Australia is home to the world’s oldest living culture with the Aboriginal Indigenous people having a continuous history spanning more than 50,000 years. Visiting Australia is an opportunity to discover a culture like no other on earth and experience it firsthand through art, dance, stories, music and the land around you.

The Australian Indigenous people have a strong connection to the land with the world’s creation attributed to ancestral spirits coming to earth and creating all life and landscapes. Their culture includes a fascinating understanding of the land and their spiritual connection is told through their Dreamtime stories, art, dance and music that have been handed down from generation to generation.

While Indigenous significant sites are not limited to one area of Australia, the Northern Territory does offer an extensive number of attractions and experiences that showcase the Indigenous Australian’s unique past and present culture.

Mt. Borradaile - Arnhemland
Mt. Borradaile – Arnhemland, by Tourism Australia

The Northern Territory’s capital city of Darwin is a perfect starting point to explore the area and the Indigenous culture. Easily accessible by airlines, Darwin offers visitors a city full of outdoor festivals, weekend markets, waterfront restaurants and tropical parklands. Base yourself in Darwin and make your way out to the Litchfield National Park, the Tiwi Islands, Kakadu and Arnhem Land or even head south through the center of Australia towards Adelaide in South Australia on the spectacular Ghan rail journey.

Just east of Darwin is Kakadu National Park, a World Heritage-listed area with a number of Aboriginal operators offering special guided experiences to maximize your time here. Discover the ancient rock art, the abundance of bird life, the many rivers and billabongs and stunning landscapes that make up this Park. Take a day trip from Darwin or camp in comfort with the locals and learn about their customs and traditions first hand.

Mt. Borradaile - Arnhemland
Mt. Borradaile – Arnhemland, by Tourism Australia

Kakadu makes up a small section of the vast Arnhem Land region, a remote and mysterious expanse considered to be a stronghold of Aboriginal culture and tradition. Small planes and helicopters make it easy to reach otherwise remote safari camps in the Arnhem Land expanse and gain the true feeling of isolation. Here you can uncover a number of exclusive and intensive Indigenous experiences connecting you with this unique land and culture.

The remarkable Katherine Gorge sits on the southern edge of Arnhem Land and is the jewel in the crown of the Nitmiluk National Park. The rugged sandstone cliffs were carved out over millions of years and feature dramatic waterfalls and lush rainforest. Aboriginal culture is strong in this area and you can join one of the local Jawoyn people on a tour through the area taking in the many significant rock art sites and other culturally important locations. Take a scenic flight to take in the spectacular panorama of the areas or challenge yourself with the five day Jatbula Trail taking you across 37 miles of terrain following the song line of the local Jawoyn people.

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Litchfield National Park lies a few hours west of Darwin and features scenic viewing points, clear rock pools offering refreshing swims and picturesque waterfalls which are easily accessible to visitors. An Aboriginal guide can show you many areas of the Park that are off limits to the general public and provide you with a great insight into their cultural and environmental understanding. Discover giant termite mounds, tropical rainforests and stunning rock formations that all contributing to the diverse natural ecosystem of this area.

Florence Falls, Litchfield National Park
Florence Falls, Litchfield National Park, by Tourism Australia
Wangi Falls, Litchfield National Park
Wangi Falls, Litchfield National Park, by Tourism Australia

Journey to the northeastern corner of Arnhem Land and find the Gove Peninsula where the Yolngu people continue to maintain strong ties with the land and their traditions. The annual Garma Festival is Australia’s most significant Indigenous event attracting more than 2,000 visitors to experience a spectacular display of cultural practices including visual art, ancient storytelling, dance and music.

Many Aboriginal Australians consider Uluru (Ayers Rock), Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) and the surrounding area to be the spiritual heartland. The local Anangu people see these towering rock formations as one of the most sacred places and they feature strongly in their cultural and spiritual beliefs.

Whether you are seeking adventure, traditions, cuisine or landscapes take the opportunity to discover this fascinating culture directly from an Aboriginal guide. Whatever your interests are there is the opportunity to access some of Australia’s most exclusive sites with your Indigenous guide including pristine beaches, lush rainforests, hidden waterfalls, remote islands and rugged gorges. Gain a totally different perspective and take an exciting adventure through the captivating Aboriginal culture.

For more information, check out Down Under Answers.

 

Editor’s note: Down Under Answers is a sponsor of Budget Your Trip.