DARWIN & Kakadu

Day 1 | Tuesday 3 August
Arrive Darwin | Country to Couture
Our journey begins in Darwin, on the traditional lands of the Larrakia people, whose history and culture permeate the city’s art and identity. In the late afternoon, we gather at the hotel for introductions before walking to Snapper Rocks for dinner, where we are joined by Linda Jackson. From here, we step directly into the world of Indigenous fashion at ‘Country to Couture’. Now one of Australia’s most compelling cultural showcases, the runway brings together contemporary Indigenous textile design with enduring stories, techniques and materials. With VIP tickets providing privileged access to the event, the evening reveals both the innovation of remote art centres and the dynamic collaborations between Indigenous makers and leading Australian designers. Overnight Darwin (D)

Day 2 | Wednesday 4 August
Artists’ Studios & MAGNT
| National Indigenous Fashion Awards
Darwin’s contemporary art scene is shaped by a close relationship between studio practice, landscape and community. This is experienced firsthand today at 131 Ryland Studio in Rapid Creek, home to the creative practices of Fernanda and Henry Dupal. Set within lush tropical gardens, Henry’s ceramic workspace offers insight into his process of shaping and firing clay, while Fernanda’s studio houses vintage presses, letterpress type and photographic equipment. We are also invited to take part in a hands-on cyanotype printmaking session, using paper cut stencils, natural forms and sunlight to create distinctive blue-toned images. Lunch follows at Hanuman Restaurant, before an afternoon visit to the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory. Its collection ranges from significant Indigenous bark paintings to the powerful Cyclone Tracy exhibition. We return to the hotel in the late afternoon, with time at leisure before walking to the National Indigenous Fashion Awards, celebrating excellence in Indigenous fashion. Overnight Darwin (B, L)

Photo by Cuddy Wifter - Own work

Day 3 | Thursday 5 August
Wartime History | DAAF Opening Night
Darwin’s history is marked by cycles of destruction and renewal, shaping a city defined by resilience and adaptation. This morning we explore this legacy at the East Point Military Museum, where immersive displays recount the 1942 bombing raids that brought the Second World War to Australian shores and transformed the city’s trajectory. We then turn to the interwar period with a visit to Burnett House – a rare surviving example of 1930s tropical domestic architecture. Morning tea is served here, offering time to appreciate both the house and its setting. Lunch then follows at Moorish Cafe before we return to our hotel for an afternoon lecture. In the early evening, we walk to the Darwin Convention Centre for the official Opening Night of the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair. This vibrant event brings together over 70 Indigenous-owned art centres from across the continent. Overnight Darwin (B, L)

Day 4 | Friday 6 August
West Arnhem Land
One of Australia’s most culturally significant regions, West Arnhem Land is a landscape shaped and sustained through continuing Indigenous custodianship. An early start today sees us transfer to the airport for a charter flight to Gunbalanya, entering a region rarely accessed by visitors. On arrival, we are met by local guides and begin at Marrawuddi Gallery before travelling to Cannon Hill to explore rock art sites of the Kunwinjku people overlooking billabongs. Lunch is enjoyed at Hawk Dreaming Wilderness Lodge before we join our private Guluyambi cruise on the East Alligator River, moving through a landscape of wetlands rich in birdlife and crocodiles. With special permission, we cross into Arnhem Land to view a rock art site known as Jacob’s Hand, followed by a visit to the award-winning Injalak Arts Centre. In the late afternoon, we return to Gunbalanya for our charter flight back to Darwin, arriving early evening. Overnight Darwin (B, L)

Day 5 | Saturday 7 August
Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair
| National Indigenous Music Awards
The Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair offers direct access to artists and works shaped by distinct regional traditions, materials and cultural knowledge. This morning we join a private curator-led tour of the Fair, with time to meet artists and observe material demonstrations. The remainder of the day is then at leisure to continue exploring the Fair independently, with the opportunity to acquire works directly. Reconvening in the late afternoon, we enjoy a farewell dinner at Wharf One on the edge of the Waterfront Lagoon before taking our seats at the National Indigenous Music Awards. Held in the open-air surrounds of the historic Darwin Amphitheatre, this event is one of the country’s most significant celebrations of contemporary Indigenous music. Overnight Darwin (B, D)

Day 6 | Sunday 8 August
Depart Darwin
The tour concludes after breakfast this morning. There are numerous options for returning to your home city. (B)