8 Aboriginal Cultural Tours In The NT

The Northern Territory is the place to delve deeper into Indigenous Australia with an impressive number of Aboriginal tours available.

With so many options available, we know it can be hard to choose one of the many Northern Territory Aboriginal cultural tours. Which is why we’ve pulled together our top picks of the best cultural experiences to further your understanding of Australia’s first peoples.

Saltwater Cultural Tours Darwin

You don’t have to head into the wilds of the Northern Territory to experience a great Aboriginal cultural tour, with Larrakia descendent and guide Trent Lee catering to Darwin -based visitors.

Whether you want to try the art of lighting a fire the traditional way, learn how to play the didgeridoo or simply sit back and enjoy storytelling, Saltwater Cultural Tours Darwin has you covered with its ‘3-Hour Tour’.

If you’re not short on time, the company also runs a one-day ‘Out on Country’ tour that introduces tourists to the local language and cultural artefacts.

Why we love it: Being based in Darwin, the 3-Hour Tour is a super simple option for travellers on a quick city break.

Saltwater Cultural Tours Darwin — Try your hand at lighting a fire the traditional way. (image: Tourism NT)

Top Didj Cultural Experience

Hear what it’s like growing up in ‘the bush’ and learn the art of rarrk painting (cross-hatch) during the twice-daily Top Didj Cultural Experience , in Katherine (May to October).

You’ll spend around 2.5 hours with Top End Aboriginal artist Manuel Pamkal, who, along with the painting, will also teach holidaymakers how to throw a spear and light a fire with only two sticks. Afterwards, it’s worth having a look through the art gallery to pick up a souvenir or two.

Why we love it: The tours are suitable for children as young as three, so you can start their Indigenous Australia education early. How cool is that?

Manuel Pamkal, Top Didj Cultural Experience, Northern Territory — Let Manuel Pamkal, teach you how to paint in a traditional Indigenous style. (Image: Tourism NT/Shaana McNaught)

Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Experience & Tours

Promising more than your typical Aboriginal tour, Karrke offers an in-depth experience that focuses on bush tucker and bush medicine.

The one-hour Aboriginal Cultural Tour from Watarrka National Park (February to October) will educate visitors on the traditions of the Luritja and Pertame (Southern Aranda) people, particularly when it comes to seasonal food such as edible tree and grass seeds.

Why we love it: There are two reasons – it’s based out of the majestic Watarrka National Park, and you will learn all about the witchetty grub, and may even get to taste one.

Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Experience & Tours, Northern Territory — Immerse yourself in a truly authentic Aboriginal cultural experience with Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Experience & Tours. (Image: Tourism NT/Archie Sartracom)

SEIT Outback Australia

For an Uluru experience like no other, join SEIT Outback Australia for tours from the sprawling Ayers Rock Resort .

The tours educate visitors on the history of the ‘big red rock’, the fight for land rights around it, Creation stories and rock art – and that’s just the Uluru excursions. The SEIT Patji – A True Aboriginal Experience tour is a seven-hour cultural tour open to anyone aged five and above.

Why we love it: It will open your eyes to what the region was like before Uluru became one of Australia’s most iconic landmarks.

SEIT Outback Australia, Northern Territory — Open your eyes to what the region was like before Uluru became one of Australia’s most iconic landmarks. (Image: Tourism NT/Archie Sartracom)

Maruku Arts

Located at Uluru, Maruku Arts is owned and operated by Anangu, with some 900 Aboriginal artists from more than 20 remote communities in the Central and Western Deserts represented in the not-for-profit collective.

The centre runs tours and workshops, and you can take part in a 90-minute dot painting experience under the tutelage of a local artist, and try your hand at panu (woodcarving).

There is also the opportunity to walk with an artist to Mutitjulu Waterhole, at the base of Uluru, and hear about the connection between art and the land, before taking part in a painting session.

Why we love it: One, you’ll be taught some of the local language, and two, it’s great value for tourists, with adult tickets costing only $72. Did we mention there are interpreters, too?

Maruku Arts, Uluru — Discover an art form with traditions and practices stretching back multiple millennia. (Image: Tourism NT/Archie Sartracom)

Pudakul Aboriginal Cultural Tours

This Aboriginal-owned-and-operated family business, based on the Adelaide River Flood Plains on Limilngan-Wulna Land, offers a number of cultural tours , including a Kakadu Rock Art day tour taking in the famed Noulangie Rock Art.

The tour starts with a ‘Welcome to Country’ at Pudakul, includes a stop at Cahills Crossing to see the resident saltwater crocodiles (keep your distance), and ends with a healthy lunch before returning to Darwin.

Why we love it: There is also a two-hour Aboriginal Tour that’s a great introduction to local customs, and damper is served before the tour kicks off, so don’t be late.

Pudakul Aboriginal Cultural Tours, Northern Territory — Start your tour with a welcome to country. (Image: Tourism NT/Nick Pincott)

Kakadu Cultural Tours

Owned and managed by traditional owners, Kakadu Cultural Tours showcases the best Aboriginal experiences in the national park.

We love the Guluyambi Cultural Cruise (May to November) along the beautiful East Alligator River. Passengers learn about ancient mythology, the flora and fauna (no doubt the local crocs), and bush survival skills over one hour and 45 minutes.

Why we love it: There is also the Arnhemlander Cultural & Heritage 4WD Tour, which takes tourists into northern Kakadu and remote Arnhem Land.

Kakadu Cultural Tours, Northern Territory — Discover history and learnings from Indigenous culture, written in the Australian landscape. (Image: Tourism NT/James Fisher)

Ayal Aboriginal Tours

Join the half-day Kakadu Historical Buffalo Camp and Wildlife Tour to escape the crowds and see a different side of Kakadu National Park. Go off the beaten track on a walk around Gabarlgu Billabong and the South Alligator mangrove forest as you learn about wildlife, bush foods and the cultural connection to the land.

Ayal Aboriginal Tours also runs half-day private charter (4WD or 2WD bus) wetlands, rock art and wildlife tours. Check in with the company for up-to-date departures.

Why we love it: The history of buffalo hunting isn’t something you hear a lot of when visiting the park, and that’s why we rate the camp tour.

Ayal Aboriginal Tours, Northern Territory — Escape the crowds and see a different side of Kakadu National Park. (Image: Tourism NT)

Don’t forget to read our guide to choosing the right Aboriginal tour.

Spend a few days visiting the real-life Central Australian locations that inspired the new film everyone is talking about, and discover why Alice Springs is such an important part of Australian culture.

In the credits of the new Australian film Kangaroo , the first name under ‘cast’ should read ‘The Northern Territory ’. Not only is Alice Springs (and the surrounding landscape) integral to the movie itself, but the spiritual heart of Australia and its local Indigenous owners also inform the look and feel of every frame, explains Producer Trisha Morton-Thomas of Brindle Films, who also plays Charlie’s grandmother Gwennie.

“By setting Kangaroo in Alice Springs (Mparntwe), the film embraces how visible Aboriginal people are here, and the living Aboriginal culture that is woven through this community,” she explains.

still from kangarro film — See *Kangaroo*, then visit the real-life filming locations.

And while shooting in such a sacred part of the Northern Territory required extra planning, it was something the cast and crew were highly invested in.

“There are incredibly significant sacred sites and places of deep cultural stories in the area, that at times are very gender-specific, which we’ve kept out of the production,” she explains. “Even if overhead drone footage captures a sacred site that isn’t meant to be seen by other people outside of that clan, we’ve made sure to omit it from the film.”

If Kangaroo piqued your interest in a Central Australian holiday, we don’t blame you. Read on to discover eight places featured in the movie that you can visit in real life – and get planning. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen and a hat.

1. Alice Springs/ Mparntwe

artist at Many Hands Art Centre — Visit the galleries of Alice Springs, like Many Hands Art Centre. (Image: Tourism NT/ Helen Orr/ Many Hands Art Centre)

The red and dusty streets of the film’s fictional town of Silvergum were filmed on the outskirts of Alice Springs. And, while the art gallery featured in the film is fictional, Alice Springs is a hub of creativity. See the work of local artists at the Araluen Art Centre , Yubu Napa Art Gallery , Iltja Ntjarra (Many Hands) Art Centre and the famous Tjanpi Desert Weavers .

2. The Kangaroo Sanctuary & Kangaroo Rescue Centre

The Kangaroo Sanctuary Alice Springs, the inspiration for the Kangaroo move — Visit the movie’s inspiration at Kangaroo Sanctuary. (Image: Tourism NT/ Kangaroo Sanctuary)

Kangaroo was inspired by the journey of Chris ‘Brolga’ Barns, who founded the now world-renowned Kangaroo Sanctuary based in Alice Springs. For lead actor, Aussie Ryan Corr, the animals were central to the movie, alongside the landscapes.

“The animals in this story were a real calling point for me,” he explains. “What this story tries to tell us about the connection between humans and animals is beautiful.”

To gain a real insight into the fauna and flora of the Red Centre, you can visit the Kangaroo Sanctuary on a sunset tour, where you might even get the chance to hold a baby kangaroo.

3. Ormiston Gorge

woman walking along the edge of Ormiston Gorge near alice springs — Take a dip in Ormiston Gorge. (Image: Tourism NT/ @domandjesso)

The film captures the raw beauty of the West MacDonnell Ranges, known in the Arrernte language as Tjoritja. This national park is rich in Indigenous culture and stark geological wonders.

Only a 15-minute drive from Alice Springs, Tjoritja offers visitors the chance to camp, hike and swim among ancient landscapes (most attractions are less than a three-hour drive away).

Ormiston Gorge , a cooling oasis in among the red desert sands, is one of the most popular destinations, no doubt because of the permanent swimming hole and towering red cliffs. From here, visitors can also embark on the beautiful Ormiston Pound Walk and the shorter – more accessible – Ghost Gum Walk. Bring your bathers – it’s safe for swimming.

4. Standley Chasm

woman walking through Standley Chasm near alice springs — Wander through Standley Chasm. (Image: Tourism NT)

The 1.2-kilometre walk to nearby Standley Chasm will be a highlight for any visitor as the imposing 40 metre-high chasm walls project strength and ancient wisdom.

Visit at midday to experience the path illumined by the midday sun. Not only will you fill your camera roll with vibrant red images of the gorge and its intoxicating shadows, but you can also camp nearby in a powered or unpowered site so you can watch the brilliance of the desert stars fill the night sky after dusk.

5. Simpsons Gap

three people walking on path through simpsons gap near alice springs — Walk the trails of Simpson’s Gap. (Image: Tourism NT/ Helen Orr)

Closer to Alice Springs, the photogenic Simpsons Gap is the perfect place to spot the endangered Black-footed Rock wallaby near the permanent watering hole. While swimming isn’t permitted, soaking up the sun and views certainly is.

Explore the area’s numerous walking trails, appreciate the soaring cliffs on either side of the ‘gap’ and pick out the shooting locations of Kangaroo in the area.

6. Ellery Creek Big Hole

aerial of Ellery Creek Big Hole near alice springs — Dive into Ellery Creek Big Hole. (Image: Tourism NT/ Tourism Australia)

When it comes to classic Northern Territory landscapes, you can’t go past Ellery Creek Big Hole/ Udepata : tall gum trees sidling up to a refreshing watering hole (fed by the West MacDonnell Ranges and surrounded by rugged red cliffs.

Swim in the cooling waters, hike the cliff tops, watch for birds and even stargaze as you camp here overnight. It’s locations like this that attracted the film’s director Kate Woods to the project.

“It humbles you to be in this environment: it’s so beautiful, so old and so vast,” she explains. “I was thrilled to get a chance to … shoot such a beautiful story in the incredible landscape of the Northern Territory.”

7. Larapinta Drive

aerial of Larapinta Drive into alice springs — Drive along Larapinta Drive. (Image: Tourism NT)

There is no better way to get a feel for how the characters arrived at the fictional Central Australian town of Silvergum than to travel along the iconic state road, Larapinta Drive.

Connecting Alice Springs to the mighty King’s Canyon in the west, via the historic community of Hermannsburg, this road takes in the West MacDonnell National Park, Alice Springs Desert Park and artist Albert Namatjira’s house, among other attractions. Take your time, bring a camera and prepare for numerous stops along the way.

8. Todd River

competitors in Henley on Todd Regatta, alice springs — Join in the fun of the quirky Henley on Todd Regatta. (Image: Tourism NT/ TImparja Creative)

Meandering through Alice Springs like a lazy Western Brown snake, the Todd River is a central part of Alice Springs culture. Known as an ‘intermittent river’, the Todd can go from a dry dusty riverbed to a flowing waterscape in less than 15 minutes after heavy rainfall.

When it’s dry, the famous Henley on Todd Regatta fills the sandy riverbed with handmade ‘boats’ carried by sailors. This is the world’s only dry river boating event, and it’s referenced in the ‘Silvergum Boat Race’ in the movie. Inspired by the real-life event, the characters built quirky “Flintstones-style boats” and competed in teams.

See Kangaroo in cinemas now, and start planning your NT getaway at northernterritory.com.

8 Aboriginal cultural tours you will love in the NT