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Darwin

Saltwater Sovereignty: The Larrakia Red Thread

3.0 km99 min6 stops

What awaits you on this Red Thread tour

Discover the beating heart of Darwin through the eyes of its traditional owners, the Larrakia people. This immersive journey peels back the layers of modern urban development to reveal a profound, ancient, and ongoing connection to the land and sea. From hidden sacred springs and historic sites of political defiance to the bustling waterfront where ancient ecological knowledge meets modern commerce, you will explore the resilience, spiritual depth, and contemporary vitality of the 'Saltwater People'.

Itinerary

1

TOUR START

Damoe-Ra Park

A quiet park dedicated to the women of the Northern Territory, overlooking the harbor and hiding a sacred Larrakia spring.

0.46 km • 7 min
2

STOP 2

Lyons Cottage

A historic stone cottage that now houses House of Darwin, showcasing modern Indigenous economic empowerment and storytelling.

0.70 km • 11 min
3

STOP 3

Northern Territory Parliament House

The seat of political power in the NT, and the site of the pivotal 1972 Larrakia Petition for land rights.

Northern Territory Parliament House

Pic by Dietmar Rabich on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

0.43 km • 7 min
4

STOP 4

Civic Park and The Tree of Knowledge

A park featuring significant Banyan trees, highlighting the intersection of ancient Indigenous gathering grounds and modern civic administration.

0.54 km • 8 min
5

STOP 5

Darwin Waterfront Precinct

A modern waterfront area featuring art and signage detailing the Larrakia seasonal calendar and deep ecological knowledge.

Darwin Waterfront Precinct

Pic by DaHuzyBru on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

0.88 km • 14 min
6

END

Stokes Hill Wharf

A bustling tourist wharf that sits atop a fiercely protected Larrakia sacred site associated with the spiritual ancestor Chinute Chinute.

Stokes Hill Wharf

Pic by DaHuzyBru on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Where the tour takes place

Starting point and rough tour area – the exact route unfolds in the app.

Good to know

  • Ideal for Cultural explorers, history enthusiasts, social justice advocates, and anyone seeking a deeper, more authentic understanding of Australian Indigenous heritage.
  • Best time Late afternoon, when the heat of the day subsides and the sunset illuminates the harbor, bringing the stories of the Saltwater People to life.
  • What to bring Comfortable walking shoes, a water bottle, and sun protection are essential for the Darwin climate.
  • Pacing yourself Take your time at the waterfront and parks; the shade of the Banyan trees offers perfect resting spots.
  • Respectful observation Remember that you are walking through living cultural landscapes and sacred sites; maintain a respectful demeanor.
  • Stay hydrated Darwin's humidity can be intense. There are places to purchase drinks at the Waterfront.
  • Your voucher You can redeem your voucher for two years from purchase. Once redeemed, you have 14 days of access and can enjoy the tour as often as you like during that time.

Your guide

Sara Aydin
Audio sample
0:000:00

Sara Aydin

  • Identity, Migration & Globalization
  • Germany

Cultural mediator and bridge builder. Tells stories of migration paths, languages, and small worlds in big cities.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to the tour after buying?

You see your voucher code right after payment – and you also receive it at the email address you entered at checkout. Redeem that code in the Red Thread app; that's where the tour starts.

When does my access start?

Only when you redeem the code in the app, not at purchase. From redemption you have 14 days of access to the tour.

Do I need the Red Thread app?

Yes. The free Red Thread app turns your tour into a vivid experience: with audio, a map, and thoughtful prompts, it guides you from place to place in an engaging and entertaining way. It's available free for iOS and Android.

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