Cultural Adventures in Australia
Anna Dakin is sitting behind the steering wheel of her Troopy and hands over her phone, Spotify queued up, and says, “Choose a soundtrack.” Riding shotgun, I scroll through the options and land on a playlist called “Favourite Driving Tunes.” It feels fitting as we’re about to embark on an epic road trip through Australia’s Northern Territory.
Image credit: Tourism NT/Lola and Jira/Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
We’re setting off on an incredible journey with our award-winning tour guide. Over the next five days, we’ll experience a series of unforgettable moments that include breathtaking drone displays that tell ancient stories to the backdrop of magnificent Uluru, to a spine-tingling walk along a canyon’s edge, the journey promises to be full of surprises - an adventure that will offer a lifetime of memories.
We’re covering 1,250 kilometres, including 200 kilometres of bumpy, red dirt track, across some of the most stunning and ancient landscapes on Earth. The Northern Territory may be one of the country’s most remote regions, but it’s also home to world-famous attractions like Uluru and Kings Canyon, both of which are on our route.
With the vast Red Centre stretching out before us—its name a nod to the iron-rich, rust-coloured soil—we’re putting our trust in one woman to guide us safely through this adventure. In her trusty customised Troopy (a 4WD with sideways-facing bench seats in the back) Anna guides guests on her bespoke ‘Art Tours of Australia’ choosing routes that take in spectacular landscapes, Indigenous culture and, of course, art.
Anna' pops up her easel to capture the Northern Territory. Image: Prishant Umakanthan
As a Royal College of Art alumna, Anna’s creative journey took an unexpected turn when she embarked on a 232km trek through the West MacDonnell Ranges, known as the Larapinta Trail. Carrying her art supplies in her backpack, she discovered the profound impact of creating art in the wild, remote landscapes of Central Australia. “I tried to communicate what that felt like in my paintings back in London,” Anna reflects, “but the experience was bigger than what I could capture on canvas.”
Since moving from the UK to Alice Springs, Anna has been guiding tours in Central Australia since 2018, earning several awards along the way. Her striking appearance—an impressive animal skull tattoo on one leg and a 6ft frame—along with her effortless skill at rolling out heavy cumbersome swags (comfortable outdoor sleeping bags), preparing the tastiest of campfire snacks, and sharing her deep knowledge of nature and Aboriginal culture, make her an unforgettable guide and the ultimate girl scout.
“When I first hiked the Larapinta Trail, I had no understanding of Indigenous culture in Central Australia,” she admits. “I thought it was all ancient history. But I could feel that something was alive in this landscape—a kind of spirit to the country, even if I didn’t know what it was.” Since relocating to the region and learning about Aboriginal Culture, Anna now understands the aliveness she felt.
”There are songlines and storylines that crisscross the entire country—stories of ancestors whose actions shaped the landscape. Those ancestors remain embedded in the country, existing in a spiritual layer that intertwines with the physical world.”
Anna’s tours are carefully curated to offer guests a perfect itinerary, blending adventure with comfort. Beyond the unforgettable experience of painting the sky by moonlight and sleeping under the stars in a swag beside the ancient Finke River—the oldest river system in the world—her tours include stays at luxurious resorts. These accommodations seamlessly blend the stunning natural landscapes with contemporary design, offering the perfect balance between wilderness exploration and relaxation.
Image credit: Tourism NT
An evening view of Uluru and Kata Tjuta with a difference
As the sun sets, over one thousand drones, accompanied by lasers and projections, light up the desert sky in a stunning, modern interpretation of the ancient Mala story—an integral part of Anangu culture. The Wintjiri Wiru show, meaning “beautiful view out to the horizon” in the local Pitjantjatjara language, offers a breathtaking cultural storytelling experience in an open-air desert theatre.
Perched atop a sand dune, guests are welcomed with cocktails and a gourmet dinner hamper as they take in the spectacular views of Uluru and Kata Tjuta. As night falls, the show begins, blending cutting-edge technology with traditional storytelling to create an unforgettable evening under the stars.
Anna’s Troopy by Max Stussi
Ormiston Gorge for camping under the stars
Ormiston Gorge is a perfect destination for nature lovers, offering a refreshing swim amidst dramatic red cliffs and breathtaking landscapes. The gorge boasts a near-permanent waterhole, providing an inviting spot to cool off in the heart of the West MacDonnell Ranges. The ancient Finke River flows through the range, and it’s also where Anna (pictured above) hosts her unique ‘Painting by Starlight’ overnight camping experiences, adding a creative touch to the natural beauty of the area.
Image credit: Tourism NT
Light-Towers at Discovery Resorts – Kings Canyon
Visiting artist Bruce Munro’s ‘Light Towers’ is an immersive experience, blending the magic of light, sound and landscape. The installation features 69 two-metre-tall towers of light that shift in colour, synchronised to a celestial soundscape by Orlando Gough. Guests are invited to wander through the maze of glowing towers, taking in the mesmerising interplay of light and sound. At Lurijta Lookout, you’ll enjoy cocktails and canapés as the sun sets, and the Light Towers begin to reveal their full brilliance in the heart of the desert.
Uluru Segway Tours, Image credit: Tourism NT/Tourism Australia
A morning Segway tour of Uluru
Our tour coincided with the hottest day of the year, so any hesitation about getting on a Segway for the first time quickly disappeared and the idea of walking 10km around Australia’s most sacred site faded into the background. Taking a Segway tour around the entire base of Uluru provided a refreshing breeze in the morning heat. As a first-time rider, a brief 5-minute lesson on the practice track gave me all the confidence I needed for the journey.The sacred land—now co-managed by the local Anangu people and Parks Australia—is carefully preserved. Along the tour, signs remind visitors to keep a respectful distance and request that no photos be taken in certain areas, due to the deep cultural significance of the site. These guidelines honour the complex traditional beliefs and customs associated with Uluru.
Image credit: Tourism NT
Watarrka National Park for the Kings Canyon Rim Walk
Kings Canyon’s Rim Walk is a challenging trek for those who prefer feet firmly on the ground, but for those willing to tackle the steep initial incline (no ropes required, just sturdy boots, a head for heights, and plenty of water), an early morning start promises a rewarding three-hour hike. The canyon’s towering red cliffs rise 100 meters above lush forests of palms, ferns, and cycads, sheltered from the harsh desert. Located in Watarrka National Park, Kings Canyon is part of the George Gill Ranges and has been home to the Luritja people for over 20,000 years. The six-kilometre Rim Walk offers breathtaking views of this mighty chasm.
Image credit: Tourism NT/Tourism Australia
Alice Springs for cultural art centres
Central Australia is widely regarded as the birthplace of the contemporary Aboriginal art movement, with Alice Springs serving as a key cultural hub, rich in art centres and galleries. The town hosts one of the nation’s oldest annual Aboriginal art festivals, Desert Mob, which features a dynamic exhibition, symposium, and marketplace, celebrating the vibrant creativity of Indigenous artists from across the region.
Where to stay
Sails in the Desert – Ayers Rock Resort
Sails in the Desert is a tranquil oasis in Australia's Red Centre, seamlessly combining modern luxury with the rich cultural heritage of the Anangu people, capturing the essence and spirit of this iconic landscape. Located close to Uluru, the hotel offers a peaceful retreat where contemporary design meets the timeless beauty of the desert. Guests are invited to immerse themselves in a truly unforgettable cultural journey, creating meaningful connections through shared, once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Adjacent to the resort, you’ll find stores and galleries showcasing vibrant, high-quality Aboriginal artwork. Visitors may even have the chance to meet one of the resident artists featured at the Gallery of Central Australia, gaining unique insights into their craft and stories. The dedicated team at Sails can also arrange a range of enriching cultural activities, from bush food experiences and stargazing under the expansive Northern Territory skies to hands-on art workshops.
Discovery @ Kings Canyon Resort
Discovery Kings Canyon's Deluxe Cabin offers an inviting retreat in the heart of the Red Centre. Wake up to the calls of the crested bellbird and enjoy elegantly designed space that blend seamlessly with the rugged Northern Territory landscape. Each cabin features comfortable beds, premium linens, modern amenities, and a private ensuite, ensuring a relaxing stay.
The outdoor deck provides a perfect spot to sit under the stars, combining adventure with comfort. As the day winds down, the freestanding bath offer the ultimate way to unwind after exploring the breathtaking Rim Walk, surrounded by the beauty of the desert.
