Aboriginal art

From the ancient rock art of Kakadu and the bark paintings of Arnhem Land, to the thriving art scene in Alice Springs – Indigenous art is an integral part of the Territory’s stories of the past, present and the emerging future.

Aboriginal peoples have used art to record and share their stories of creation, culture and ceremony for tens of thousands of years.

Ochre paintings, rock carvings, weaving, wood sculptures, screen printing onto textiles, bark painting and decorated ceremonial artefacts are all popular across the Northern Territory with historic and contemporary pieces on show at art centres, galleries and national parks.

Whether it’s the bright colours of the artists of Utopia region, the stunning watercolours of Namatjira capturing the surrounds of Hermannsburg, or the X-ray animal style paintings of the Top End – Aboriginal art is a direct expression of purity and significance. Without words or sound it transcends language and dialects to communicate it’s story and message, providing a greater appreciation and understanding of Aboriginal culture in the process.

Rock art at Ubirr in Kakadu National Park

Aboriginal art in Darwin

While there aren’t any accessible rock art sites in Darwin itself, the capital city more than makes up for it with exquisite galleries. Many galleries offer meet and greets with the artists where you can watch them create their latest masterpiece.

Galleries worth checking out in and around Darwin City include:

The Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory is the Territory’s flagship museum and art gallery and is home to stunning art by world-famous painters, sculptors and textile artists. Its permanent collection holds thousands of artworks and historical artefacts from artists across the Territory and hosts the annual National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards in August each year.

Outside of Darwin, you can find arts centres that welcome visitors in a number of remote communities including:

Durrmu Arts Aboriginal Corporation (Peppimenarti)
Jilamara Arts and Crafts Association (Milikapiti)
Munupi Arts and Crafts Association (Pirlangimpi)
Tiwi Design Aboriginal Corporation (Nguiu)

If you’re travelling to remote communities, make sure you get a permit which you can obtain from the Northern Land Council.

Sacred Sites information

When visiting sacred sites, please follow all directions. Some sites are to be viewed only – no photographs or filming – while other sites may be inaccessible to particular genders or at certain times of the year due to ceremony. Please don’t take anything with you.

Before visiting any of these sites, please check parks are open, get your camping or walking permit and arrange your permit from the Central Land Council or Northern Land Council.

Artist painting a didgeridoo at Warradjan Cultural Centre

Aboriginal art in Katherine

The Katherine region has a number of incredible rock art sites, as well as local galleries where you can find sacred stories depicted in art.

Nitmiluk National Park – Katherine Gorge – is littered with rock paintings throughout the 13 gorges. The first gorge is the most accessible with a short walk to the top to see an open-air rock art site that has survived thousands of years exposed to the elements. This is the work of the Jawoyn people of the region and relates through their Dreamtime stories, the significance of the gorge.

Umbrawarra Gorge Nature Park and Keep River National Park contain rock art sites that share the ancient stories of the local Wagiman people – and both the Miriwoong and Gajirrabeng people respectively. Umbrawarra Gorge rock art sites are accessible from the walking track or by wading through the natural pools, while Keep River is only accessible by an unsealed road which is subject to seasonal flooding. Check if the parks are open before setting off on your journey.

In the Katherine township itself, there are also places to experience Aboriginal art and culture. Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Arts and Culture Centre hosts art exhibitions by artists from all backgrounds and in all styles, including the ‘K Space’ – dedicated to nurturing and promoting the work of up and coming artists of the region.

Mimi Aboriginal Art and Crafts is solely dedicated to artists from the Katherine region, showcasing Top End, desert and river art styles. It’s 100% Aboriginal owned and exhibits weavings, didgeridoos and carvings as well as paintings. Top Didj Cultural Experience and Art Gallery also highlights local Katherine region artists, including some of the most well known Aboriginal artists in the world. Works displayed here include those by Gloria Petyarre, the King sisters, Lorna Fencer Naparulla, Wallala Tjapaltjarri, as well as the work of artists, weavers and craftspeople of Injalak Arts from Gunbalanya in the West Arnhem region.

The Katherine Museum is another great way to spend the day, with a fantastic permanent collection of art, culture and heritage pieces reflecting the rich history of the region.

Once you leave Katherine, there’s a range of arts and culture centres dotted across the region, including the Stockyard Gallery in Mataranka, Djilpin Arts in Beswick and Waralungku Arts in Borroloola.

Aboriginal art in Kakadu

Kakadu National Park is a must-see destination for many visitors to the Territory and not just for its stunning natural beauty. There are several prominent rock art sites located in this natural wonderland, contributing to the importance of the park as a UNESCO World Heritage listed site.

Before you experience the wonder of the ancient outdoor art sites, head into Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre or the Bowali Visitor Centre to learn more about the park and local art, or book one of the amazing tours on offer. You can save time on your trip by buying your Kakadu Park Pass online.

Rock art sites exist at Ubirr, Burrungkuy rock art site (Nourlangie) and Nanguluwurr rock art site. Ubirr has three sites accessible off a 1km circular walking track, as well as a lookout to climb for an incredible sunset view. The Burrungkuy rock art site at Nourlangie Rock can be reached by following the 1.5km walking track to the ancient gallery and the large-scale pieces reflecting creation stories, including that of the Lightning Man – Namarrkon (pronounced narm-arr-gon). The Nanguluwurr Rock Art Site and Walk is a longer 3.4km, moderate grade track but the walk is worth it. You’ll see ancient hand stencils, figures in stunning headdresses, representations of Namandi spirits and mythical figures like Alkajko – a female spirit with four arms. The age, scale, significance and sheer beauty of these historical sites will take your breath away.

Aboriginal art in East Arnhem

East Arnhem is a region rich with art and culture. Some of it is very remote and off the beaten track, but it’s well worth the effort.

There are a number of rock art sites across East Arnhem but not all of them are accessible to the public. The best way to see these sites is by booking a tour through one of the tourism operators in the area. To see the rock art at Mt Borradaile, book your stay at Davidson’s Arnhemland Safari Lodge, join the Outback Spirit Wilderness Adventure or the Ultimate Outback Air Safari.

If you don’t have a lot of time but you still want to see some authentic Aboriginal rock art, a one day Arnhem Land tour to Injalak Hill at Gunbalanya is a good option and includes a visit to Injalak Arts and Crafts Centre as well.

When you’re done adventuring, there are a number of art, craft and culture centres across Arnhem Land that welcome visitors including:

Before travelling, make sure you’ve organised your Northern Land Council permit.