HOME to some famous landmarks and ancient traditions, Australia's Northern Territory offers many ways to learn and connect with diverse Aboriginal cultures.
One is sure to have an unforgettable travel experience. Here are some of the must-see places in the Northern Territory.
THE RED CENTRE
Rich in culture and beauty, Australia's Red Centre is considered the spiritual heart of the country.
It is an extraordinary landscape of desert plains, weathered mountain ranges, rocky gorges and some of Australia's most sacred Aboriginal sites.
It is where some of the greatest natural wonders of the world — the ancient rock formations of Uluru and Kata Tjuta — rise magnificently from the land.
The 500-million-year-old sandstone monoliths are deeply spiritual to the local Anangu people, who have lived in the country for over 22,000 years.
Guided tours of these natural wonders and their surroundings are available to view up close.
For an unbeatable view of these sacred landmarks, stay at Longitude 131˚, which offers 16 safari-style tented pavilions.
It also offers a fine-dining experience infused with bush ingredients and spa treatments using ancient beauty and wellness rituals used by Aboriginal Australians for thousands of years.
The Red Centre is also home to the Kings Canyon (Watarrka), Alice Springs and the West MacDonnell Ranges.
DARWIN'S WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS
The Northern Territory's entry point is its capital of Darwin/Gulumerrdgen. This tropical city is a cultural melting-pot offering balmy nights, colourful characters and nearby outdoor adventures.
For a thrilling experience, Crocodylus Park lets visitors enjoy a boat cruise while watching crocodiles jump out of the water.
Crocodylus Park's man-made river system is home to more than 40 salt-water crocodiles, including a few big 5m males.
Darwin is also a place to enjoy Aboriginal food, or bush tucker in the local lingo.
For 40,000 years, Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander people have been harvesting food off the land.
Today, the recently opened Aboriginal Bush Traders serves up traditional flavours with a modern twist, such as roasted kangaroo, bush-spiced chickpea salad, beetroot hummus and zucchini, and many more.
AUSTRALIA'S BIGGEST NATIONAL PARK
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park is where one can take in stunning sights from the top of a Kakadu escarpment.
Visitors can cruise along the stunning Yellow Water Billabong to spot crocodiles and wildlife in their natural habitat, as well as millions of migratory birds.
Kakadu is made spectacular by the lush rainforests, rocky gorges, serene swimming pools and more than 5,000 Aboriginal rock art sites — some of which are the oldest Aboriginal rock art in the world — made by the Bininj/Mungguy people, who have called Kakadu home for some 65,000 years.
To best enjoy the landscape and culture of Kakadu National Park, go on a 90-minute cruise Ethical Adventures - Flood Country that explores the culture of local Guluyambi paired with a guided rock art walk in Arnhem Land and a visit to Murrawadi Art Centre.
ARNHEM LAND'S UNSPOILED WILDERNESS
Arnhem Land's vast, unspoiled wilderness spanning over 97,000 sq km on the northeastern tip of the territory, is one of the world's last wilderness frontiers. Remote and beautiful, it nurtures a thriving Aboriginal community.
The best way to explore the area is to embark on small-group cultural and nature-based tours by Venture North Safaris, that includes visiting indigenous communities, guided rock art tours and more.
Those interested to immerse themselves in Yolngu life can look to Lirrwi Tourism, an Aboriginal-owned and accredited tour operator that offers opportunities to become part of a small family community living on an idyllic stretch of coast and taking part in daily activities, such as spearfishing, food gathering, dancing and storytelling.
Lirrwi also offers a five-day Gay'Wu tour only for women and girls, where visitors can meet, learn from and laugh with Yolngu women.
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