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Northern Territory Museums & exhibitions

Our most recommended Northern Territory Museums & exhibitions

From Darwin: Tiwi Islands Aboriginal Culture Tour with Lunch

1. 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.

Uluru and Kata Tjuta Tour with Base Walk and Sunset BBQ

2. 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.

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.

From Darwin: Tiwi Islands Cultural Day Tour by Ferry

4. 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.

A Town Like Alice: Half-Day Tour of Alice Springs

5. A Town Like Alice: Half-Day Tour of Alice Springs

This afternoon you’ll learn how the town of Alice Springs has evolved into the central hub of the Australian outback. Your driver guide will provide details along the way as you visit historical sites and some of the essential services delivered from Alice to the community of this vast region. The first stop is the Alice Springs School of the Air which provides education to primary aged school children living on remote properties throughout the Northern Territory. Learn how this essential service is delivered via satellite across more than one million square kilometres. Alice Springs Telegraph Station: Built in 1872 to relay messages between Darwin and Adelaide, the historic Telegraph Station is the site of the first European settlement in Alice Springs. After 60 years of operation, the premises then served as a school for the local Aboriginal children. Now a historical reserve, featuring the original stone buildings and furnishings from the early 1900s, the Telegraph Station is a must to visit and learn more of the history of the Alice. Royal Flying Doctor Service: Now you’ll visit the home and headquarters of the highly respected Royal Flying Doctor Service. Delivering medical services to people who live, work and travel in remote and rural Australia, the RFDS is a critical resource for this community. Learn of its remarkable history through stories, images and their wonderful interactive museum. Alice Springs Reptile Centre: Home to the largest reptile display in Central Australia, the Alice Springs Reptile Centre will introduce you to Terry the saltwater crocodile and let you get very close to enormous goannas and frill-neck lizards. The Gecko Cave features a large collection of gecko species from all over the Northern Territory. You’ll have lots of fun here, particularly during the afternoon show and if you’re game, try the supervised handling session. Your last stop is Anzac Hill. Originally dedicated to the many men and women who lost their lives during WWI, it now honors all those who have served in wars in which Australia has played a role.

Uluru: Sacred Sites Tour + Sparkling at Sunset & BBQ Dinner

6. Uluru: Sacred Sites Tour + Sparkling at Sunset & BBQ Dinner

Explore the magnetic allure of Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock, on this half-day tour of the UNESCO-listed landmark. After being conveniently picked-up from your local hotel, begin your tour with a guided drive around the base of Uluru. Following the complete loop, you will have the chance to follow the Kuniya Walk to the Mutitjulu Waterhole. A visit to the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Center to see the works of ancient rock art found there will help you understand better the spiritual significance of Uluru to the local Aboriginal peoples, both in the past and the present. After an informative exploration of Uluru, you will get to relax with a glass of wine and a selection of canapes as you watch the dazzling sunset over Ayers Rock. Your tour will finish with a hearty and delicious Aussie-style BBQ beneath the desert stars.  The BBQ can be adjusted to meet any dietary need you might have, simply inform your guide of any dietary restrictions you might have by at least 14:00 on the day of the tour. You will not soon forget this magical experience at one of the most breathtakingly beautiful spots in Australia!

Alice Town and Country Half Day Sunset Tour -Small Group

7. Alice Town and Country Half Day Sunset Tour -Small Group

Explore the sites of Alice Springs and the surrounding outback on a half-day afternoon tour and enjoy the Sunset and magnificent view from Anzac Hill. The tour includes an overview of panoramic landscapes of the East MacDonnell ranges countryside, including Telegraph Station, Araluen Art Centre, Dr John Flynn's Museum, Anzac Hill, Emily Gap & Jessie Gap. Your first visit is to Araluen Arts Centre. You will get an excellent opportunity to look closely at Albert Namatjira's arts and learn about their unique natural history, follow the evolution of the landscape and fascinating creatures, and explore the panoramic landscapes of the West MacDonnell Ranges. The Araluen Arts Centre aims to develop a collection of artworks that reflect a permanent record of art practice in Central Australia. Araluen arts centre holds a comprehensive collection of paintings by Albert Namatjira. Your next visit will be to Alice Springs Telegraph Station established in 1872 to relay messages between Darwin and Adelaide, and it is the original site of the first European settlement in central Australia. It was one of twelve stations along the Overland Telegraph Line. After around 60 years of operation, the premises then served as a school for the local Aboriginal children as well as provided shelter for local aboriginal children. Now a historical reserve featuring the original stone buildings and furnishings from the early 1900s, the Telegraph Station is a must to visit the place and learn more about the history of Alice. Our tour guides will explain to you the history of the Telegraph Station and the township, the lives of the early telegraphers and their families, and discuss the Stolen Generation history of the site in the Bungalow era of the 1930s. Your next exciting place is Royal Flying Doctor Service Alice Springs Tour Facility. See, experience and learn through the wonder of technology the heroic tales of the birth and growth of the Royal Flying Doctor Service. After finishing in Town, you will move 16 kilometres to the countryside of Alice Springs and reach Emily and Jessie Gaps. The two small gaps in the Heavitree Range are spiritual sites to the Eastern Arrernte Aboriginal people. Finally, our last visit of the day is at the iconic local landmark of Anzac Hill, where you will be able to take in panoramic views over the town of Alice Springs and the surrounding MacDonnell ranges. You will enjoy the sunset from Anzac hill also. Anzac Hill is a memorial dedicated to those who served in Australia’s defence forces during all international wars. With this attraction, we conclude our tour and will drop you at your hotels or caravan parks.

Alice Springs: Town Highlights and West MacDonnell Ranges

8. Alice Springs: Town Highlights and West MacDonnell Ranges

Depart Alice Springs to explore The West Macs, stopping at the historical Flynn’s Grave Memorial, the founder of the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Next up, travel to Simpsons Gap, featuring towering cliffs and a permanent waterhole. The site is significant to the Arrernte people as being the home of giant goanna ancestors. Following that, take a walk to spot black-footed rock wallabies and take magnificent photos. You'll then visit Standley Chasm. Traditionally known as Angkerle Atwatye, this is an important cultural place which is sacred to women's dreaming in Aboriginal culture. Take a 1.2-kilometer walk to access the dramatic 80-meter-tall rock-face, and on the way there or back, note the unusual features of the natural landscape. The unique micro climate in this valley has created some distinctive features, such as ancient cycads and a myriad of rock types and pebbles that are thousands of years old. After your walk, enjoy morning tea at a local cafe before heading back to Alice Springs for some free time for lunch before setting off again to explore the town. In the afternoon, tour the sights of "The Alice" including the School of the Air. Learn how children who cannot access schools are educated by radio, and you may have the opportunity to listen to and observe actual lessons in progress on air. Stop at the historic Telegraph Station, which marks the original site of the first European settlement in Alice Springs. Visit the Royal Flying Doctors Service, where you will see how medical aid reaches those who live in the remote "outback". You'll also stop at the Alice Springs Reptile Centre, where you can see up close and maybe touch some of the lizards and snakes of Central Australia's semi-arid desert. The tour later concludes with panoramic views of the township of Alice Springs and the MacDonnell Ranges from the top of Anzac Hill.

Uluru: Aboriginal Art & Culture Experience

9. Uluru: Aboriginal Art & Culture Experience

First, get collected from your accommodation in an air-conditioned luxury coach and head into Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park. When you arrive, meet your Aboriginal Guide and interpreter from the local Mutitjulu community.  Next, get up close to Uluru with your Anangu guide who will be telling you the stories of this unique landscape and explain the connection between the art, the culture and the connection to the land. Then, head over to the Uluru Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre. Listen to how traditional hunting and gathering tools were made and what they were used for. Even join a bowl carrying or spear-throwing session to test your skills and balance! Follow this with a hands-on painting session. Learn about the symbols and painting styles used to create beautiful works of art depicting the Creation time (Tjukurpa) stories. Bring a personal connection to the experience and paint using the knowledge you've gained during the morning with your guide. Take your painting home as a memento of your experience.  Finally, return back to your hotel where your tour concludes.

Discover the City of Darwin: Half-Day City Coach Tour

10. Discover the City of Darwin: Half-Day City Coach Tour

Join a city sights tour for the perfect introduction to Darwin, with expert commentary by a local guide. Your Driver Guide will point out significant landmarks and will speak about Darwin’s rich history and culture throughout. Darwin Aviation Museum: This is one of the major aviation museums in Australia. The main display is a B-52 Bomber, on permanent loan from the United States Air Force. You can view some rare amateur footage of the first air-raid in Darwin, and original footage from Japanese archives. There are 19 aircraft on display, from Mirage and Sabre jet fighters to a Royal Australian Wessex helicopter. Museum & Art Gallery of the Northern Territory: home to internationally renowned artistic, cultural and scientific collections and research programs. You’ll get to see the largest permanent display of Aboriginal artwork in Australia as well as an eclectic range of visiting exhibitions. Darwin Botanic Gardens: find out how these gardens have survived numerous cyclones and the direct effects of World War II. Because the site extends inland from the sea to a plateau, it provides a range of planting environments and is one of a few botanic gardens in the world which has marine and estuarine plants naturally in its grounds. Not only will you have the chance to see some unique and exotic plants but even some local wildlife!

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What people are saying about Northern Territory

The Aboriginal culture centre was not a hit for me at least but the rest of the tour was great. We had the BBQ as well and WOW, what an experience. The food was delicious and everything was sooo nice. Totally worth it. Unfortunately we did not have an amazing sunset over Uluru as it was a bit cloudy but no one can control this. Highly recommend the tour.

Great mix of activities: Cultural Centre, walk to cave paintings and waterhole, wine and nibbles and sunset viewing, (although due to stormy weather and complete cloud cover we didn’t get to see an actual sunset). Guides were very good and very knowledgeable.

We really enjoyed the tour, John and Jakob made it extra special with their good sense of humour and overall kindness. The landscape is absolutely amazing and you just feel awed of such Beauty. So majestic!!

AA kings arrangments are perfect. The bus toured around the rock slowly while the guide gave excellent commentary.

Very amusing and informative guide. Made for an enjoyable afternoon