For Christmas and New Year holiday break 2017, we decided to go to Perth and spend sometimes driving around Southern part of Western Australia. Last time we visited family in Perth, we visited Rottnest Island.
Driving out from Perth was a little bit ordinary because of the traffic from a big city, bigger than Darwin anyways, on a Christmas holiday period on a busy hour. But after a quick stop at Busseltown Jetty for ice cream and fish and chips and checking around town, the road was very pretty. One of the best driving experience I’ve had besides New Zealand in 2012.
I’ve heard the name of this region a long time ago but never had a chance to visit the place and I was in love with the region. It’s very well-known as its winery and cellar doors where you can walk into a winemaker and taste their wines. Also surrounded by beautiful beaches and caves around.
A short video of our trip to Numbulwar Community, Northern Territory Australia.
NUMBUL-WHERE?
Numbulwar is an Australian Indigenous community located on the South East coast of Northern Territory, about 780 km from Darwin. To get there took about 12 hours drive with 200km unsealed road.
Our lovely hosts took us hunting, crabbing and going to Numburindi festival. We were lucky that the Numbulwar clinic opening ceremony was happening at the time we arrived as well. At the same time the Numburindi Festival was happening and we have the opportunity to witness the amazing ceremony and dance party in the community.
Numburindi festivalNumburindi festivalNumbulwar community kids Numbulwar community kids on the offroad carUnsealed road to NumbulwarDogs at the Numbulwar communityMe holding crabs at Numbulwar beachCrab at numbulwar beachDogs staring at the crabNumbulwar beachNumburindi festivalNumburindi festivalNumburindi festivalNumburindi festivalNumburindi festivalNumburindi festivalNumburindi festivalNumburindi festivalNumburindi festivalNumburindi festivalNumburindi festivalNumburindi festivalNumburindi festivalRed flag dancer Numburindi festivalNumbulwar
The Barunga Community or Bamyili is located alongside Beswick Creek, about half an hour drive from Katherine, a 4-hour drive south of Darwin, Northern Territory.
The Festival
Every year, the Barunga community holds sports and cultural festivals open to the public. The sports festival includes basketball and the Australian Football League (AFL) championship with other Indigenous communities in the Northern Territory. The festival also has traditional activity shows such as the didgeridoo-making workshop, bush tucker cooking, spearfishing, and many more Aboriginal culture-related events.
There are also a few different performance stages for music or dancing performances. The main stage, located in the middle of the community, will be the main act or headline of the festival. Paul Kelly, Gurumul, B2M and Briggs were the headline performance when I went in 2015.
There is no accommodation open for the public. Still, the area around the community will be open for camping and caravan parking. Food carts are also available. Barunga Festival is one of the biggest open community festivals in the Northern Territory. I’m blessed to have visited the event twice.
In the heart of Australia’sAustralia’s Red Centre, Alice Springs is a town that leaves a lasting impression on anyone who visits. I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing this charming outback town twice—once for a short holiday on my way road tripping from Darwin to Adelaide return and on a two-week work trip. Each visit offered something unique, but both reminded me why Alice Springs has the title of the soul of the country.
I took these photos during my work trip on the weekend and drove around the area. I still remember how the landscape stopped me in my tracks—burnt orange earth stretching toward the horizon, framed by distant ranges and a sky that always seemed bigger than anywhere else. Even though I was there for work, something about the place made every moment feel like an adventure.
Alice Springs has a laid-back pace that invites you to slow down and take it all in. Whether you’re driving through Mt Gillen, visiting the historic Telegraph Station, or catching a sunset at Anzac Hill, there’s a quiet beauty to the town that stays with you. It’s also a great base for exploring the wider region—from the dramatic gorges of the West MacDonnell Ranges to the iconic landscapes of Uluru and Kings Canyon (if you’re up for a road trip).
I had more time to explore and soak in the local culture during my holiday visit. The art galleries showcasing Central Desert Aboriginal art, the Desert Park with its immersive look into desert ecosystems, and the friendly locals made the trip both inspiring and enriching.
Alice Springs may be small, but it has a big heart. It’s where nature, culture, and history meet in unforgettable ways. I’m grateful for both trips—each offering a different perspective, shaping my appreciation for this remarkable outback town.
