Tourism NT Unveils New “Country Is Calling” Series

An Aboriginal musician playing the didgeridoo at the Barunga Festival.<br /><br />Featuring the Barunga art prize, an international didgeridoo competition, story telling circle and outstanding displays of sporting prowess in AFL, softball and basketball, Barunga Festival is a unique blend of music, sport and culture, with a strong emphasis on cultural exchange and collaboration.

With the countdown to holidays well and truly on, Tourism NT is encouraging families to connect with Country by visiting the Northern Territory this summer and beyond.

The NT’s Top End is an epic outdoor classroom for kids – big and small, offering endless opportunities for families to experience sacred landscapes, diverse wildlife and Aboriginal cultures that are up to 65,000 years old.

To help with holiday planning, Tourism NT has launched a digital video series showcasing some of the best family-friendly experiences on Country across the Top End – from sprawling national parks and water holes, to local Aboriginal communities brimming with vibrant arts, culture and festivals.

Titled “Country is Calling”, the video series is hosted by the young stars of ‘Barrumbi Kids,’ which premieres on NITV today. ‘Barrumbi Kids’ tells the heart-warming story of two best friends, Tomias (Nick Bonson) and Dahlia (Caitlin Hordern), growing up in a remote NT community, where they spend time fishing, dancing, and exploring this unique and beautiful part of Australia.

The “Country is Calling” video series has been created by Ambience Entertainment in partnership with Tourism NT. Ambience Entertainment is also the producer of NITV’s series ‘Barrumbi Kids’.

The “Country is Calling” videos highlight various Top End locations featured in ‘Barrumbi Kids’, with Nick and Caitlin sharing their favourite family-friendly places to be immersed in Country and Aboriginal cultures.

The videos feature Elsey National Park’s Bitter Springs thermal pools and cabbage palms; the incredible Cutta Cutta Caves Nature Park; the Aboriginal communities of Beswick and Barunga; the nature and culture-packed town of Katherine (and surrounds); and Nitmiluk National Park’s picturesque Leliyn (Edith Falls).

Tourism NT’s Executive director of marketing, Tony Quarmby, said: “The Northern Territory offers a rich and diverse range of experiences that allow travellers of all ages to connect with Country, Aboriginal cultures and communities. For families seeking a holiday that is not only fun and unique, but also culturally enriching and educational, the Territory’s Top End and Red Centre are absolute must-visits.”

Tourism NT’s’ ‘Country is Calling’ Top End Travel Recommendations

Bitter Springs:
The entire family will love soaking up Bitter Springs’ natural thermal waters surrounded by stunning native flora and fauna. With water temperature in the thirties, these spring-fed pools are an ideal place for a refreshing dip in crystal clear waters. They have long been enjoyed by the Mangarrayi and Yangman people as Traditional Owners, who discovered these natural wonders.Watch the ‘Country is Calling’ video here

Cutta Cutta Caves:
The mysterious Cutta Cutta Caves are the only limestone cave experience accessible to the public in the NT. Formed millions of years ago and still growing, the caves are 15-metres underground and cover 1,499 hectares. Kids will love spotting furry occupants in their natural habitat, from rare bats to endangered birds. Tour guides will explain the tropical cave system and the site’s cultural importance.
Watch the ‘Country is Calling’ video here
Beswick and Barunga:
Take a stop at Beswick Falls, an ancient playground and spiritual site. Only accessible with local guides, kids will pass billabongs with birds, kangaroos, brumbies, and buffalo, ending at Beswick Falls. Families can stop at Djiplin Arts Centre to meet local Aboriginal artists and observe them working. For a very special experience, the Barunga Festival in August is a vibrant showcase of Aboriginal cultures, art, and storytelling.Watch the ‘Country is Calling’ video here

Katherine:
The Outback meets the tropics in Katherine, a town full of misty waterfalls, thermal springs, local eateries, museums and Aboriginal arts centres. Spend your afternoon relaxing at the Katherine Hot Springs or take a cultural cruise through Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge, where you’ll be drawn to spectacular sandstone country. Adventurous families can hire double canoes to glide through the gorges, surrounded by soaring cliffs as you float by cascading waterfalls and ancient Aboriginal rock art.Watch the ‘Country is Calling’ video here

Leliyn (Edith Falls):
Cool off at Leliyn (Edith Falls), a series of stunning pools and cascading waterfalls on the western side of Nitmiluk National Park. This is a culturally important site for the Jawoyn people. Just 150 metres from the plunge pools, there is also a great camping site, where families can sleep under the stars and be surrounded by nature.Watch the ‘Country is Calling’ video here

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