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In the shadow of Uluru, there are two art galleries where you can spend time learning the stories of the Dreamtime and take home a souvenir or two.

Maruku Arts has a gallery accepting goods from 20 nearby communities. You can see the traditional woodwork of the Anangu people as well as paintings and accessories. Demonstrations by local artists explain the story behind these items. In the resort town of Yulara, Maruku Arts runs a market stall selling paintings, wood carvings and tools.

Walkatjara Art is also located just next to the rock and is the not-for-profit art centre supporting the community of Mutitjulu selling paintings and T-shirts. Artwork represents the stories of the Anangu people and their creation time – known as Tjukurpa. Come along, see art being made and take home a piece for yourself.

Both art centres ship internationally so you can buy and have your piece shipped to your home for when you get back.

In Alice Springs town itself, there are a number of art centres and galleries where you can peruse some of the most valuable art in the world and find a piece for yourself.

Mbantua Gallery specialises in the vibrant artwork of the artists from the Utopia region of Central Australia. The gallery space is filled with all types of pieces including paintings, jewellery, sandstone carvings and their own unique line of souvenirs and products.

The Tjanpi Desert Weavers located in Alice Springs are a social enterprise of the Ngaanyatjarra Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (NPY) Women’s Council making and selling contemporary art from the land. Here you can see baskets and sculptures made from grass and feathers, jewellery made from seed pods and raffia, grab a T-shirt or tea towel or even take home a learn to weave kit.

Yarrenyty Altere Artists is an arts centre for the residents of the Yarrenyty Arltere Town Camp. Art ranges from sculptures to home décor, screen printed shirts to etchings. Artwork from these artists can be seen in galleries across Australia so it’s well worth checking out.

Tangentyere Artists provides art training and workshops to artists of Alice Springs and supports them with sales and marketing of their artwork. Pieces available to buy including paintings on canvas, items made from recycled metal and wood, and seed pod jewellery.

Papunya Tula is the home to some of the most extraordinary artworks from world-famous painters in Australia. All sourced from artists in the Western Desert, the Papunya Tula gallery is breathtaking. Leave plenty of time aside to enjoy the artwork and then grab a memento on your way out.

Iltja Ntjarra, the Namatjira School of Art, offers stunning prints and originals on canvas. You’ll recognise the style of painting as that of Albert Namatjira’s watercolour landscapes. Many of the artists are descendents of Albert and have received the same gift of creating art. There’s also hand painted postcards, hand painted earrings and merchandise to purchase.

Bindi Mwerre Anthurre Artists studio is an art centre for Aboriginal artists living with a disability. Artworks from the artists in residence including paintings on canvas, etchings on paper, T-shirts and lamp shades with eye-catching and unique designs.

If art isn’t your cup of tea, head into town and check out Red Kangaroo Books specialists in Australian and Aboriginal books. There’s also Outbush Alice Springs, the Outcrop Gallery and Lone Dingo in the Todd Mall to check out for a great souvenir of your adventure. Drop in on a Sunday while the Todd Mall Markets are on or the Alice Springs Town Council Night Markets where you can sample the best food, art and craft from the makers of Alice Springs.

Araluen Arts Centre, the performing arts, art and culture hub in Alice Springs also has souvenirs available. Central Craft is a retail outlet within the centre selling members work in a range of mediums including ceramics, woodwork, silk, painting, watercolour, weaving, knitting, jewellery, lapidary, fabric printing and dyeing.

There are plenty more art centres across Central Australia that are off the beaten track:

• Arlpwe Art and Culture Centre (Ali Curung)
• Artists of Ampilatwatja
• Hermannsburg Potters
• Ikuntji Artists (Haasts Bluff)
• Keringke Arts (Santa Teresa)
• Papunya Tjupi Arts
• Tapatjatjaka Art and Crafts (Titjikala)
• Warlukurlangu Artists Aboriginal Corporation (Yuendumu).

All offer incredible art and souvenirs, available in person or via their online shops.

If you’re travelling to remote communities, make sure you get a permit which you can obtain from the Central Land Council.

No trip to Darwin is complete without a look at the incredible Paspaley Pearls operations. Leaving from Darwin, the Paspaley fleet travels to the northwest of Australia to collect rare and valuable Australian South Sea pearls. They’re processed and made into stunning jewellery pieces that you can see in their showroom in the Darwin Mall.

Just around the corner is the Paul Arnold Gallery. Paul is a renowned photographer of the Top End and has moved from landscape images to making art from photographs of geographical features. You can buy prints, homewares including cushions and table runners, and wearable art including scarves, scrunchies, bowties and umbrellas.

A short walk from the Mall is Aboriginal Bush Traders, a not-for-profit organisation selling genuine, ethically sourced and sustainable products made by people in remote Aboriginal communities. While you’re there you can try out the bush tucker inspired café and the gallery space and then choose from a range of food, fashion, homewares and beauty products including the Bush Medijina products made by Warnindilyakwa women on Groote Eylandt.

Across Darwin there are a number of fantastic art galleries that sell originals and prints as well as merchandise made from the digital prints of the most popular artworks. Check out Mbantua Gallery, Sister7 Gallery, Songlines, Readback Books and Aboriginal Art Gallery, Aboriginal Fine Arts, Mason Gallery and Outstation Gallery. All of these galleries are either in Darwin City or just a short drive away.

For the fashion lover, Raw Cloth is the perfect place to find stunning dresses, tops and skirts made from textiles created here in the Northern Territory from the prints of Aboriginal artists on silk and cotton. Buy one of the vintage-inspired frocks or buy fabric to take home and make your own.

Check out the boutiques and other hidden gems in the arcades of the Mall for great fashion. There are lots of little treasures to be found as well as some beautiful coffee, clothing and skincare to make you feel like a million bucks.

For souvenirs made by other local artisans, check out the Local at Parap – an artists’ collective – or wander through the stalls at Parap, Rapid Creek or Nightcliff Markets. You’ll find all the usual market fare as well as unique Territory creations like handmade whips. You’ll also find an eclectic range of souvenirs and gifts at the shop at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory. Make a day of it and enjoy the collections and fascinating wartime history of Darwin before grabbing a coffee and having a browse.

Outside of Darwin, there are several art centres where you can find a piece of art that will give you great memories of your time here:

• Durrmu Arts Aboriginal Corporation (Peppimenarti)
• Jilamara Arts and Crafts Association (Milikapiti)
• Merrepen Arts Centre (Nauiyu)
• Munupi Arts and Crafts Association (Pirlangimpi)
• Tiwi Design Aboriginal Corporation (Nguiu)

If you’re travelling to remote communities, make sure you get a permit which you can obtain from the Northern Land Council.