An Insider's Guide to the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair

It’s the liveliest time of year to visit Darwin, when the days are not too hot, not too wet, and the city comes alive with one of the biggest events on the Indigenous art calendar.

Every August the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair attracts thousands of people to see the canvases, bark paintings, sculptures, ceramics, textiles and jewellery presented by First Nations artists from across the country.

Under the umbrella of the Darwin Festival, the art fair takes place over three days in August alongside several other major Indigenous events. Grab the calendar and squeeze in: an exquisite runway parade as part of the National Indigenous Fashion Awards; a night under the stars at the National Indigenous Music Awards; and a visit to the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory for the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair – or DAAF for short – before visiting Darwin.

What is the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair?

The first DAAF was held in 2015 and it has grown to secure a reputation as one of the country’s most significant Indigenous art events.

an Indigenous artist at the annual DAAF, Injalak Arts tour with Venture North — Meet Indigenous curators and artists at the Injalak Arts tour. (Image: Tourism NT/James Fisher)

Taking place annually in the huge 4000 square-metre air-conditioned exhibition hall of the Darwin Waterfront’s convention centre, the fair has become a true celebration of First Nations art and culture; a vivid, joyous coming together of artists, art admirers, performers, designers and art centres.

With a buzzing marketplace where buyers have access to artists connected to more than 70 remote Indigenous art centres (and where 100 per cent of the money from the sale of artworks goes directly to the artists and their communities) it’s all about creativity, interaction, knowledge sharing and of course, shopping.

visitors at the Darwin Convention Centre during the annual DAAF — The annual DAAF is held at the Darwin Convention Centre. (Image: Tourism NT/Shaana McNaught)

When is the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair?

For 2024, DAAF is running from 9th to 11th August.

The Darwin Festival will take place from 8th to 25th August 2024. Running alongside DAAF is Country to Couture, a high-energy runway event on 6th August 2024, presenting collections from some of Australia’s most talented First Nations fashion designers and artists working in remote Indigenous communities.

a woman flaunting an Indigenous fabric with beautiful patterns at the annual DAAF — Indigenous art takes centre stage at the annual DAAF. (Image: Tourism NT)

Highlights of the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair

Besides the diverse artworks on display and for sale from over 1,500 artists, highlights of the fair include the (ticketed) opening ceremony, artist talks and masterclasses, as well as traditional dance and (for the young at heart) the children’s activity station.

Aboriginal artwork on display at the Injalak Arts and Crafts Centre — You’ll find various Aboriginal artwork on display from Injalak Arts and Crafts Centre. (Image: Tourism NT/Felix Baker)

Workshops can include soft sculpture making with Yarrenyty Arltere Artists, or sitting with master weavers from Injalak Arts in Gunbalanya or the renowned Numbulwar Numburindi Arts to learn the process of weaving a basket.

an artist weaving a basket at the Injalak Arts and Crafts Centre — Sit with master weavers to learn the process of creating intricately woven baskets. (Image: Tourism NT/Felix Baker)

Each year the fair grows in physical events so it feels different from year to year as it welcomes more visitors who come to immerse themselves in the oldest living cultures on earth.

a colourful display of Gunbalaya artwork at the DAAF — See a remarkable display of artwork from Injalak Arts in Gunbalanya at the DAAF. (Image: Tourism NT/Felix Baker)

How to buy Aboriginal Art ethically

One of the motivating principles of DAAF is to educate and encourage buyers to think and act ethically when it comes to purchasing Indigenous art. Buying art in person and online during the fair comes with the reassurance that no commission is charged, with all money going to the artists or Aboriginal-owned and operated community art centres.

While this exacting standard ensures the relationships formed at DAAF between artists and art lovers are mutually beneficial and morally responsible, it also confirms the foundation’s focus on fostering an environment in which Indigenous artists’ depth of talent and craftsmanship is celebrated and appreciated.

In fact, this is something the foundation champions 365 days a year, including by encouraging prospective buyers to be informed and guided by the Indigenous Art Code . The code is designed to ensure that artists are treated fairly, honestly and respectfully. It encourages buyers to ask the art centre, dealer or gallery three key questions: who is the artist? Where are they from? How does the artist get paid?

an Indigenous painter at the Injalak Arts Tour — Immerse yourself in the outstanding artistry of the works on display. (Image: Tourism NT/James Fisher)

Details for visiting

Entry costs: Free. The opening ceremony takes place on a Thursday evening and tickets can be purchased through the Darwin Festival.

Opening times: Friday 10am to 4pm; Saturday 10am to 5pm; Sunday 10am to 4pm.

Accessibility: Darwin Convention Centre is easily accessible for parents with prams, the disabled and the elderly.

Getting there: Darwin Convention Centre is located at the Darwin Waterfront Precinct, a popular tourist area that is a five-minute walk from the Darwin CBD.

Parking: Darwin Convention Centre has easily accessible public car parks.

Summer transforms the Northern Territory into a lush paradise of colour and life, as a visit during the ‘low-season’ reveals secrets the locals willingly share.

Waterlilies bloom, floodplains are alive with birdlife, waterfalls are gushing, and everywhere the green is dazzling. Summer in the Top End and the Red Centre is a kaleidoscope of unexpected wonders that delight and surprise visitors. Of course, the locals know only too well that the Northern Territory low season is often the best time to see and experience this amazing part of Australia.

Here are some of the reasons why savvy travellers – avoiding the crowds – are discovering a new dimension to the Territory. Remember that you’ll need a Parks Pass to visit national parks.

1. Take a dip in the Florence Falls waterhole

Wander through savanna woodland and monsoon forest to discover the perfect place to cool off – the waterhole at the base of spectacular Florence Falls in the magnificent Litchfield National Park , just 90 minutes’ drive from Darwin. The falls flow year-round but are most spectacular during the summer. Camping is available nearby but bookings are essential and must be made online before you visit.

Surrounded by lush forest, a woman cools off in Florence Falls, just one of many incredible things to do in the Northern Territory. — Cool off beneath the cascading waters of Florence Falls. (Image: Joshua Griffin)

2. Wind down at Buley Rock Hole

Another popular local swimming spot in Litchfield National Park is Buley Rock Hole , open year-round. This is a great place to wind down after exploring everything the park has to offer, including towering termite mounds. Wade through the rock pools, soak up the scenic bush or just lie back and relax as the cool water rolls over you.

Buley Rockhole, Litchfield National Park — Let the cool water wash over you. (Image: Tourism Australia)

3. Tour the Tiwi Islands

The Tiwi Islands , a scenic 80km flight from Darwin across the narrow Clarence and Dundas Straits, reveal a different side to the Territory, with their own distinctive culture. Take a day tour with Tiwi by Design to visit Bathurst Island and learn about creation stories, the Mission days, World War II history and the islanders’ obsession with AFL!

Take a ‘behind-the-scenes’ tour of Tiwi Design’s screen-printing workshop and pick up a great souvenir in the form of art. Choose from contemporary or traditional Tiwi designs and a wide range of work including carvings, paintings, pottery, printmaking, bark paintings and tunga (bark baskets).

A creative moment shared inside Tiwi Design’s screen-printing space. — Take a peek inside Tiwi Design’s screen-printing studio. (Image: Tourism NT)

4. Dine in Darwin

Foodies are spoilt for choice in multi-cultural Darwin. Try Sri Lankan flavours at Ella by Minoli, where Masterchef contestant Minoli De Silva creates delectable dishes, or head to Charlie’s of Darwin for gin-tasting, cocktails and more. Bowls of fragrant laksa, excellent coffee, fresh vegetables and authentic crafts are all part of a weekend visit to Darwin’s Parap Markets , Rapid Creek Markets and the Nightcliff Markets .

Prefer to catch your own dinner? Book a Top End fishing charter to bag a barramundi – and from October register for the annual Million Dollar Fish competition. Hooking one of the tagged barra released each year in waterways across the Territory could win you up to $1 million.

A bowl of Laksa. — Eat your way through multicultural Darwin. (Image: Tourism NT)

5. Up close with Uluṟu

The magnificent monolith Uluṟu is even more magical when the summer rains fall. When it rains on The Rock, the locals come out to watch – consider yourself lucky if that happens when you visit. Waterfalls cascading off the sides of Uluṟu is a sight that relatively few tourists see.

There’s so much to do at Uluṟu, from guided walks to learn the stories of the Aṉangu people and the ancient landscape they live in to scenic flights for a bird’s-eye view or a leisurely walk around the base of Uluṟu. Book ahead to spend the evening wandering through the Field of Light installation by Bruce Munro.

A closer look at Uluru and uncover its ancient stories, sacred sites, and striking natural beauty – one of the most iconic things to do in the Northern Territory. — Discover the details that make Uluṟu truly sacred. (Image: Tourism NT)

6. Drive the Red Centre Way

From Alice Springs, take an epic road trip along the Red Centre Way, taking in Uluru and Watarrka National Park, home to the magnificent Kings Canyon. Allow at least a week to drive through the red heart of Australia by 4WD, a little longer on the sealed road by 2WD vehicle, travelling through ochre deserts, palm-lined valleys and dramatic gorges. Stop off at waterholes for a refreshing dip along the way.

Kings Canyon offers hiking options for all levels of fitness, from the three-hour Rim Walk atop soaring sandstone walls to the gentler Kings Creek Walk. Either way, you’ll have breathtaking views.

SEIT Outback Australia is a small group touring specialist offering exciting, adventurous, exclusive and specialised iconic, pioneering and cultural touring in the Red Centre of Australia, giving you the time to learn, absorb and relax in the heart of Australia.<br /><br />This innovative tour company focuses on providing clients with the ultimate interpretive touring experiences with a range of products and customised touring itineraries for small groups and bespoke private charters.<br /><br />The company bases its philosophies from the key words of Spirit, Emotion, Intellect and Task (SEIT). — Drive through Australia’s heart. (Image: Outback Australia Tours)

7. Take a walk at Kata Tjuṯa

Head out early to tackle the Valley of the Winds Walk at Kata Tjuṯa . This natural wonder, also known as The Olgas, is a labyrinth of soaring ochre domes that glow golden at sunrise and sunset (the walk may be closed during the middle of the day as temperatures rise).

Walking trails range from easy to longer, more difficult tracks. At the Kata Tjuṯa dune viewing area, take in the panoramic view of the domes. The longest of the trails is the Valley of the Winds Walk, a 7.4km circuit that winds between the domes and through creek beds. It’s moderately difficult and steep in places, but offers stunning views – and occasional encounters with kangaroos.

The Valley of the Winds Walk at Kata Tjuta is one of the most awe-inspiring things to do in the Northern Territory, especially at sunrise when the domes glow golden. — Step into the golden light of Kata Tjuṯa. (Image: Tourism NT)

8. Explore Tjoritja/West MacDonnell Ranges

Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park lies 135km west of Alice Springs, with many fascinating natural features to beguile visitors. The ‘West Macs’ formations include chasms, gorges and waterholes – take your swimsuit for a dip at Ormiston Gorge waterhole, open year-round. The Ormiston Pound Walk is a three to four-hour circuit that leaves from the visitor centre and loops back along the gorge via the main waterhole. Other places of interest in the park include Simpsons Gap , Standley Chasm , Ellery Creek Big Hole and Glen Helen .

Soaking in the serenity of Ormiston Gorge, these two travellers enjoy one of the most scenic things to do in the Northern Territory. — Take the plunge at Ormiston Gorge waterhole. (Image: Joshua Griffin Litchfield)

Start planning the NT road trip of a lifetime at northernterritory.com

An insider’s guide to visiting Darwin’s Aboriginal Art Fair