Five cultural attractions not to miss

1. Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, Darwin

The first stop for understanding the range and diversity of Aboriginal culture, with over 30,000 artworks and artifacts. Open 9-5 weekdays, 10-5 weekends. Free entry. www.magnt.net.au

2. Darwin festival

Eighteen days of tropical revelry and culture, including indigenous music, dance and visual art. 6-23 August 2015. darwinfestival.org.au

3. Top Didj cultural experience tours, Katherine

Learn “rark” painting with Dalabon artist Manual Pamkal. 9.30-2.30 daily, May-October. $70 (£36) adults, $45 kids. www.topdidj.com

4. Sounds of Silence dinner, Uluru

Three-course al fresco dinner and traditional dance performance with a view of the iconic rock. $195 (£102). www.ayersrockresort.com.au

5. Alice Springs galleries

Featuring works from the Central and Western deserts, including Papunya Tula Artists. Open 9-5 weekdays, 10-2 Saturdays.