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Travel – Page 2 – Irawan's blog

Category: Travel

My First Tiwi Islands AFL Grand Final 2018 – What an Experience!

I got the chance to go to the Tiwi Islands AFL Grand Final in the Northern Territory. It was one of the best experiences I’ve had in Australia. The vibe was amazing, everyone was so welcoming, and the energy around the whole event was just next-level.

The game itself was incredible. The Tikaliru Dockers were on fire and ended up winning the grand final, and the crowd went absolutely wild. Even if you’re not a hardcore footy fan, you couldn’t help but get caught up in it. The players were so fast and skilled, and every goal or big play had people jumping out of their seats. It wasn’t just about the sport it was full of heart, community, and pure love for the game.

What really stood out for me was how connected the whole community was. You could see how much it meant to everyone, from the kids running around with footy boots on, to the elders sitting proudly in the shade. I felt so grateful to be there and be part of something so special. Plus, seeing the Tiwi culture up close—through the art, the music, the smiles—was something I’ll never forget.

If you ever get the chance to go to the Tiwi Islands for the grand final, do it. It’s such a unique and powerful Aussie experience—footy, culture, and community all in one. I went as a first-timer and felt like I’d been part of something bigger than just a game.

May 1, 2018
Margaret River, Western Australia

For Christmas and New Year holiday break 2017, we decided to go to Perth and spend sometimes driving around Southern part of Western Australia. Last time we visited family in Perth, we visited Rottnest Island.

Driving out from Perth was a little bit ordinary because of the traffic from a big city, bigger than Darwin anyways, on a Christmas holiday period on a busy hour. But after a quick stop at Busseltown Jetty for ice cream and fish and chips and checking around town, the road was very pretty. One of the best driving experience I’ve had besides New Zealand in 2012.

I’ve heard the name of this region a long time ago but never had a chance to visit the place and I was in love with the region. It’s very well-known as its winery and cellar doors where you can walk into a winemaker and taste their wines. Also surrounded by beautiful beaches and caves around.

Margaret River Region

Margaret River was so pretty too . . . . . . . #margaretriver #westernaustralia #australia #picoftheday #boranup #forrest #green #tree #place #love #travel #holiday

A post shared by Irawan (@jamirawan) on Dec 30, 2017 at 7:53pm PST

A post shared by Irawan (@jamirawan) on Dec 26, 2017 at 5:33pm PST

December 28, 2017
Numbulwar – Numburindi Festival

Hunting – Numbulwar Clinic opening ceremony – Numburindi Festival 2017 – Crabbing

A short video of our trip to Numbulwar Community, Northern Territory Australia.

NUMBUL-WHERE?

Numbulwar is an Australian Indigenous community located on the South East coast of Northern Territory, about 780 km from Darwin. To get there took about 12 hours drive with 200km unsealed road.

Our lovely hosts took us hunting, crabbing and going to Numburindi festival. We were lucky that the Numbulwar clinic opening ceremony was happening at the time we arrived as well. At the same time the Numburindi Festival was happening and we have the opportunity to witness the amazing ceremony and dance party in the community.

Numburindi festival

Numburindi festival

Numbulwar community kids

Numbulwar community kids on the offroad car

Unsealed road to Numbulwar

Dogs at the Numbulwar community

Me holding crabs at Numbulwar beach

Crab at numbulwar beach

Dogs staring at the crab

Numbulwar beach

Numburindi festival

Numburindi festival

Numburindi festival

Numburindi festival

Numburindi festival

Numburindi festival

Numburindi festival

Numburindi festival

Numburindi festival

Numburindi festival

Numburindi festival

Numburindi festival

Numburindi festival

Red flag dancer Numburindi festivalNumbulwar

October 8, 2017
Alice Springs

In the heart of Australia’sAustralia’s Red Centre, Alice Springs is a town that leaves a lasting impression on anyone who visits. I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing this charming outback town twice—once for a short holiday on my way road tripping from Darwin to Adelaide return and on a two-week work trip. Each visit offered something unique, but both reminded me why Alice Springs has the title of the soul of the country.

I took these photos during my work trip on the weekend and drove around the area. I still remember how the landscape stopped me in my tracks—burnt orange earth stretching toward the horizon, framed by distant ranges and a sky that always seemed bigger than anywhere else. Even though I was there for work, something about the place made every moment feel like an adventure.

Alice Springs has a laid-back pace that invites you to slow down and take it all in. Whether you’re driving through Mt Gillen, visiting the historic Telegraph Station, or catching a sunset at Anzac Hill, there’s a quiet beauty to the town that stays with you. It’s also a great base for exploring the wider region—from the dramatic gorges of the West MacDonnell Ranges to the iconic landscapes of Uluru and Kings Canyon (if you’re up for a road trip).

I had more time to explore and soak in the local culture during my holiday visit. The art galleries showcasing Central Desert Aboriginal art, the Desert Park with its immersive look into desert ecosystems, and the friendly locals made the trip both inspiring and enriching.

Alice Springs may be small, but it has a big heart. It’s where nature, culture, and history meet in unforgettable ways. I’m grateful for both trips—each offering a different perspective, shaping my appreciation for this remarkable outback town.

May 4, 2016