The Northern Territory’s Red Centre has been named in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2027 list for its immersive art experiences, highlighted as a World’s Top 25 Experiences Hotlist for the year ahead.
The Red Centre is the only Australian experience to make the global list, shining an international spotlight on the extraordinary ways travellers can connect with art, culture, Country and creativity in the Northern Territory.
The recognition, titled Immerse yourself in art in the Red Centre, highlights the Territory’s depth and diversity of art across the region, from Aboriginal artists and art centres to outdoor painting and large-scale desert light installations, are what make it truly special.
Among the highlights are Parrtjima in Alice Springs, a spectacular annual festival celebrating Aboriginal art, culture and storytelling through spectacular light installations in Mparntwe; the chance to watch Western Arrernte descendants of Albert Namatjira at work at Iltja Ntjarra (Many Hands) Art Centre; and Wintjiri Wiru, a captivating drone show sharing Anangu stories against the backdrop of Uluru at dusk. Sunrise Journeys is also featured, projecting art and stories across the desert landscape to a moving soundtrack at dawn.
The list also includes small-group outdoor watercolour classes with Art Tours of Australia in Tjoritja (West MacDonnell Ranges), along with Bruce Munro’s Field of Light at Uluru and Light Towers at Kings Canyon.
Suzana Bishop, CEO of Tourism and Events NT said “As part of our NT Visitor Economy Strategy 2032, we are committed to telling the stories that go beyond our iconic landscapes. Lonely Planet’s recognition presents a wonderful opportunity for our tour operator partners and travel agents to incorporate these immersive experiences into itineraries, giving visitors another compelling reason to stay longer, explore further and experience more of the region.”
Agents can create a red centre arts trail itinerary, inspired by Lonely Planet, with the help of First Class Holidays, experts in holidays to Australia’s Northern Territory.
