culture

images: awl images; alamy

ULURU-KATA TJUTA

NATIONAL PARK Uluru is the spiritual heart of Australia’ s dusty Red Centre. The 1,142-foot-tall monolith has been a sacred meeting and storytelling site for the Indigenous Anangu people for thousands of years. Join a guided walk around the base to admire ancient rock art and learn about Anangu customs. By night, wander through sprawling art installations that light up the desert or watch as drones take to the sky for a modern retelling of Anangu stories.

TIWI

ISLANDS A short boat ride from Darwin are the Tiwi Islands— Bathurst and Melville— which have been inhabited by the Tiwi people for over 20,000 years. Being separated from the mainland allowed the Tiwi to preserve their traditions, and travelers are welcome to sit down with the‘ morning tea ladies’ to weave pandanus, chat and share billy tea( Australian black tea). Visit Tiwi Design art center or Munupi Arts and Crafts to learn about the islands’ unique screen-printing style.

ARNHEM

LAND

Arnhem Land is the rugged and remote home of the Yolngu people. It’ s a domain of savanna woodlands alive with birdsong and crocodile-filled floodplains. Located in the far northeast of the Northern Territory, the journey to reach it takes several days and includes the chance to go inside caves to see ancient rock art and meet artists at Injalak Arts. Visit in August for Garma Festival, a celebration of Yolngu culture featuring dance, music, movies and poetry.

THREE MORE: Aboriginal culture

Australian Museum, Sydney The museum houses one of the world’ s most significant Aboriginal art collections. The permanent exhibition, Garrigarrang( Sea Country), explores the traditions of the Eora people, who’ ve lived in the Sydney basin for thousands of years.

National Gallery of Australia, Canberra The gallery holds over 7,500 works, from traditional dot paintings to colorful creations from emerging artists. Don’ t miss The Aboriginal Memorial: 200 hollow log coffins symbolizing each year of colonial occupation.

Koorie Heritage Trust, Melbourne The ground floor of this cultural hub is home to a boutique where you can buy bags, jewelry, books and more from Koorie artists. Upstairs are exhibitions by Aboriginal designers and donated artifacts like grinding stones. Join the daily guided tour along the Yarra River to learn how Naarm( Melbourne) evolved over time.

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