Discover the creativity of Darwin and beyond 

The capital and main international gateway of the Northern Territory, tropical Darwin is the epicentre of the state’s vibrant arts and culture scene, showcasing the best of contemporary Australian and traditional Aboriginal art, crafts, music and theatre. From the street murals that light up the city’s walls, to the museums and galleries presenting world-class exhibitions, Darwin offers visitors an inspiring cosmopolitan stay before discovering the wild beauty and rugged landscapes of a destination that boasts UNESCO World Heritage Listed Kakadu National Park, mystical Arnhem Land, the iconic monolith Ulur̲u, and the stunning falls of Litchfield National Park.    

Darwin local, Shaun Edwards from House of Darwin, and Wendy Hill at the Gallery of Central Australia near Ulur̲u share their tips for art lovers heading to the Northern Territory.  

Growing up in Darwin, Arnhem Land, Katherine and Mandorah, Shaun Edwards experienced the beauty and rich Indigenous heritage of the Northern Territory, before leaving to go to school in Melbourne, Victoria, and pursuing a successful football career. Deciding to go back to his roots during the Covid outbreak, Shaun started House of Darwin (HOD): a social enterprise that reinvests profits from clothing and retail into grassroots projects across the Northern Territory. More than just a brand, HOD exists to support remote Indigenous communities, tell Territory stories and create opportunities for local makers and creatives. The HOD store on the city’s Knuckey Street showcases this work, incorporating Territory-made furniture, handcrafted sculptures and bush-dyed textiles. 

Wanderlust: With so many exciting art experiences in Darwin, which ones would you recommend?

Shaun: Darwin’s arts scene is a mix of contemporary, experimental and traditional Indigenous influences. The Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT) is a must-see for Indigenous art, history and culture, while the Tin Shed Gallery is an artist-run space that has just returned to Darwin’s Central Business District, featuring experimental and contemporary works. You’ll also find the pulse of the Northern Territory’s creative culture at Indigenous-owned Going North’s exciting events, which run throughout the year.  

Wanderlust: What tips do you have for visitors spending time in the city?

Shaun: Plan your visit to coincide with the dry season, between May and October, when the weather is perfect and there’s lots going on in the city. Life is a little slower up here, so lean into it, and take time to learn and engage respectfully with the Top End’s rich Indigenous heritage, too. And see as many Darwin sunsets as you can: East Point at Fannie Bay is one of the best sunset spots in Australia.  

Wanderlust: As a local, is there an art space you’re finding especially exciting right now?

Shaun: The Laundry Gallery has been a game-changer in Darwin’s art scene, showcasing a mix of emerging and established Indigenous and contemporary artists. Drop in for an exhibition opening or a new show if you can: something really fresh is happening here. 

Wanderlust: Darwin is known for its fantastic markets – which ones would you recommend?

Shaun: Mindil Beach Sunset Market is great and best visited on Thursdays and Sundays during the dry season, and be sure to hit the Rapid Creek (Saturdays and Sundays) and Parap Village Market (Saturdays), too. The local produce has been heavily influenced by our close proximity to Asia – it’s a total unique experience.  

Wanderlust: What is there to see and do outside of Darwin?

Shaun: Some of the Northern Territory’s best experiences are just outside Darwin, and visitors should make time to visit Arnhem Land, Kakadu National Park and Litchfield National Park, which are all unreal. Book a boat trip to the Tiwi Islands in advance to experience the fascinating Tiwi culture, art and football, too.  

 Originally from Tauranga in New Zealand, Wendy Hill is Gallery Supervisor at GoCA, the Gallery of Central Australia, based at Ayers Rock Resort near Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park. Showcasing artwork, gifts and merchandise from the Central and Western Desert region of Australia, GoCA manages ethical art sales, connecting visitors to the Red Centre and hundreds of local Aboriginal artists, who set their own price for their art. Art sales are an important income stream for remote Indigenous communities and GoCA promotes the artistic expertise of hundreds of artists from 23 different Indigenous art centres dotted around the remote Central Desert region. 

Wanderlust: What can art enthusiasts expect from a visit to GoCA?

Wendy: A true sense of the vibrancy and diversity of the Central Australian Indigenous arts scene, through the artists’ particular styles, stories and vibrant colour palettes. GoCA’s Artist-in-Residence programme offers the opportunity to meet local artists and even take home a piece of work that has been painted while you watch. 

Wanderlust: Are there other galleries near Ayers Rock Resort?

Wendy: Yes, be sure to explore the Cultural Centre within Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park, where two of our nearest Indigenous art centres have galleries: Walkatjara Art Uluṟu and Maṟuku Arts.  

Wanderlust: What are the must-do activities in and around Ulur̲u?

Wendy: Field of Light Ulur̲u is the longest-standing outdoor light installation from acclaimed British artist, Bruce Munro. “A Night at Field of Light” is a bush-food inspired dinner, followed by a starlit walk through the 50,000 solar lights. Sunrise Journeys is a modern story of connection to Country told from a uniquely female Aṉangu perspective, using lasers, lights and sound. And finally, the clarity of the night sky makes for some of the best stargazing anywhere in the world. Take a tour like Outback Sky Journeys – or just head outside and look up.  

Wanderlust: Why is Ulur̲u considered to be such a spiritual place?

They say Ulur̲u is the “Heart of Australia” and once you’ve visited, it will never leave you. The ancientness of this place is its beauty: it has a deep wisdom to share with us all. Country, culture and art are intrinsically linked for the local Aṉangu people and the magic is everywhere, because the spirit of Country is in everything: the sun, sky, birds and landscape. Ulur̲u has a magnificent beauty that is simply unlike anywhere else in the world. The sunrises and sunsets are spectacular, too, and definitely not to be missed.