6 ways to experience Aboriginal culture in the Top End

Become fully immersed in the world’s oldest living culture in the Top End. Explore Litchfield National Park with an Aboriginal guide who grew up with the park as her backyard. Admire ancient rock art in Kakadu, camp on the Tiwi Islands or cruise through Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge.

Here’s our guide to some of the best Aboriginal cultural experiences in the Top End.

1. Walk on country with weavers and artists at Wugularr (Beswick)

Connect with the local community and walk on country with the talented women weavers of Wugularr (Beswick). Sign up for one of their cultural experiences to gain insight into the Territory’s Aboriginal cultural heritage.

Check into Djilpin Arts’ pavilion accommodation at Wugularr (Beswick) to learn about community life and grassroots creativity. The community art centre has a museum with historical art collection, a gallery and retail store along with accommodation and a campground with well-equipped kitchen. Book a Women’s Weaving tour and you’ll walk on country with the women, helping them to harvest materials or prepare dyes in readiness for weaving.

Other tours visit significant sites like Bullocky Head’s ceremonial site on the shoreline of Waterhouse River where ancient stone artefacts still litter the ground. Or Melkjulumbu (Beswick Falls), where mythical creatures like mermaids and mimi spirits share the waterhole with fish and freshwater crocodile.

2. Visit Kakadu National Park

Kakadu National Park is massive, so allow plenty of time to see the best of Australia’s second largest national park. You’ll need at least two nights. Three is better still.

Check into Hawk Dreaming Wilderness Lodge and you’ll have direct access to the best sites of Kakadu and West Arnhem Land along with a tranquil retreat to return ‘home’ to. The lodge sits at the foot of Cannon Hill. Escarpments are dotted with extraordinary rock art galleries high above Kakadu’s floodplains which provide habitat for abundant wildlife.

Take a Guluyambi Cultural Cruise on the East Alligator River to Cahills Crossing, where crocodile sightingsare almost guaranteed. Later, take a safari to view birdlife and wildlife before enjoying canapes and drinks as the sun sets over Kakadu’s larger-than-life landscape.

Explore the ancient rock art shelters at Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) with Yibekka Kakadu Rock Art Tours on a guided walk, where you’ll view paintings that are dated over 20,000 years old. Kakadu National Park’s rock art is considered one of the oldest cultural records in the world, and offers a unique glimpse into history.

3. Join NT Indigenous Tours for a day trip to Litchfield National Park

Take the road less travelled and experience Litchfield National Park through the eyes of Marrathiyel woman Tess Atie, who grew up with the park as her backyard. Join Tess and her husband, Greg Balding—both former park rangers with a wealth of local knowledge - on NT Indigenous Tours.

You’ll visit popular spots, such as Wangi Falls and Florence Falls as well as Tess’s favourite spots which few visitors know about. The tour’s highlight is walking to a waterfall for a swim before lunch cooked over an open fire at one of Litchfield’s scenic picnic spots.

4. Visit the Tiwi Islands

Discover the unique Aboriginal culture of the Tiwi Islands with an in-depth overnight experience at Tarntipi Bush Camp. Run by elders Teddy and Teresia, Tarntipi is a welcoming seasonal camp located 15-minute’s drive from the town of Wurrumiyanga.

Staying at Tarntipi, you’ll be fully immersed in camp life - you can do as little or as much as you like. You may find yourself collecting firewood, painting shells, or gathering oysters on the rocks at Tientebei Beach when the tide is low. Learn about traditional bush medicines and foods, and take your time to connect with Teddy, Teresia, and their family, gaining insights into traditional Tiwi life.

Alternatively if you are looking for a day tour, Tiwi by Design is a great option. Your journey begins in Wurrumiyanga on Bathurst Island, where you’ll be welcomed by your friendly guide. Explore the Mission Precinct, guided through stories of Tiwi life, the Creation story, WWII history, and the Tiwi’s passion for football. After lunch, dive into a hands-on screen-printing workshop at Tiwi Design, where you can create a take-home souvenir with traditional or contemporary designs.

Get to Tiwi Islands from Darwin by ferry with Sealink (approx. 3hrs) or by air with Fly Tiwi (approx. 30min).

5. Learn about Aboriginal customs with Pudakul Aboriginal Cultural Tours

Take a Cultural Ecological Experience through the Top End’s Northern Coast Wetlands. Exploring with Pudakul Aboriginal Cultural Tours, you’ll hear stories and learn about ancient customs passed down through tens of thousands of years.

Activities include spear making, basket weaving and dilly bag making, where natural string is entwined to create a carry bag. Try your hand at blowing a didgeridoo or throwing a spear, then tuck into a traditional morning tea of billy tea and damper (bush bread).

Located on Limilngan Wulna Land, Pudakul is nestled in the Adelaide River Flood Plains, about one hour’s drive southeast of Darwin. It’s a terrific stop on the way to or from Kakadu National Park. You could also combine a Pudakul tour with a visit to Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve, Jumping Crocodile Cruises, Mary River National Park, Djukbinj National Park and Leaning Tree Lagoon Nature Park.

6. Visit Nitmilik National Park

Nitmiluk National Park is one of the Top End's most popular parks. You'll find thundering waterfalls, walking trails, rich Aboriginal culture and spectacular Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge.

While there are countless ways to experience the gorge, the Rock Art cruise with breakfast is a great way to start the day. Enjoy the tranquil beauty of Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge, as the soft morning light casts a golden glow on the escarpment. Your expert guide will lead you through the first gorge, sharing rich cultural stories, the history of Nitmiluk region, and insights into rock art, flora, and fauna. Relax on the return boat ride and enjoy a delicious breakfast as you cruise through the spectacular gorge.