Top Northern Territory Cultural Tours

Get up early to experience the sunrise over Uluru, a must-do when visiting Australia's Red Centre. Enjoy a picnic breakfast, visit Mutitjulu Waterhole, see ancient rock art, and then drive around the base of the Uluru. This highlights tour is perfect for those short on time.

Experience the magnetic allure of Uluru (Ayers rock) on this half-day tour from Ayers Rock resort. Get up close to the UNESCO-listed landmark with a drive around the base and follow the Kuniya Walk to the Mutitjulu Waterhole. Discover Uluru’s spiritual significance as you admire ancient Aboriginal rock art and visit the Uluru – Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre. Then, sip a glass of wine and munch on canapés as you witness the dazzling sunset over Uluru. Finish your day with a hearty Aussie-style BBQ (if option selected) beneath the desert stars.

Explore one of Australia’s most distinctive natural features—Uluru—on this fun Segway tour. Your guide will take you to some hidden Aboriginal rock art sites, and tell you about the local history and culture. Travel along the base of the enormous monolith on a Segway. These fun vehicles are also environmentally friendly and make little noise, so they’re the ideal way to explore a sacred natural wonder.

Short on time? Marvel over the star attractions of Australia’s Red Centre on a half-day tour from Ayers Rock. Witness the dazzling sunrise over sacred Uluru from the Talinguru Nyakunytjaku viewing platform and learn about the rock’s spiritual importance to the Anangu indigenous people. Then, embark on a guided hike through the red desert of the Walpa Gorge and get up close to the magnificent domed rocks of Kata Tjuta (The Olgas).

Explore Kakadu National Park and learn about Australia’s Aboriginal heritage on a full-day tour from Darwin. You'll see the highlights of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed park, including ancient rock art of Ubirr Rock and views from the Nadab lookout. Then take a Guluyambi cultural cruise along the East Alligator River, traveling with an indigenous guide who stops along the way to show you the dramatic landscapes of Arnhem Land. Note: March and April visit the Burrungkuy and Nourlangie Rock galleries and ride the Billabong cruise.

Take in Darwin Harbour during a 2sunset cruise aboard the 'Charles Darwin,' a deluxe 3-level catamaran that was built for service on the Gold Coast Broadwater. Travel past Stokes Hill Wharf, the Esplanade, Larrakeyah Naval barracks, Cullen Bay, and Fannie Bay, while seated in air-conditioned comfort or outside on the Sun Deck (top deck). Hear live commentary on Darwin’s history and landmarks, and have the option to include a buffet dinner, or purchase snacks and drinks at the onboard bar.

Sit back and enjoy the scenery of Australia’s rugged Red Centre with this one-way transfer from Alice Springs to Uluru (Ayers Rock). Travel by luxury air-conditioned coach through the mystical desert of the Northern Territory while your driver-guide points out passing attractions and shares Aboriginal history. Stretch your legs at stops throughout the journey, including the Outback Camel Farm, where you can enjoy an optional camel ride (own expense).

Explore the World War II sites of Darwin on this city sightseeing and cruise tour. Visit the Darwin war memorial and East Point Military Precinct, and explore Darwin Military Museum to chart the city’s wartime experience. Midway through, enjoy a small-boat cruise around Darwin Harbour, passing the modern naval base and the remnants and wreck sites of Japan’s devastating February 1942 air raids. Hotel pickup, entrance fees, and live onboard commentary included.

Ensure you get the best sunset vista by heading out onto the water on this cruise across Darwin Harbour. Aboard a large, ocean-going catamaran with plenty of deck space, sit under the sails or in the air-conditioned salon and toast the setting sun with a glass of sparkling wine before enjoying a tapas/barbecue dinner while soaking up the views—if you wish, you can bring your own drinks and keep them chilled in the on board coolers.

Take a full-day detour from Darwin to explore the beautiful natural playground of Katherine Gorge. Cruise between ancient sandstone cliffs for an up-close perspective of Aboriginal rock art and crocodiles lounging on the riverbanks. Take a dip in a natural swimming hole at the base of Edith Falls (conditions permitting), and recharge with a delicious lunch.

Leave the driving to a professional while you soak up the legendary sights of Central Australia with this one-way shuttle service from Uluru (Ayres Rock) to Alice Springs. Travel aboard a luxury air-conditioned coach for the approximately 6-hour journey, while your driver provides commentary on Outback history and natural attractions. Stretch your legs with stops along the way to photograph ancient rock formations and admire Aboriginal art at a roadhouse.

Acclaimed artist Bruce Munro was so inspired by Ayers Rock (Uluru) that he created the Field of Light, an illuminated installation that channels the spiritual energy Munro felt during a visit the Australia’s Red Desert. Observe the radiant display and watch a magical sunrise at Ayers Rock (Uluru) on this tour, which includes hotel pickup and drop-off. As you watch the sun rise majestically over the iconic Australian landmark, you’ll enjoy tea and coffee in the observation area and listen to commentary from your guide.

Go sightseeing in Darwin on a 5-hour morning tour that takes you to top sites including Parliament House, Palmerston Town, the Darwin Botanical Gardens and the vibrant waterfront. Learn about the Darwin’s World War II history at the Defence of Darwin Experience, with admission to this military heritage site included in your tour. Have time to explore the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, and stop by the Fannie Bay Gaol and Darwin Aviation Heritage Centre among other sites on this comprehensive introduction to Darwin.

Enjoy a rare chance to visit the Tiwi Islands and witness an Aboriginal community that holds on tightly to its traditions. Located off the coast of Darwin, the Tiwi Islands experience is led by an indigenous guide who shares local history and traditions. Partake in a traditional morning tea with Tiwi Islanders before visiting the Tiwi Museum and joining Aboriginal artists for an art-making workshop. You can also shop for Tiwi paintings, fabric, carving, pottery and clothing at island prices (own expense).

Confirm your spot early and beat the crowds for this half-day Aboriginal cultural experience at Katherine’s Top Didj. Learn about the ancient traditions of the local Dalabon tribe and take the unique opportunity to engage with some of those traditions yourself. Learn how to light a fire the Dalabon way, throw a spear with an Aboriginal and try your hand at Top End Art. (Rarrk)Take what you’ve painted home with you as a reminder of the stories and histories of the Dalabon people.

Join your friendly and professional guide in your air-conditioned small group tour vehicle to explore the most profound and culturally significant monolith in Australia. Embrace the culture, geology and environment that is Uluru. You will meander into Mutitjulu Waterhole, undertake the Mala Walk and visit rock art sites to learn of Uluru’s significance to the Anangu (local Aboriginal) people. Adjourn to the Talinguru Nyakunytjaku viewing area to watch an uninterrupted sunset away from the crowds to appreciate the expanse of this desert region at its most peaceful.

Enjoy a small-group tour of majestic Kata Tjuta, one of Australia’s most iconic natural wonders. Travel from Ayers Rock Resort in an air-conditioned tour vehicle to Walpa Gorge, part of the Kata Tjuta site within UNESCO-listed Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Learn the natural history and cultural significance of this sacred site and walk through the gorge for an amazing perspective of this key landmark. Travel in a small group with a maximum of 11 participants for a more intimate experience.

Experience the magnetic allure of Uluru (Ayers Rock) on a morning tour of the sacred landmark. Learn about Uluru’s long history, from sacred Aboriginal site to postcard star. Then, embark on a guided 7-mile (11km) walk around the base of Uluru, stopping to see the waterfalls of Kantju Gorge and admire the Aboriginal rock art at the Mutitjulu Waterhole.

Explore the highlights of Kakadu National Park on this action-packed full-day adventure from Darwin. One of Australia’s best national parks, Kakadu is famed for its ancient rock art and rich Indigenous history, along with its spectacular scenery and saltwater crocs. You’ll visit Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve, Bowali Visitor Centre, and either Ubirr Rock or Nourlangie (weather dependent). You can also add on a Jumping Crocodile Cruise for an extra thrill.

Enjoy an absolutely iconic experience when visiting Australia’s Red Centre—a full trek around the base of Uluru. As you start your sunrise walk around the 7.5-mile (12-kilometer) base trail of Uluru, embrace the culture, geology, and environment that is the essence of this amazing monolith. Stop along the trail for a picnic breakfast with an amazing close up view. Your guide tells the cultural stories (Tjukurpa) of Liru (poisonous snake) and Kuniya (woma python) as well as many other Aboriginal creation stories associated with this amazing natural landmark. Witness the sunrise, visit waterholes, see rock art sites of the ancients, and immerse yourself in the nature and culture of this very special place. 

Instead of briefly reading about Australia’s Aboriginal communities in your guidebook or online, truly immerse yourself in the history and culture of those communities on this full day experience. Take a ferry from Darwin to Bathurst Island to meet members of the local Tiwi community of Wurrumiyanga. Witness ancient customs and rituals like smoking ceremony, hand weaving and painting and learn about day-to-day life of the Tiwi Community.

Make sure you get admission to the Katherine Outback Experience with this pre-booked entry ticket. The show is a lighthearted introduction to life on an Outback cattle station, and an easy alternative to outdoor adventures and sightseeing. See horse-starting and working dog demonstrations set to live Australian country music and story-telling. Travelers with children can send them to pet and feed farm animals.

Experience a fascinating insight into the oldest living culture on earth on this half-day tour of Uluru. Led by a local Aṉangu guide, this tour includes a guided Mala walk as well as the chance to take part in a dot painting workshop. You’ll also hear the oral storytelling traditions of the Aṉangu people and learn about how people have survived out here for over 60,000 years.