Munupi Wilderness Lodge is also known as Clearwater Island Lodge

Tiwi Island

Melville Island is the second largest island off of the Australia Coast, the first being Tasmania. Only about 20 kilometres from the Australian mainland at its closest point, it is separated from the smaller Tiwi Island, Bathurst Island by the narrow Apsley Straight which divides the islands north and south.
Both Tiwi Islands have heavy afforestation with both native and commercial regeneration. There are native paper bark, stringy bark, eucalypts, ironwood, and woolybutt forests, as well as significant areas of commercial pine forests.


Tropical Splendour

Pandanus Palms grow abundantly on the Tiwi Islands with mangroves thriving at the salt water’s edge. The cool cover of monsoonal rainforest surround the many freshwater springs creating a perfect tropical oasis. Numerous rivers snake their way inland, alternating from salt to fresh water as they stretch further from the sea.


Floodplains and Wildlife

The floodplains create are a haven for native Australian birds. The brolgas, jabiru, geese ducks, pelicans, and many species of waterfowl are at home in the beauty of their lush habitat. The bush is alive with wildlife. Wallaby, bandicoot, buffalo, and possums can be found and observed going about their daily rountine in and around the many waterholes.


Tiwi’s Red Cliffs

There are many varieties of Australian Pythons and snakes. Although present, they are rarely seen unless specifically targeted. The coast is characterised by the inspiring stretches of magnificent red cliffs that provide a spectacular backdrop against a purple sky at sunrise and sunset. Something no to be missed while staying on the Tiwi Islands. Only fingers of rock and reef that reach out into the Arafura Sea break the pristine white beaches.


Changing Seasons

The Tiwi Islands have a Wet and a Dry season, with subtle variations in between. The build up to the Wet Season begins in September, with rising humidity and the occasional shower or storm. By November the storms are larger and more common, often lighting up the night sky for hours with powerful, awe-inspiring lightning displays.


Spectacular Fishing

The storms intensify until the monsoon arrives from the north bringing the north east trade winds and torrential tropical downpours. This can occur at any time from November through to April, but the wettest months are usually January and February. Although this weather report sounds like it would put a dampener on any holiday, at Munupi Wildlife Lodge there is a hive of activity during this season with large barramundi being very productive during this period. As the land begins to dry, from March to May, the floodplains empty their massive burden into the Tiwi rivers, streams and billabongs replenishing the regions fishing waters.


Peak Times

This is called the run-off and is famous for its spectacular Barra Fishing, often hundreds of fish hooked in a day. June through to August is the dry season. This period is interspersed with an occasional shower; however it is less humid and more comfortable. Most visitors arrive at this time, and as the locals burn off the land to improve the hunting, the hazy atmosphere produces the unforgettable sunsets that Munupi is world renowned for.