Nguiu
Nguiu, or Bathurst Island, is located 70km north of Darwin in the Arafura Sea. Nguiu is the main settlement in the district and nearby communities include Wurankuwu, Pirlangimpi and Milikapiti on Melville Island. The land is held in an Aboriginal Land Trust administered by the Tiwi Land Council. The year is divided into two distinctive seasons. The wet season temperatures range between 24oC overnight and 34oC during the day and continuous rainfall for days at a time is common. The dry season ranges between 16oC overnight and 33oC during the day.
In 1978 the ownership of Nguiu was formerly handed back to the Tiwi people and today the island is run by the Tiwi Land Council.
Nguiu is made up of approximately 1500 residents, with only 100 non-Aboriginal people, and made up of four different skin groups. The common language spoken is Tiwi, although most people in Nguiu speak English as a second language. As Nguiu began as a Catholic mission the influence is still strongly present in the community.
The Island is scenic with numerous sandy beaches and is surrounded by blue sea. Tiwi designs, such as arts and textiles are produced in Nguiu. The Island has many recreational activities including fishing, swimming, golf courses and football ovals. The Tiwi Islands Football Grand Final attracts national coverage each year. Nguiu church and cemetery, Tumwirripi Falls and Rocky Point are just some of the attractions in Nguiu.
