Larrakia Cultural Centre Public Guided Tour

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A 90-minute walk through Darwin's new Larrakia Cultural Centre with a Larrakia guide, who explains what the building, the gardens and the Saltwater Pond mean and how they are used, and introduces you to artists and makers at work. Entry to the exhibition and gallery is included, so you can stay on afterwards.

Days

90 minutes

Age

All ages

Group size

Public guided tour

Start / finish

Larrakia Cultural Centre, 29 Stokes Hill Road, Darwin

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Walking tour; make your own way to the centre

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of Larrakia Cultural Centre Public Guided Tour

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Included experiences

Seven Seasons gardens — the Larrakia calendar read through the plantings
The building — meaning of the tawny frogmouth form
Saltwater Pond — where open ceremonies take place
Artists and makers — Larrakia culture in practice
Exhibition and gallery — repatriated treasures and new Larrakia art

Larrakia Cultural Centre Public Guided Tour

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

MEET YOUR LARRAKIA GUIDE

Arrive about 15 minutes before your tour time at the Larrakia Cultural Centre on the Darwin waterfront, at the foot of Stokes Hill, a Larrakia sacred site. Your guide is one of the centre's Larrakia cultural guides, and the next 90 minutes go to what a self-guided visit can't tell you. It starts with the building. The timber roof takes the form of a tawny frogmouth in flight, a sentinel ancestral being, with the facade as its feathers. Real frogmouths spend the day perched dead still, passing for a broken branch.

THE SEVEN SEASONS GARDENS

Out in the gardens your guide reads the Gulumoerrgin Seven Seasons, the Larrakia calendar, from the plantings. The native species and sculpture trace the year through monsoon, savannah and coastal country, and each season tells people what to hunt and gather, and when. You'll hear the stories behind the sculptures and the design details around the grounds, and learn about traditional tools and bush foods along the way. Ask questions: this is Larrakia knowledge shared by Larrakia people, on Larrakia Country.

THE SALTWATER POND AND ARTISTS AT WORK

Then the tour goes beyond the exhibition to the Saltwater Pond, where traditional open ceremonies can take place, fitting for a saltwater people whose harbour can rise and fall by around 8 metres on a big tide. Larrakia artists and traditional makers work at the centre, so every day is different. These are not shows put on for visitors, but a living culture shared with generosity and purpose.

STAY ON AFTER THE TOUR

Your ticket includes full general entry, so when the tour ends you can go back through at your own pace. The permanent exhibition holds cultural treasures returned to Larrakia Country from collections interstate and overseas, and tells the story of the nine Larrakia family groups. The temporary gallery shows current work by Larrakia artists. Finish at the shop, where the money goes straight back to Larrakia artists, or the restaurant, with bush ingredients and a view over Darwin Harbour.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Larrakia Cultural Centre, 29 Stokes Hill Road, Darwin City. Arrive 15 minutes before your tour time.
Departure time: Tours run at scheduled times; the centre is open 9am to 5pm daily. Your tour time is confirmed when you book.
Duration: 90 minutes, then free time in the general entry areas.
Suits: Individuals, families and groups; all ages. Children have their own fare from 5 to 12.
Please note: The centre is a living cultural place and visitors are asked to respect Larrakia customs. A tour may occasionally be moved for ceremony, Sorry Business or other cultural obligations.

What is included

90-minute guided tour with a Larrakia cultural guide
Seven Seasons gardens, grounds and the Saltwater Pond
Traditional tools, storytelling and bush food insights
Full access to all general entry areas (permanent exhibition and temporary gallery)

Not included

Food and drink at the restaurant
Purchases in the shop

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.