Territorians know how to enjoy themselves, and that includes taking part in the arts and other cultural activities.

Regular visits from national and international touring performances and exhibitions – and a strong local arts scene – combine to fuel a dynamic creative environment. No matter what your preference in music, fine arts or any of the visual arts, you'll find something to interest you in the Territory – which is also home to some of Australia's best Indigenous artists.

But it's the Territory's growing number of arts festivals that bring out the best in the arts community.

Events such as the Darwin Festival - staged over two weeks in August - showcase local talent through music, art, dance and theatre. During the festival, Darwin's George Brown Botanic Garden is transformed into a dazzling outdoor arts and entertainment venue. An event not to be missed!

The Aboriginal arts industry flourishes throughout the Territory and is an important point of contact between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people.

The Territory boasts many excellent museums and permanent exhibitions. Chief among them is the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory in Darwin.

The museum holds collections of Aboriginal art and material culture, visual arts, craft, South East Asian and Oceanic art and material culture, maritime archaeology, Northern Territory history and natural sciences. Another must-see attraction is the Cyclone Tracy display; which portrays the courage and endurance of the people of Darwin both during and after Cyclone Tracy in 1974.

The Alice Springs Cultural Precinct has some of the most interesting cultural and historical attractions in Alice Springs, encompassing performing arts, the natural history of the region, Aboriginal culture and the more recent European settlement.

The attractions which make up the Alice Springs Cultural Precinct include the Araluen Centre & Galleries, Central Australian Aviation Museum, Grand Circle Yeperenye Sculpture, Memorial Cemetery, Museum of Central Australia, Albert Namatjira Gallery, Strehlow Research Centre, and Territory Craft.

Nyinkka Nyunya is a unique art and culture centre which offers visitors an opportunity to learn about Aboriginal life and history in the Tennant Creek region. The centre is an Aboriginal sacred site in Warumungu country and is fully owned and operated by the Indigenous people.


In addition, many of the Territory's remote Aboriginal settlements hold annual community festivals and welcome visitors to a showcase of both ancient and contemporary Indigenous culture.