Discover Aboriginal art in the Northern Territory

Dramatic scenery, ancient cultures and work from hundreds of Aboriginal artists can be found in Australia's Northern Territory, making the state ideal for an active antipodean cultural break.

The region is best-known for being home to the magical sight of Uluru-Kata Tjuta (Ayers Rock) to the south-west of the outback town Alice Springs.

Its capital, Darwin, boasts a warm tropical climate, and is a great hub for exploring the many surrounding national parks.

However there are also over 80 Aboriginal art centres, many of which are not-for-profit organisations run by the artists themselves.

One of the biggest annual Aboriginal art events that takes place in the Northern Territory is Desert Mob, which runs until October 21st 2007 in Alice Springs' Araluen Galleries.

The exhibition pools recent works from more than 35 Aboriginal art and craft centres, from South Australia and Western Australia as well as the Northern Territory.

Another event worth noting is DesArt in the Park, at the Alice Springs Desert Park on October 19th 2007. Around ten different art centres will be displaying and selling their work with all items capped at AUD200 (around £85).

There will also be family-friendly entertainment at the event including live music performances, film screenings and food.

If you do want to go into the outback and explore more remote townships then the Arnhem Land region - an Aboriginal reserve spanning 100,000 square kilometres - is particularly good for Aboriginal art centres.

However, holidaymakers should note permits will be required to visit the reserve, available from the Northern Land Council.

One of the most notable of these in the Arnhem Land region is Maningrida Arts and Culture, which represents over 700 artists.

Works include bark paintings, sculptures from timber, didgeridoos, prints and bronze sculptures and entry to the art centre is free. The centre can be reached with internal flights from Darwin International airport to Maningrida run by Airnorth.

For more information on Aboriginal art in the Australian outback see www.australiasoutback.com/aboriginalart or the Northern Territory tourist board.

And if you would like to see some Aboriginal art before you go, there will be an exhibition of work from artists of the Maningrida region at the Bargehouse Gallery on London's Southbank until October 7th 2007.