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Northern Territory Culture & history

Our most recommended Northern Territory Culture & history

From Darwin: Kakadu Wilderness Escape Day Tour

1. From Darwin: Kakadu Wilderness Escape Day Tour

Discover the spectacular Kakadu National Park for its exceptional natural and cultural values. Visit the infamous Cahills Crossing to safely spot saltwater crocodiles, explore the floodplains of Ubirr, go to Fogg Dam Conservation Centre and the Bowali Visitor Centre. Leave tropical Darwin, traveling through the rich floodplains towards Kakadu National Park, a 20,000 square kilometer area, teeming with wildlife, important Aboriginal rock art sites, and diverse landscapes. Make an optional stop at the Jumping Croc Cruise on the Adelaide River, or visit the Fogg Dam Conservation Centre. See the traditional lands of the Limilngan-Wulna people (who are active in the reserve's management) to explore the diverse wildlife of the Top End, home to numerous species of birds, turtles, water pythons, and of course, the iconic Saltwater Crocodile. Go to the Bowali Visitor Centre and learn more about this special place's rich indigenous culture and history. Visit the famous Cahills Crossing searching for crocodiles at this eye-opening stretch of water, the only road access point between Arnhem Land and Kakadu National Park. Visit the World Heritage-listed, sacred site Ubirr rock art, home to some of the oldest and best-preserved rock art galleries in the world dating back some 20,000 years, and discover the hidden secrets with a guided walk.

From Alice Springs: West MacDonnell Ranges Day Trip

2. From Alice Springs: West MacDonnell Ranges Day Trip

Be picked up from your Alice Springs accommodation at 7:45 AM and set off on a day of adventure and exploration! Enjoy the spectacular outback scenery and photo opportunities as you travel along the magnificent West MacDonnell Ranges, stopping at historic sites. Enjoy beautiful walks at Simpsons Gap, a natural rock amphitheater that is home to endangered black-footed rock wallabies. Stop at Standley Chasm for morning tea and a leisurely stroll. At Ochre Pits, discover rock walls covered by natural colored ochre, used for sacred ceremonies of the local Aboriginal people. Ormiston Gorge is up next: a great place for a swim, or to see the towering walls of the gorge and pound, local plants and wildlife. By now, you will have certainly worked up an appetite for lunch. The next stop is at Glen Helen. The landscape here is spectacular - a towering sandstone wall is the first thing you see as you arrive. The area includes views of Mount Sonder, one of the highest points in Central Australia, which changes colors with the light.  On the way back to Alice Springs, witness the famous and enchanting Ellery Creek Big Hole. This waterhole is one of Central Australia’s most pristine, so don’t forget your swimmers in the warmer months. Visit Flynns Memorial and from October to March, you may decide to partake in an incredible Sunset Camel Ride at the Camel farm (optional, at your own expense). The panoramic landscapes of the West MacDonnell Ranges are extraordinary for their immensity and the spectacular array of sunburnt oranges, maroons and purples on display. These mighty ranges light up in brilliant oranges and reds at sunset on the return trip to Alice Springs. Get dropped off at your accommodation in Alice Springs at approximately 5:30 PM.

Uluru: Sacred Sites & Sunset Tour with Wine & Cheeseboard

3. Uluru: Sacred Sites & Sunset Tour with Wine & Cheeseboard

Depart Ayers Rock Resort and journey into the sacred world of the Aboriginal peoples of Australia on a drive around the base of Uluru in a comfortable bus. Get explanations about the extraordinary site from your driver/guide, and hear about the numerous sacred sites found there. Continue to the Kuniya Walk, where your driver/guide will escort you to the beautiful Mutitjulu Waterhole.  See Aboriginal rock paintings, and learn more about the area as you are shown some of the native flora and given details of both the Aboriginal and European history of Uluru. Next, go to the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre and learn about Aboriginal culture. Look at fine examples of Aboriginal arts and crafts, and then journey back to the rock in time to watch the sunset from the viewing area.  Marvel at the striking color changes on the rock as you enjoy nibbles and a complimentary glass of wine.

Uluru and Kata Tjuta Tour with Base Walk and Sunset BBQ

4. Uluru and Kata Tjuta Tour with Base Walk and Sunset BBQ

Get picked up from the Ayers Rock Resort and journey by luxury coach with an on-board toilet to the sacred rock of Uluru. Make your way towards the majestic domes of Kata-Tjuta for your first walk of the day. Visit the Cultural Centre and learn about the local Pitjantjatjara people before going to Uluru (Ayers Rock) to take part in a base walk. Follow the Mala walk along the northwest face of the rock to see fine examples of Anangu rock art.  Then, head to the Mutitjulu Waterhole for your 2nd base walk at the home of an ancestral watersnake called Wanampi. Share some stories of the local traditions and learn about the legendary Dreamtime. Sip a glass of sparkling wine and take in the beautiful sunset while your dinner is prepared by your guides. Enjoy a tasty barbecue outdoors as you marvel at the views. Be amazed as the rock changes color before your eyes as the sun sinks over the horizon.

From Darwin: Tiwi Islands Aboriginal Culture Tour with Lunch

5. From Darwin: Tiwi Islands Aboriginal Culture Tour with Lunch

Make your way to the Cullen Bay Ferry Terminal, a five-minute drive from Darwin CBD, then cruise over to Bathurst Island, one of the Tiwi Islands. Upon arrival, meet your guide and the modern-day Aboriginal community of Wurrumiyanga. Stop by the Early Mission Precinct with its Tiwi-style Catholic Church, and learn how the Tiwi people have blended their culture with Christianity. Later, spend some time with the Tiwi ladies while they work on their weaving and painting. Then, watch the ladies demonstrate a totem dance and perform a smoking ceremony to bless the visitors.  Once you’ve worked up a bit of an appetite, enjoy a tasty lunch, served with local billy tea and damper. After lunch, there’s time to see more of the community’s arts and crafts and have the opportunity to purchase some. Finally, learn about the complex rituals associated with the Pukamani (burial ceremony). You'll then be taken back to the ferry port for your return to Darwin.

From Darwin: Tiwi Islands Cultural Day Tour by Ferry

6. From Darwin: Tiwi Islands Cultural Day Tour by Ferry

Tour the Tiwi Islands community and experience a traditional Tiwi welcome smoking ceremony. Visit the Tiwi Design art center and Catholic mission precinct in the company of a local guide. The Tiwi Islands ferry departs Cullen Bay Ferry Terminal, located 5 minutes from Darwin's city center. Boarding commences at 7:30 AM for a prompt 8:00 AM departure. Bring a book, sit back and relax on the 2.5-hour journey to the Tiwi Islands, 80km north of Darwin. Sandwiches, pies, coffee, drinks, and snack foods are available for purchase from the ferry kiosk.  Upon arrival, your local Tiwi guide will greet you on the beach and take you on a walking tour of the community. For those with mobility impairments, don't be disheartened as it is only a few minutes' walk between locations.  From the ferry landing, wander up to Tiwi Design for a traditional welcome ceremony and morning tea (damper and a cuppa). Your guide will then show you local paintings and teach you about the culture and history of the Tiwi People. On to the historic Catholic mission precinct before returning to Tiwi Design for lunch and a 'behind-the-scenes' screen printing session with a local Tiwi artist. Create your own screen-printed Tiwi-style art piece to take home – a memento of your day on the Tiwi Islands.  You also have the opportunity to purchase unique and traditional Tiwi artworks including paintings, fabrics, carving, pottery and clothing at island prices. Return to the ferry at 15:00 PM for the journey back to Darwin, arriving back in Cullen Bay at 5:45 PM.

Darwin: Bombing of Darwin WW2 Tour with Harbor Cruise

7. Darwin: Bombing of Darwin WW2 Tour with Harbor Cruise

Travel back in time to 19 February 1942 and uncover the Bombing of Darwin on this half-day tour. Learn about how 2 Japanese air attacks on this forgotten military base killed 243 people and destroyed the city. Now a modern and vibrant city, Darwin still bares the scars of its history, which you will discover on this tour. The tour begins with an introduction into the Bombing of Darwin, as you listen to stories and information provided by local historians. Later, explore the sites that were hit by the Japanese air raids and remember those who lost their lives. Next, head to the Charles Darwin National Park to see bunkers and other WW2 relics before visiting the acclaimed Defense of Darwin museum as well as the East Point Military precinct and the Myilly Point Heritage precinct. The tour is concluded with a 1-hour cruise through Darwin Harbor which passes the historic Stokes Hill and Fort Hill wharf areas. You’ll also sail by the wreck sites of the SS Neptuna and USS Peary, the old flying boat base at Doctors Gully, and finally to Cullen Bay where you can see the gun emplacements from the water.

Darwin: Kakadu National Park Cultural Day Tour with Lunch

8. Darwin: Kakadu National Park Cultural Day Tour with Lunch

Travel from Darwin to Kakadu on a day trip exploring the best of Kakadu National Park. See ancient rock art, unique plants, and wildlife, and spectacular bush views as you drive, walk and cruise through Kakadu. After pickup from your Darwin hotel, enter Kakadu National Park, and travel to Ubirr Rock, the site of some of the world’s oldest rock art. Join your guide on an interpretative walk through ancient rock galleries, and hear about the history and culture of the traditional custodians. There are plenty of opportunities for bushwalking, but the pace is slow, with plenty of stops to discuss the rock art and the history of those who painted it. Stop at Nadab Lookout for amazing 360-degree views over the wetlands of the Nadab floodplains, before continuing to East Alligator River. A descendant of the traditional owners will join you for a Guluyambi cultural cruise along the East Alligator River. The River which divides Kakadu and Arnhem Land is home to some of the region’s largest saltwater crocodiles. Feel honored to be invited onto Arnhem Land shores to see a cultural demonstration of how the Bininj people work with the waterways to this day. The Guluyambi cultural cruise is a great opportunity to hear about the area, history, and culture directly from the land's traditional custodians. During your Kakadu day trip there is a stop for a picnic lunch and at the end of the day, get dropped off back at your Darwin hotel.

From Alice Springs: West MacDonnell Ranges Guided Tour

9. From Alice Springs: West MacDonnell Ranges Guided Tour

Experience the beauty of the West MacDonnell Ranges on this tour from Alice Springs. Head to must-see locations like Anzac Hill, Flynn's Grave Historical Reserve, Simpsons Gap, and Standley Chasm. Marvel at natural wonders and stop at some local memorials. Be picked up from the comfort of your accommodation in Alice Springs. Sit back and relax in the comfortable bus on your way to Anzac Hill. Stop for panoramic views over the town of Alice Springs and the surrounding MacDonnell ranges. Learn about the war memorial at Anzac Hill. Travel to John Flynn's Grave Historical Reserve where the Reverend Flynn was laid to rest. Hear about Flynn, the founder of Royal Flying Doctor Service. Enjoy the changing colors of the West MacDonnell Ranges from this location and get some photos. Continue to the towering cliffs of Simpsons Gap. Discover why this area is important to the local Arrernte Aboriginal people. Stroll along a dry creek bed to a dramatic gap in the MacDonnell Ranges. Try to spot some local wildlife like black-footed rock-wallabies at the watering hole. Head to the dramatic Standley Chasm geological formation. Standley Chasm is operated by Arrernte aboriginal family members who are direct descendants of the Aboriginal people who have lived in the area for thousands of years. Experience the unique landscapes created by the micro-climate in this valley.

Darwin: Kakadu National Park Day Trip

10. Darwin: Kakadu National Park Day Trip

Enjoy 1.5 hours of spectacular scenic flying, cruise on the Yellow Water Billabong, and visit the Warradjan Cultural Center. Take part in an experience which varies between wet and dry seasons: 8:30 AM: Check-in at Kakadu Air Terminal 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM: Kick start the day with a 60-minute scenic flight paired with informative commentary delivered by your expert pilot. This extended flight tracks over Adelaide River, Mary River National Park, and Kakadu’s winding South and East Alligator rivers. 11:30 AM: Visit the Yellow Water Billabong, rich with flora, wildlife and changing landscapes. Sit back and relax on a 90-minute cruise through Kakadu’s wetlands. 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Enjoy lunch at Barra Bar and Bistro. 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Transfer to the Warradjan Cultural Center. Take in personal histories, videos and artifacts in a place developed by Aboriginal traditional owners. Browse the gallery gift shop offering traditional didgeridoos, local artwork, and much more. 3:00 PM: Depart Kakadu on a 45-minute ferry flight back to Darwin. 4:00 PM: Farewell in Darwin. DECEMBER – APRIL ITINERARY (WET SEASON) 8:30 AM: Check-in at Kakadu Air Terminal, Darwin 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM: Kakadu comes to life in the Wet season. Start your morning with 1.5 hours of scenic flying paired with informative commentary delivered by your expert pilot. This extended flight tracks over Adelaide River, Mary River National Park, and Kakadu’s winding South and East Alligator Rivers. Finish off your aerial sightseeing with views over the mighty Jim Jim and Twin Waterfalls. 11:30 AM: Visit the Yellow Water Billabong ,which comes alive in the wet season. Enjoy a place rich with flora, wildlife and changing landscapes. Sit back and relax on a 90-minute cruise through Kakadu’s wetlands as you keep an eye out for crocodiles sunbathing. 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Lunch at Barra Bar and Bistro. 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Transfer to the Warradjan Cultural Center. Take in personal histories, videos and artifacts in a place developed by Aboriginal traditional owners. Browse the gallery gift shop offering traditional didgeridoos, local artwork, and much more. 3:00 PM: Depart Kakadu on a 45-minute ferry flight back to Darwin. 4:00 PM: Farewell in Darwin.

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What people are saying about Northern Territory

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 575 reviews

If you are short on time and don't have a car this is the perfect tour for you! You get to see both sites, as well as a lovely BBQ at sunset (with beer, wine or bubbles, a big plus). The walks were a little sweaty in the heat but are a max 1hr each so very manageable. Yad was our amazing driver / tour guide / chef - a bit thanks to him :) Be warned the flies can get very annoying, so a fly net is worth bringing. Also we got unlucky on the day that the cafe shop at the cultural centre had closed early so there was no option to buy extra bits there, so bring spare snacks etc. Although there was plenty of water as well as sweets and apples on the bus.

A great morning with Colin. He provided lots of information throughout and made the tour very enjoyable. We learnt lots and would recommend this tour. We had plenty of time at each spot to enjoy and take lots of photos.

Great way to see highlights in Alice Springs and area with a very personable guide. Afternoon tea was lovely!

This is a great one day tour of both the monuments in the park, with easy hikes and a lot of information.

Unbelievable

Kakadu is a beautiful place. Everyone should visit it at least once.