Tour Paintings

When some of our customers wanted an indigenous reminder of their tour with Wayoutback, they had a painting done which traced the steps of the tour they went on. We thought this was a great idea so we commissioned Michael Lankin and Theresa Napurrurla Ross to create an Aboriginal interpretation of our 3 and 5 day tours on canvas.

Both paintings depict the actual route we take on each tour with places we visit and stop along the way highlighted. Instead of using vehicle tracks, the route is represented by goanna tracks on the 3 day tour and kangaroo on the 5 day. The yellow dots are all the passengers we have taken over the years.

Born in Bonya of the Eastern Arrernte people, Michael grew up on Central Australian cattle stations with his mother and father. While learning the way of the land from his parents and grandparents, Michael also learnt to make spears and boomerangs as well as many other artifacts. Hunting off the land in the traditional manner and cooking over an open fire using traditional methods are all second nature to Michael. Ten years ago Michael started painting using creation stories taught to him by his Grandmother and Mother which he has turned into a profession.

Theresa was born in Yuendumu and is of the Warlpiri people. At the age of twelve Theresa started to paint being taught by both her mother and father, her paintings also tell creation stories and highlight significant animals or varying foods and the collection of these foods. Her parents also taught her the ways of the bush hunting goanna, witchetty grubs and honey ants.

5 Day Tour Painting

3 Day Tour Painting