During that Ice Age, the Tiwi Islands were connected to the mainland through what is now Coburg Peninsula in western Arnhem Land. Rapid sea level rises between about 8,000 to 12,000 years ago separated the islands from the mainland and each other, and is described in the legend of Mudangkala. This left the Tiwi people to develop in isolation a distinct culture over thousands of years.

In 1818, the British navigator Phillip Parker King established that there were two separate land areas, and named them Bathurst Island and Melville Island. King’s exploration led to British interest in establishing a settlement on the north coast of Australia, and in 1824 Fort Dundas was established on Melville Island. The fighting skill and tactics of the Tiwi impressed and deflated the British. Captain Bremer of Fort Dundas ‘…found that the natives’ activity was astonishing and their speed remarkable…. Their prowess, and wonderful precision of the men when using their sticks or Murakoonga thrilled the Englishmen.’ Continuing hostility between the British and the Tiwi, along with other problems associated with the location led to Fort Dundas being abandoned in 1829.

For more information visit Tiwi Land Council Website