{"id":222719,"date":"2021-04-15T10:56:15","date_gmt":"2021-04-15T00:56:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.australiantraveller.com\/?p=222719"},"modified":"2023-02-22T15:59:06","modified_gmt":"2023-02-22T04:59:06","slug":"aboriginal-cultural-tours","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.australiantraveller.com\/nt\/aboriginal-cultural-tours\/","title":{"rendered":"8 Aboriginal cultural tours you will love in the NT"},"content":{"rendered":"
The Northern Territory is the<\/em> place to delve deeper into Indigenous Australia with an impressive number of Aboriginal tours available.<\/h5>\n

With so many options available, we know it can be hard to choose one of the many Northern Territory<\/a> Aboriginal cultural tours. Which is why we’ve pulled together our top picks of the best cultural experiences to further your understanding of Australia\u2019s first peoples.<\/p>\n

Saltwater Cultural Tours Darwin<\/h2>\n

You don\u2019t 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<\/a>-based visitors.<\/p>\n

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<\/a> has you covered with its \u20183-Hour Tour\u2019.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re not short on time, the company also runs a one-day \u2018Out on Country\u2019 tour that introduces tourists to the local language and cultural artefacts.<\/p>\n

Why we love it:<\/strong> Being based in Darwin, the 3-Hour Tour is a super simple option for travellers on a quick city break.<\/p>\n

\"Saltwater

Try your hand at lighting a fire the traditional way. (image: Tourism NT)<\/p><\/div>\n

Top Didj Cultural Experience<\/h2>\n

Hear what it\u2019s like growing up in \u2018the bush\u2019 and learn the art of rarrk<\/em> painting (cross-hatch) during the twice-daily Top Didj Cultural Experience<\/a>, in Katherine<\/a> (May to October).<\/p>\n

You\u2019ll 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\u2019s worth having a look through the art gallery to pick up a souvenir or two.<\/p>\n

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

\"Manuel

Let Manuel Pamkal, teach you how to paint in a traditional Indigenous style. (Image: Tourism NT\/Shaana McNaught)<\/p><\/div>\n

Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Experience & Tours<\/h2>\n

Promising more than your typical Aboriginal tour, Karrke offers an in-depth experience that focuses on bush tucker and bush medicine.<\/p>\n

The one-hour Aboriginal Cultural Tour<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

Why we love it:<\/strong> There are two reasons \u2013 it\u2019s based out of the majestic Watarrka National Park, and you will learn all about the witchetty grub, and may even get to taste one.<\/p>\n

\"Karrke

Immerse yourself in a truly authentic Aboriginal cultural experience with Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Experience & Tours. (Image: Tourism NT\/Archie Sartracom)<\/p><\/div>\n

SEIT Outback Australia<\/h2>\n

For an Uluru<\/a> experience like no other, join SEIT Outback Australia<\/a> for tours from the sprawling Ayers Rock Resort<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The tours educate visitors on the history of the \u2018big red rock\u2019, the fight for land rights around it, Creation stories and rock art \u2013 and that\u2019s just the Uluru excursions. The SEIT Patji \u2013 A True Aboriginal Experience tour is a seven-hour cultural tour open to anyone aged five and above.<\/p>\n

Why we love it:<\/strong> It will open your eyes to what the region was like before Uluru became one of Australia\u2019s most iconic landmarks.<\/p>\n

\"SEIT

Open your eyes to what the region was like before Uluru became one of Australia\u2019s most iconic landmarks. (Image: Tourism NT\/Archie Sartracom)<\/p><\/div>\n

Maruku Arts<\/h2>\n

Located at Uluru, Maruku Arts<\/a> is owned and operated by An<\/u>angu, with some 900 Aboriginal artists from more than 20 remote communities in the Central and Western Deserts represented in the not-for-profit collective.<\/p>\n

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<\/em>\u00a0(woodcarving).<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Why we love it:<\/strong> One, you\u2019ll be taught some of the local language, and two, it\u2019s great value for tourists, with adult tickets costing only $72. Did we mention there are interpreters, too?<\/p>\n

\"Maruku

Discover an art form with traditions and practices stretching back multiple millennia. (Image: Tourism NT\/Archie Sartracom)<\/p><\/div>\n

Pudakul Aboriginal Cultural Tours<\/h2>\n

This Aboriginal-owned-and-operated family business,\u00a0based on the Adelaide River Flood Plains on Limilngan-Wulna Land, offers a number of cultural tours<\/a>, including a Kakadu Rock Art day tour taking in the famed Noulangie Rock Art.<\/p>\n

The tour starts with a \u2018Welcome to Country\u2019 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.<\/p>\n

Why we love it:<\/strong> There is also a two-hour Aboriginal Tour that\u2019s a great introduction to local customs, and damper is served before the tour kicks off, so don\u2019t be late.<\/p>\n

\"Pudakul

Start your tour with a welcome to country. (Image: Tourism NT\/Nick Pincott)<\/p><\/div>\n

Kakadu Cultural Tours<\/h2>\n

Owned and managed by traditional owners, Kakadu Cultural Tours<\/a> showcases the best Aboriginal experiences in the national park.<\/p>\n

We love the Guluyambi Cultural Cruise<\/a> (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.<\/p>\n

Why we love it:<\/strong> There is also the Arnhemlander Cultural & Heritage 4WD Tour<\/a>, which takes tourists into northern Kakadu and remote Arnhem Land.<\/p>\n

\"Kakadu

Discover history and learnings from Indigenous culture, written in the Australian landscape. (Image: Tourism NT\/James Fisher)<\/p><\/div>\n

Ayal Aboriginal Tours<\/h2>\n

Join the half-day Kakadu Historical Buffalo Camp and Wildlife Tour<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

Ayal Aboriginal Tours<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

Why we love it:<\/strong> The history of buffalo hunting isn\u2019t something you hear a lot of when visiting the park, and that\u2019s why we rate the camp tour.<\/p>\n

\"Ayal

Escape the crowds and see a different side of Kakadu National Park. (Image: Tourism NT)<\/p><\/div>\n

Don’t forget to read our guide to choosing the right Aboriginal tour.<\/a><\/h5>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":99,"featured_media":250381,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"article-deals.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_expiration-date-status":"","_expiration-date":0,"_expiration-date-type":"","_expiration-date-categories":[],"_expiration-date-options":[]},"categories":[818],"tags":[1481,5805,4479,4587,5713,6504,4628,4606],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n8 Aboriginal Cultural Tours In The NT - Australian Traveller<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Aboriginal cultural tours in the NT are a perfect way (and place) to delve deeper into Indigenous Australia. 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