Your guide to the great Indigenous Red Centre art trail

Leah McLennan Leah McLennan
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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)

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

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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.

a woman watching an Aboriginal Artist working on a painting at Ikuntji Artists, Haasts Bluff
Ikuntji Artists is pioneered by women in the Western Desert Art Movement. (Image: Tourism NT/Christopher Tangey/Ikuntji 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.

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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).

Leah McLennan
Leah McLennan is a freelance writer based in Darwin. She was a journalist in Sydney for over a decade and counts her time as travel editor for Australian Associated Press as one of the highlights of her career. From exploring remote campsites in the Top End with her family, to seeking out new art galleries in faraway cities, she’ll grab an adventurous or arty travel experience within her reach.
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Red earth, light shows and ancient culture: discover the ultimate NT road trip

(Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Ben Savage)

    Kassia Byrnes Kassia Byrnes
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    The Northern Territory is made for road trips, and this one hits all the highlights.

    Craggy mountain ranges, inviting waterholes, ochre soil: the landscape of the Northern Territory is asking to be explored by road and foot. There are many iconic road trips to choose from here, but none so all-encompassing than the roughly 3000 kilometres of sealed road that make up Explorer’s Way.

    Spend 14 days (or more, to really make the most of it) driving this route from Adelaide, hitting the NT near the small settlement of Kulgera before later finishing in Darwin. Along the way, you’ll find nearly all the territory’s most iconic sights.

    Discover some of the top highlights that make Explorer’s Way one of Australia’s most incredible road trips.

    1. Alice Springs

    echidna at Alice Springs Desert Park
    See the locals at Alice Springs Desert Park. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT)

    Recently hitting the big screen again with the story of The Kanagroo Sanctuary, there’s a lot to surprise you in Alice Springs.

    Three distinct desert habitats – desert rivers, sand country and woodland – are recreated over 1300 hectares at Alice Springs Desert Park. Time your visit for a presentation or a free bird show.

    Later, turn your attention to the skies above, taking a dive into local astronomy at Earth Sanctuary. You’ll find a range of experiences, from a 90-minute toe-dip into the stars through to an overnight adventure.

    Alice Springs packs a surprising punch with its tasty dining options, including pub grub and unique brews at Alice Springs Brewing Co, tapas and pizza at Epilogue Lounge and tasty cafe fare at the quirky Page 27.

    2. Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park

    woman standing at Ormiston Gorge
    Dive into Ormiston Gorge. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Dom and Jesso)

    Beginning 15 minutes from Alice Springs and stretching across 161 kilometres, Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park is packed with striking ancient landscapes and inviting water holes.

    Visit Standley Chasm – traditionally known as Angkerle Atwatye, meaning ‘Gap of Water’ – to take in its bold red and orange hues, and to observe the diverse bird species, lizards and wallabies that call it home.

    Cool off in one of several picturesque natural swimming holes, like Ellery Creek Big Hole and Ormiston Gorge.

    3. Uluru & Kata Tjuta

    three women looking at Kata Tjuta at sunset
    Explore Kata Tjuta. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT)

    Visiting the Cultural Heart of Australia is something everybody should experience. There are so many side trips in the Red Centre you could easily spend a week here, but to get the most out of a short time, park the car then get out on foot.

    Take the 10-kilometre Base Walk around the entirety of Uluru or join a free, ranger-guided Mala Walk along part of the base, learning about Tjukurpa (creation stories) and geology as you go.

    For a change of pace, wait until nightfall and wander through the iconic Field of Light display by celebrated artist Bruce Munro, or see the Wintjiri Wiru lightshow that shares the ancient Mala story using drones, lasers and projections.

    4. Tennant Creek

    pson looking at Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles) northern territory
    See the ancient granite boulders of Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles). (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Dom And Jesso)

    Tennant Creek was Australia’s third-largest gold mining town in the 1930s, and visitors can discover that history at Battery Hill Mining Centre – and even try their own hand at gold fossicking.

    For a completely different side of history, pop into Nyinkka Nyunyu Art & Culture Centre, which preserves and shares Warumungu culture through art, performance, a museum and more.

    Just outside town, find the ancient granite boulders of Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles). A site integral to important stories held by the Warumungu, Kaytetye, Warlpiri and Alyawarra peoples, the boulders appear to almost have dropped out of the sky and seemingly continue to defy gravity.

    5. Mataranka

    aerial of people swimming in bitter springs northern territory
    Dive into Bitter Springs. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Ben Savage)

    A town made famous by the novel We of the Never Never by Jeannie Gunn (and a movie of the same name), Mataranka is also known for its sandy-bottomed thermal pool, Bitter Springs, within Elsey National Park. Follow a 500-metre loop track around these spring-fed pools that stay a toasty 34°C year-round, before choosing your favourite spot to dive into. Enjoy the local birdlife while you relax.

    Elsewhere in the park, find historical sites, several scenic walks and Roper River, which is perfect for boating and fishing.

    6. Nitmiluk National Park

    Nabilil Dreaming Sunset Dinner Cruise
    Join a sunset cruise with Nabilil Dreaming. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Lachlan Gardiner)

    Nitmiluk National Park is sandstone country, with 13 stunning gorges and plenty of waterfalls waiting to be explored.

    One of the most beautiful spots can be found along the 62-kilometre Jatbula Trail, a five-to-six day bushwalk that follows an ancient Jawoyn songline from Nitmiluk Gorge to Leliyn (Edith Falls). Numbers are restricted and book out quickly, so be sure to plan well ahead. Not up for the hike? Drive right up to the falls and enjoy a dip without the challenge.

    Elsewhere, explore Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge. Paddle a kayak through the river running through the canyon, or save your energy on a Nabilil Dreaming Sunset Dinner Cruise, discovering the stories and ways of the Jawoyn people while enjoying a candlelit dinner as the cliffs around you shift colour and glow with the changing daylight.

    Continue your cultural journey at local art centres like Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Art & Culture Centre or Mimi Aboriginal Art & Craft.

    7. Litchfield National Park

    cathedral termite mounds in Litchfield national park
    Be awed by giant cathedral termite mounds. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ As We Wander)

    Just over an hour’s drive from Darwin lies the beautiful Litchfield National Park. It’s famous for stunning waterfalls and swimming holes, including Buley Rockhole, Wangi Falls, Florence Falls and Tjaynera Falls.

    Here you’ll also find hundreds of giant – and magnetic – cathedral termite mounds that are truly a sight to see. Ageing up to 100 years old, you won’t find mounds like these outside the northern parts of Australia. Stroll along the accessible boardwalk to see them up close.

    8. Darwin

    darwin street art
    Darwin art is streets ahead. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Mark Fitzpatrick)

    This list wouldn’t be complete without the territory’s capital city: Darwin. Situate yourself upon arrival with a stroll through the main streets, admiring the many art murals by local, interstate and international artists. They’re all remnants of the annual Darwin Street Art Festival, one of Australia’s longest running street art festivals.

    Stop to recharge along Darwin’s Waterfront Precinct, an area of delectable restaurants, public swimming pools and free events. And, of course, it would be wrong to leave the city without enjoying a bowl of laksa at Mindil Beach Sunset Market as the sun goes down.

    Learn more and start planning your Explorer’s Way road trip at northernterritory.com/drive.