Just north of Australia’s bustling cityscapes and sun-drenched beaches lie the smaller communities of the Northern Territory, from the northernmost region nicknamed the Top End to the southernmost region called the Red Center. The entire Northern Territory is rich in fascinating indigenous culture, natural features and travel experiences that let clients immerse themselves in it all.
The following tours in the Northern Territory of Australia focus on the indigenous customs and spirit that make up the foundation of Australian life.
Mbantua Gourmet Lunch Tour by Goway Travel (Alice Springs)
Foodies traveling in the Top End will fit right in to this food-centered exploration of indigenous culture. This daylong tour includes a delicious, homemade meal that focuses on ingredients found in nature, and a short walk (1.24 miles) with some sampling of bush food.
Sampling bush food is a good way to explore aboriginal culture in a familiar way.
Credit: 2020 Creative Commons user jean_hort
This tour is also a good opportunity to learn about aboriginal lifestyle, including how the local food adapted to European settlement, via a taste barbecue.
www.goway.com
High Flyers Best of Top End by Northern Territory Indigenous Tours (Darwin)
This tour is designed for those who want to see as much of the Top End’s natural features as possible, and learn about their cultural significance to indigenous peoples. Clients can see beautiful landscapes from the air and live crocodiles by boat in the Adelaide River.
There are also opportunities to swim in natural pools and eat crocodile and kangaroo. The tour is led by an indigenous guide who shares the stories of the area and their meaning, leaving clients with a detailed understanding of aboriginal life.
www.ntitours.com.au
Tiwi Islands Aboriginal Cultural Tour by AAT Kings (Tiwi Islands)
Through this tour, clients can discover modern day aboriginal life in a fully immersed setting. The full-day tour includes a 2.5-hour hour cruise to and from Bathurst Island. While there, visitors can spend time learning about traditional art and stories in the Tiwi Museum and local arts centers.
Visit the Tiwi Museum to learn the history of the island and its people.
Credit: 2020 Creative Commons user merryjackAlso included is an opportunity to visit Tiwi women as they weave, paint and perform totem dances. Adding to the spiritual elements of this tour, clients can see a smoking ceremony intended to bless visitors and learn about the meanings behind burial rituals.
www.aatkings.com
Uluru Adventure by Intrepid Travel (Uluru)
For those who are looking for a longer adventure in the Northern Territory, this tour offers three days of learning about the spiritual importance of Uluru through the eyes of the local people.
Local guides lead a walk around the base of Uluru and explain the culture and stories of cave art, which connects with the land. Nature lovers will also be impressed with the domes of Kata Tjuta and the natural rocky chasms in Kings Canyon. Visitors will leave this trip with a new understanding of the land and why it is seen as sacred.
www.intrepidtravel.com
Quarter Uluru Segway & Sunset by Uluru Segway Tours (Uluru)
It is possible to enjoy Uluru National Park without having to wear through your hiking boots. This tour takes visitors to see the vast and towering expanse of Uluru, and to learn about the area’s culture, history and geology on mostly wheels instead of only on foot. Clients ride Segways around a quarter of the base of Uluru by the golden light of sunset.
A Segway tour of Uluru is ideal for those who don’t love to
Credit: 2020 Uluru Segway ToursThey also learn about why it is a culturally important natural feature. Visitors can expect to see caves and aboriginal rock art left over from long ago. There is also a guided walk into the Mutitjulu waterhole before the tour concludes with snacks and soft drinks.
www.ulurusegwaytours.rezdy.com
