback adventures in the world. Top End Safari Camp, Tiwi Island Retreat and Darwin Adventure Boats deliver the very best tours for guests to experience the unspoilt natural beauty and wilderness of Australia’s outback.

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AFLNT called on to reverse decision to strip champion Tiwi footballer Dennis Dunn of prestigious award

Dennis Dunn, a Tiwi Islander and one of the greatest Northern Territory footballers of all time, has endured many dark days in his life.

The day he was caught in a police sting on a remote beach with a pound of cannabis that was destined for the Tiwi Islands, more than 15 years after his playing career ended, is one of them.

He would record a criminal conviction, receive a suspended six-month prison sentence, spend a mandatory minimum 28 days in prison and be punished in his community on the Tiwis.

"It was the most embarrassing thing that I ever felt in my life. I mucked up, so I went back to my people, my clan group, and fix it up," he says of his 2016 arrest. 

"It was like a shock, you know, and then reality hits and you've got to go into jail. That's life, life isn't easy, so you just got to keep getting up and going."

Mr Dunn was a once-in-a-century player in the Northern Territory, kicking more goals (817) than any other player in the history of the Northern Territory Football League (NTFL).

Memories of what Mr Dunn did on the field are still legendary: multiple 100-goal seasons, the famous day he kicked 20 goals in a game at Gardens Oval, and the 16 other occasions he booted at least 10 goals in a game.

From first arriving to play in Darwin as a nervous kid from a remote community, to helping lead the Northern Territory to victory in the 1988 national Bicentenary Carnival, Mr Dunn played with the skills and authority that would have comfortably made him an AFL player in Victoria if it weren't for his homesickness.

"As far as the Tiwi Islands went, he was the cult figure of his era," says Grey Morris, a veteran Northern Territory football journalist.

"Michael Long was around, but Michael Long was off in the AFL. The Riolis were around too, but he was the one real cult hero.

"I remember kids and adults used to go through the gates just to watch him."

In 2009, the AFLNT placed naming honours onto the annual award for the leading goal kicker in the NTFL. Mr Dunn's name was the only choice.

"It was a very special honour to get the award named after me. There's a lot of pride in it," Mr Dunn says.

"It meant a lot to us, really, even the people on the island will talk about it … A community person you know, getting his name up on the board." 

Earlier this year, these two significant points of Mr Dunn's life – a rock-bottom moment, and his greatest honour – converged.

Following the death of his son, Mr Dunn was eagerly looking forward to travelling to Darwin to hand out the goal kicking award in March.

But a week before the NTFL's honours night, AFLNT formalised a decision to strip Mr Dunn's name from the award, citing his drug conviction.

"The decision was made to remove Dennis Dunn's name from the NTFL Men's Premier League goal kicking award following a review of AFLNT honours and awards where names are associated," AFL Northern Territory said.

"During AFLNT's deliberations, the conviction for the attempted supply of prohibited drugs into an Aboriginal community was considered, as well as the prominent role our game plays in supporting strong, healthy, and active communities across the NT." 

The review followed AFLNT's decision in early 2023 to remove Coleen Gwynne's name from the NTFL Women's Premier League best and fairest award over racist comments aired in court.

Mr Dunn, months after the decision, says he feels embarrassed and ashamed, and has slipped into poor mental health.

His family feels aggrieved, and an anger has built back on the Tiwi Islands over the call to strip Mr Dunn's name from the award over a conviction that's almost a decade old.

"The heartache and the pain, it's just life reliving it again, you know?," he says.

"Why do you want to bring up stuff that I've already paid my time for? Because I was done with a pound of dope?"

'Football has shown that it can forgive'

Many prominent footballing figures in the Northern Territory, as well as Mr Dunn's family, have expressed dismay regarding AFLNT's decision and how it was handled, and are calling on AFLNT to reverse it.

"All that's come out of this situation is very negative. Negative towards Dennis and the Tiwi islands," Brian Long, the brother of Michael Long, who grew up with Mr Dunn on a Tiwi mission, says.

"There's been no duty of care for Dennis. Back in the 1980s, we changed the game for the NTFL community.

"I think that's wrong. And they need to rethink the way that they process what they're doing."

Those who played with Mr Dunn say the goal kicking award symbolised the greatness of the Indigenous footballers who played for NTFL football club St Mary's in that era — trailblazers who came from remote communities and thrilled crowds in Darwin.

These players – the first wave of the superstar Riolis and Longs among them – would go on to an unprecedented run of dominance in the NTFL.

They broke racial barriers and are widely credited with clearing the way for the waves of Indigenous talent that have followed in their footsteps.

"We felt pretty hopeless … it actually felt like somebody had passed away in the family, to be honest with you," former AFL player Russell Jeffrey, who was once a teammate of Mr Dunn's, says.

"He almost feels like a failure because of what's happened.

 "Football has shown that it can forgive … he's been stripped of this magnificent honour that he totally deserves, in my opinion."

Mr Morris says he'd "like to see the league have another look at [the decision]".

Mary Dunn, Mr Dunn's sister, who is also a Tiwi Islands Football League board member, said she was disappointed.

"There should have been a broader range of people who they consulted with. We live in remote communities," she said.

In a letter seen by the ABC addressed to AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon, Mr Dunn's family have questioned AFLNT's ruling.

"The decision-making process lacked fairness and the opportunity for Dennis to defend himself," the letter says.

"The NTFL was an amateur league in his playing days with no educational services about drugs, gambling and domestic violence.

"We find the reasoning behind the decision, particularly the mention of protecting remote Aboriginal Communities, to be insensitive and misplaced."

The ABC understands AFLNT is not considering reversing the decision.

In a statement, AFLNT said it acknowledged the decision "should have been made earlier" and that it had received "widespread support".

It also said it had made offers to meet with Mr Dunn to discuss its decision. 

'Aussie Rules was his equaliser'

Another common theme raised in interviews with people close to Northern Territory football is a belief that stripping Mr Dunn's name from the award has revealed inconsistent standards from the AFL around decisions to honour players with complicated pasts.

"We've all got records. In Dennis's case, Aussie Rules was his equaliser – not just Dennis, but [for] thousands of Aboriginal people. Their chance to make a name for themselves is on the sporting field, and they most certainly have," Mr Morris says.

Adrian Moscheni, a former president of St Mary's, said Mr Dunn, like a lot of footballers after their careers finished, was "a little bit unsure of where they are going to go in the future and how they are going to do it".

Mr Dunn has lived precariously since his playing career ended, falling into marijuana use after a string of deaths in his family.

"We live in a remote community. It's so hard out here. We don't have the benefit that the mainland has," Mary Dunn, who lives in Wurrumiyanga, says.

'I don't know what message is being given'

Dennis Dunn has returned to the Tiwi Islands since his conviction.

There, he has been elected to the Tiwi Land Council, and become a director of his clan group.

His long-standing goal is to get more jobs for people in his community, where opportunities can be scarce.

"I've just been worrying about my own people and seeing how we can help generate jobs, to be independent on the island," he says.

Mr Jeffrey says the AFLNT "should have a look at the community aspect of his life and what he's been able to give back to the community".

Mr Dunn still endures the struggles he has faced since his playing career ended.

"You're just human in the end. They think you're like superman, you know, you don't do nothing wrong, everything's good," he says.

"But not everything is good. You have relationship problems, then work problems, family and then funeral problems — it never ends."'

The type to generally avoid attention, Mr Dunn steered clear of quiet protests that were held by his supporters outside two AFL games held in Darwin this month.

At the gates of Marrara Stadium, Mr Dunn's supporters sat around a petition calling for AFLNT to reinstate his name on the goal kicking award.

The petition drew much interest, and has been signed by more than 1,000 people, including names from key families on the Tiwi Islands — Riolis, Tipungwutis, Wonaeamirris, Kantillas, Puruntatameris, Tipilouras, Munkaras, Kerinauia and Tungatalums among them.

"We'd just like to sort this out, and see if they can overturn their decision," Mr Dunn says.

"I'm trying to get that trophy back."

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