The Northern Territory's rich Aboriginal culture and creativity will now greet visitors from the moment they arrive in Darwin, with the launch of the new Indigenous Art Trail at Darwin Airport Resorts as part of the 2026 Darwin Street Art Festival.

Located on Larrakia Country, the new trail transforms the Darwin Airport Resorts precinct into a vibrant open-air gallery, showcasing six large-scale artworks by Indigenous artists across the site, including a striking new mural by Larrakia and Mayali artist Keelan Fejo.

Fejo's newly unveiled artwork, Manimunak Narmangol Gujokenor (Magpie Geese and Barra in the Wet), reflects the abundance, movement and renewal of the wet season in the Top End. The mural also incorporates a billabong known as Gunlaparl, alongside lily fruit called Datdarm and lily stems known as Ngowk Ngowk, all traditional food sources found in freshwater billabongs.

Speaking about the inspiration behind the work, Mr Fejo said memories of travelling across the Top End with family shaped the mural's story.

"Travelling as a kid with my immediate family we spent time out remote communities from Arnhem Land down towards Katherine Region visiting family," he said.

"One of the main stops that come to mind which inspired this design is the Gunbalanya area where we hunted and fished with family for geese and barramundi as they were and still to this day a food source for us Indigenous people in the Top End."

Towering across the Novotel Poolhouse, the mural captures a deep connection between people, Country and seasonal change, while bringing Indigenous storytelling into one of Darwin's busiest tourism precincts.

The trail also features works by Indigenous artists Anthony Duwun Lee, represented by Trent Lee, Joanne Nasir, Jason Lee and Sarrita King, including the iconic 41-metre water tower mural that has become a landmark within the resort precinct.

For Mr Fejo, culture and identity remain central to every artwork he creates.

"Country and culture is always a big part of me. I feel connected through my artwork, communication with family and going back to Country with storytelling in my art style," he said.

"My father always told us to look, listen and learn and be cool, calm and collective."

Mr Fejo said his artistic journey was heavily influenced by his parents, particularly his father, who passed down traditional art styles and techniques.

"He was my biggest inspiration," he said.

"To be home here in Darwin with my Larrakia families is just as inspirational and I get to learn from both sides."

The project has been supported by the Airport Development Group and the Darwin Street Art Festival, with Proper Creative helping bring Fejo's original artwork to life at monumental scale across the 16-metre-high wall.

For ADG, the project aligns with its vision of Darwin as the gateway to Northern Australia, where Indigenous culture is visible, celebrated and woven into the visitor experience from arrival.

Mr Fejo said seeing his artwork positioned so close to Darwin Airport carried enormous significance.

"Darwin Airport is the gateway in and out of Darwin so to have my artwork close by here at Darwin Airport Resort means a lot," he said.

"I hope all who visit can admire it along with the other amazing artworks and the stories behind the designs."

He also praised Proper Creative for transforming the original design into a large-scale mural.

"Mind blowing seeing it in a larger scale," he said.

"I hope visitors enjoy all the artwork and take back good memories of Darwin lifestyle, culture and artworks to share with their friends and families."

An artist-led Indigenous Art Trail experience will officially launch on May 31, with visitors able to walk through the precinct alongside the artists themselves, hearing firsthand the stories behind each mural and the cultural meaning woven into the works. Following the launch, the trail will remain publicly accessible year-round through Darwin Airport Resorts.