The Great Indigenous Art Trail Of The Red Centre

The best thing about exploring the Indigenous art trail of the Red Centre can be described in one word: unique.

The geographical heart of Australia contains a myriad of diverse art experiences, from embracing the bulbous colourful pots at Hermannsburg to gazing at paintings with their labyrinth of dots and lines at Papunya, the birthplace of what is considered to be the beginning of contemporary Aboriginal art.

Whether you’re a nature lover looking to step into an Albert Namatjira watercolour with its unmistakeable red dirt and undulations of the West MacDonnell Ranges/Tjoritja or a culture fiend who can’t get enough of city galleries and beanie festivals, the Red Centre has something for you.

Ready to have your socks blown off? Here are the key art destinations to visit in the Red Centre.

The best way to explore the trail

First, get yourself to Alice Springs (Mparntwe) or Uluṟu, both easily reachable by plane from most capital cities in Australia.

a group of travellers exploring Ochre Pits in the West MacDonnell Ranges — Explore the rugged beauty of the West MacDonnell Ranges. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Allow two to three days in the outback city, home to dozens of art galleries, before heading west through the West MacDonnell Ranges/Tjoritja to visit some of Australia’s most remote and remarkable art centres.

artworks by Anangu artists on display at the Gallery of Central Australia — See extraordinary Aṉangu Art at The Gallery of Central Australia. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Highlights include galleries at Hermannsburg (Ntaria), Haasts Bluff (Ikuntji) and Papunya and don’t miss squeezing in a stop at the Ochre Pits, about 110km west of Alice Springs, where the Western Aranda people have gathered vivid yellow, red, purple and white ochre for painting and body decoration for thousands of years.

painting a wallaby with Art Tours of Australia, Red Centre — Show your appreciation for the ancient landscape through art. (Image: Art Tours of Australia)

Prefer to take a deep art dive on an organised tour? Artist and guide Anna Dakin of Art Tours of Australia takes guests on jaunts through the Red Centre to either make art or, if you prefer, to buy art. Her 5-day Art and Culture Trip begins in Alice Springs and takes in Uluṟu, where guests participate in an Aṉangu-led dot painting class, before travelling into the West MacDonnell Ranges/Tjoritja.

Ochre Pits - Larapinta Trail by World Expeditions, West MacDonnell Ranges, NT — The Ochre Pits are a highlight of the epic Larapinta trail. (Image: World Expeditions/Great Walks of Australia)

Alice Springs

Home to the Arrernte people, Alice Springs is a treasure chest of Aboriginal art from across Central Australia, offering a lively mix of one-of-a-kind galleries, quirky shops and hidden studios.

Namatjira watercolour paintings at Iltja Ntjarra Many Hands Art Centre — See Namatjira paintings at Iltja Ntjarra Many Hands Art Centre. (Image: Tourism Australia)

A great spot to kick off your artistic adventure in Alice Springs is the Araluen Arts Centre , home to many famous paintings by Albert Namatjira, including Haasts Bluff Country and Heavitree Gap.

visitors exploring inside the Araluen Arts Centre — Araluen Arts Centre features the works of the great Albert Namatjira. (Image: Tourism NT)

Where else can you see a Namatjira watercolour and then within minutes be amongst the mountainous landscape that inspired him?

watercolour painting at Iltja Ntjarra Many Hands Art Centre — Namatjira uses watercolour to depict the beauty of Country. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Not far from here, on the edge of the CBD, you’ll find the Iltja Ntjarra Many Hands Art Centre – an essential stop for continuing your journey into Namatjira’s world. This vibrant gallery and working studio is home to the Namatjira artists who carry forward the landscapes made famous by their family member. It’s the perfect place to not only see their stunning creations but also to watch artists at work and have a yarn about their craft.

a couple admiring the artworks at Mbantua Gallery — Admire the Aboriginal art in Mbantua Gallery. (Image: Tourism Australia/Tourism NT)

From here, saunter to Todd Mall, where you’ll discover a collection of lively art galleries, cooperatives and shops. Pop into Papunya Tula Gallery , Yubu Napa Art Gallery and Mbantua Gallery to see works by some of Australia’s most celebrated Aboriginal artists.

women weaving baskets, Tjanpi Desert Weavers — Tjanpi Desert Weavers provides job opportunities for women. (Image: Tourism Australia)

For fans of fibre art, don’t miss Tjanpi Desert Weavers , a unique gallery showcasing intricately woven baskets, earrings and sculptured animals, all crafted by women from the Central and Western desert regions.

woven baskets on display at Tjanpi Desert Weavers — These baskets are intricately woven by women on Country. (Image: Tourism Australia)

East MacDonnell Ranges

If you’re looking to take your art adventure outdoors, then it’s time to head into nature and discover the ancient rock art that dots the landscape.

There’s no better place to start than the East MacDonnell Ranges, just a short drive from Alice Springs. Start your adventure at Yeperenye/Emily Gap, a picturesque spot in the East MacDonnell Ranges. This site is not only visually stunning, with its striking red rock formations and shady gums, but it’s also home to rock art that depicts the caterpillar dreaming.

Hermannsburg

Hermannsburg is one of the Red Centre’s must-see gems, and it’s easy to understand why – it’s like stepping back in time. This well-preserved former Lutheran mission, founded in 1877, gives you a real sense of history. Just a scenic 130km drive west of Alice Springs, it’s also the birthplace of Arrernte artist Albert Namatjira, who passed away in 1959.

The Hermannsburg Historic Precinct, listed by the National Trust, is a charming cluster of whitewashed, German-style buildings. Here, you’ll find a dining room and bakery that’s now home to a gallery and gift shop.

If you’re planning to visit the Hermannsburg Potters , make sure to call ahead and book your spot before hitting the road. You won’t want to make the trek out there only to find you’ve missed out on seeing these incredible artists in action. The colourful terracotta pots burst with life, each one telling a unique story about the artists’ culture and their connection to Country.

a couple exploring the Hermannsburg Historic Precinct with a local guide — Hermannsburg is the birthplace of the Hermannsburg School of watercolour painting, pioneered by Albert Namatjira. (Image: Tourism NT/Charlie Bliss)

Haasts Bluff

Art lovers, keep your engines running. If contemporary Aboriginal art is your thing, then you won’t want to miss the 230km drive west of Alice Springs to Haasts Bluff. At Ikuntji Artists , you’ll find a dazzling mix of bold paintings, vibrant textiles and eye-catching accessories – all crafted by talented Aboriginal artists.

This not-for-profit Aboriginal-owned centre has a fascinating history, starting back in the 1980s when a group of women began painting in the local aged care facility. Since then, it’s blossomed into a hub of creativity, and today, it’s a must-see destination for anyone wanting to experience the heartbeat of the region’s contemporary art scene.

a woman making Aboriginal Art at Ikuntji Artists, Haasts Bluff — he distinctive style of Ikuntji Artists brings the spirit of Haasts Bluff to life. (Image: Tourism NT/Christopher Tangey/Ikuntji Artists)

Papunya

Around 250km west of Alice Springs, Papunya is the place that packs a punch in the world of Aboriginal art – it’s the birthplace of the iconic Western Desert dot-painting movement. Today, this artistic legacy lives on through Papunya Tjupi Artists, where over 100 local artists bring their powerful visions to life.

Known for their striking line work and innovative approaches to telling ancient stories, the artists of Papunya Tjupi continue to push boundaries while honouring tradition. If you’re a fan of bold, meaningful art, this is the place to experience it first-hand.

Uluṟu

For an unforgettable art experience, head south from Alice Springs to the iconic Uluṟu, about 450km away, where the desert landscape meets the rich cultural traditions of the Aṉangu people.

the Ayers rock/Uluru sandstone formation — Uluṟu is a breathtaking symbol of Australia’s heart. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Just a short drive from the rock itself, you’ll find Maruku Arts , a fantastic not-for-profit cooperative run by Anangu artists from over 20 remote communities across the Central and Western deserts.

a Maruku Art Dots Painting in Uluru — GMaruku Arts showcases the vibrant stories of the Anangu people. (Image: Tourism Australia)

At Maruku, you can dive deep into Aboriginal art and culture – whether it’s through exploring stunning dot paintings or learning about ancient techniques. Even better, you can get hands-on and take part in a dot-painting workshop, where you’ll create your own piece to take home.

a hand doing a Maruku Art Dots Painting in Uluru — Marvel at how meticulously each dot painting is made. (Image: Tourism Australia/NTCB)

Uluṟu’s striking red rock face is world-renowned, but it’s also a fantastic place to see rock art. Around 80 sites reveal the Anangu people’s Tjukurpa (creation stories) and cultural knowledge, passed down through generations.

Maruku Art Dots Painting workshop at Ayers Rock Resort — Join the Maruku Art Dots Painting workshop with a local Aṉangu artist. (Image: Tourism Australia)

To see these remarkable artworks up close, the best way is on a guided tour along the Mala Walk to Kantju Gorge or the Kuniya Walk to Mutitjulu Waterhole.

the Kuniya Walk, Uluru Kata Tjuta, NT — Take the legendary Kuniya Walk to the Mutitjulu waterhole. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Discover incredible things to do at Uluṟu (that aren’t climbing).

Spend a few days visiting the real-life Central Australian locations that inspired the new film everyone is talking about, and discover why Alice Springs is such an important part of Australian culture.

In the credits of the new Australian film Kangaroo , the first name under ‘cast’ should read ‘The Northern Territory ’. Not only is Alice Springs (and the surrounding landscape) integral to the movie itself, but the spiritual heart of Australia and its local Indigenous owners also inform the look and feel of every frame, explains Producer Trisha Morton-Thomas of Brindle Films, who also plays Charlie’s grandmother Gwennie.

“By setting Kangaroo in Alice Springs (Mparntwe), the film embraces how visible Aboriginal people are here, and the living Aboriginal culture that is woven through this community,” she explains.

still from kangarro film — See *Kangaroo*, then visit the real-life filming locations.

And while shooting in such a sacred part of the Northern Territory required extra planning, it was something the cast and crew were highly invested in.

“There are incredibly significant sacred sites and places of deep cultural stories in the area, that at times are very gender-specific, which we’ve kept out of the production,” she explains. “Even if overhead drone footage captures a sacred site that isn’t meant to be seen by other people outside of that clan, we’ve made sure to omit it from the film.”

If Kangaroo piqued your interest in a Central Australian holiday, we don’t blame you. Read on to discover eight places featured in the movie that you can visit in real life – and get planning. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen and a hat.

1. Alice Springs/ Mparntwe

artist at Many Hands Art Centre — Visit the galleries of Alice Springs, like Many Hands Art Centre. (Image: Tourism NT/ Helen Orr/ Many Hands Art Centre)

The red and dusty streets of the film’s fictional town of Silvergum were filmed on the outskirts of Alice Springs. And, while the art gallery featured in the film is fictional, Alice Springs is a hub of creativity. See the work of local artists at the Araluen Art Centre , Yubu Napa Art Gallery , Iltja Ntjarra (Many Hands) Art Centre and the famous Tjanpi Desert Weavers .

2. The Kangaroo Sanctuary & Kangaroo Rescue Centre

The Kangaroo Sanctuary Alice Springs, the inspiration for the Kangaroo move — Visit the movie’s inspiration at Kangaroo Sanctuary. (Image: Tourism NT/ Kangaroo Sanctuary)

Kangaroo was inspired by the journey of Chris ‘Brolga’ Barns, who founded the now world-renowned Kangaroo Sanctuary based in Alice Springs. For lead actor, Aussie Ryan Corr, the animals were central to the movie, alongside the landscapes.

“The animals in this story were a real calling point for me,” he explains. “What this story tries to tell us about the connection between humans and animals is beautiful.”

To gain a real insight into the fauna and flora of the Red Centre, you can visit the Kangaroo Sanctuary on a sunset tour, where you might even get the chance to hold a baby kangaroo.

3. Ormiston Gorge

woman walking along the edge of Ormiston Gorge near alice springs — Take a dip in Ormiston Gorge. (Image: Tourism NT/ @domandjesso)

The film captures the raw beauty of the West MacDonnell Ranges, known in the Arrernte language as Tjoritja. This national park is rich in Indigenous culture and stark geological wonders.

Only a 15-minute drive from Alice Springs, Tjoritja offers visitors the chance to camp, hike and swim among ancient landscapes (most attractions are less than a three-hour drive away).

Ormiston Gorge , a cooling oasis in among the red desert sands, is one of the most popular destinations, no doubt because of the permanent swimming hole and towering red cliffs. From here, visitors can also embark on the beautiful Ormiston Pound Walk and the shorter – more accessible – Ghost Gum Walk. Bring your bathers – it’s safe for swimming.

4. Standley Chasm

woman walking through Standley Chasm near alice springs — Wander through Standley Chasm. (Image: Tourism NT)

The 1.2-kilometre walk to nearby Standley Chasm will be a highlight for any visitor as the imposing 40 metre-high chasm walls project strength and ancient wisdom.

Visit at midday to experience the path illumined by the midday sun. Not only will you fill your camera roll with vibrant red images of the gorge and its intoxicating shadows, but you can also camp nearby in a powered or unpowered site so you can watch the brilliance of the desert stars fill the night sky after dusk.

5. Simpsons Gap

three people walking on path through simpsons gap near alice springs — Walk the trails of Simpson’s Gap. (Image: Tourism NT/ Helen Orr)

Closer to Alice Springs, the photogenic Simpsons Gap is the perfect place to spot the endangered Black-footed Rock wallaby near the permanent watering hole. While swimming isn’t permitted, soaking up the sun and views certainly is.

Explore the area’s numerous walking trails, appreciate the soaring cliffs on either side of the ‘gap’ and pick out the shooting locations of Kangaroo in the area.

6. Ellery Creek Big Hole

aerial of Ellery Creek Big Hole near alice springs — Dive into Ellery Creek Big Hole. (Image: Tourism NT/ Tourism Australia)

When it comes to classic Northern Territory landscapes, you can’t go past Ellery Creek Big Hole/ Udepata : tall gum trees sidling up to a refreshing watering hole (fed by the West MacDonnell Ranges and surrounded by rugged red cliffs.

Swim in the cooling waters, hike the cliff tops, watch for birds and even stargaze as you camp here overnight. It’s locations like this that attracted the film’s director Kate Woods to the project.

“It humbles you to be in this environment: it’s so beautiful, so old and so vast,” she explains. “I was thrilled to get a chance to … shoot such a beautiful story in the incredible landscape of the Northern Territory.”

7. Larapinta Drive

aerial of Larapinta Drive into alice springs — Drive along Larapinta Drive. (Image: Tourism NT)

There is no better way to get a feel for how the characters arrived at the fictional Central Australian town of Silvergum than to travel along the iconic state road, Larapinta Drive.

Connecting Alice Springs to the mighty King’s Canyon in the west, via the historic community of Hermannsburg, this road takes in the West MacDonnell National Park, Alice Springs Desert Park and artist Albert Namatjira’s house, among other attractions. Take your time, bring a camera and prepare for numerous stops along the way.

8. Todd River

competitors in Henley on Todd Regatta, alice springs — Join in the fun of the quirky Henley on Todd Regatta. (Image: Tourism NT/ TImparja Creative)

Meandering through Alice Springs like a lazy Western Brown snake, the Todd River is a central part of Alice Springs culture. Known as an ‘intermittent river’, the Todd can go from a dry dusty riverbed to a flowing waterscape in less than 15 minutes after heavy rainfall.

When it’s dry, the famous Henley on Todd Regatta fills the sandy riverbed with handmade ‘boats’ carried by sailors. This is the world’s only dry river boating event, and it’s referenced in the ‘Silvergum Boat Race’ in the movie. Inspired by the real-life event, the characters built quirky “Flintstones-style boats” and competed in teams.

See Kangaroo in cinemas now, and start planning your NT getaway at northernterritory.com.

Your guide to the great Indigenous Red Centre art trail