![The land of eternal STORIES](https://cdn.magzter.com/1453305431/1679416184/articles/QWnCdAk991679641435513/THE-LAND-OF-ETERNAL-STORIES.jpg)
This was not the standard map of Australia that I knew. I recognised the shape but not the way that it had been broken up.
"There are more than 500 different Aboriginal peoples across this country, with over 150 languages spoken," explained Maria, my guide, as she pointed to the puzzle-like fragments of First Nations communities covering the continent. "While we share commonalities, we are many nations, all with distinct cultures, languages and traditions."
It was dizzying to take them all in at once. As Maria highlighted the names of the different Aboriginal peoples represented in today's Northern Territory alone, I realised there were myriad little-known histories running alongside the larger narrative of a country that I thought I knew.
"Right here, in Darwin, the Traditional Owners are the Larrakia people. They've been around for thousands of years-long before today's city was built," smiled Maria as we walked in front of the territorial capital's colonial-styled, 19th-century Government House.
While people who identify as Aboriginal Australians make up only about 3% of the country's modern population, that figure rises to 30% in the Northern Territory, which has long been a stronghold of Indigenous culture. Evidence uncovered by archaeologists has revealed that human habitation here goes back as far as 65,000 years.
"You'll be witnessing what is perhaps the planet's oldest continuously active civilisation," foreshadowed Maria, an unexpected gravitas suddenly creeping into her voice.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة February/March 2023 من Wanderlust Travel Magazine.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة February/March 2023 من Wanderlust Travel Magazine.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
![Vermont, USA](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/12467/1456502/1xX0eICPW1695974446683/VERMONT-USA.jpg)
Vermont, USA
The Wanderlust team relocated to New England for part of this issue, as we explored a lush state filled with outdoor escapes, historic towns... and lashings of maple syrup
![Unique North America](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/12467/1456502/7HWf2Ogn31695974178566/UNIQUE-NORTH-AMERICA.jpg)
Unique North America
See a side to the USA and Canada beyond the big cities and discover incredible stories and special wildlife with our pick of the trips
![The call of the Rockies](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/12467/1456502/jkEqPOR2v1695973877538/THE-CALL-OF-THE-ROCKIES.jpg)
The call of the Rockies
From historic ski lodges to rustic backcountry cabins and a mock-Scottish castle, we pick the stays in Canada's Rocky Mountains that make the most of their setting
![A new dawn for the Garifuna community](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/12467/1456502/qgJH-if4G1695973150866/A-NEW-DAWN-FOR-THE-GARIFUNA-COMMUNITY.jpg)
A new dawn for the Garifuna community
When the Garifuna people settled in Belize, they had to carry their traditions and culture with them; now a new trail is inviting visitors to explore this heritage through local communities
![On the edge of history](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/12467/1456502/hbx5sGc1Z1695972667728/ON-THE-EDGE-OF-HISTORY.jpg)
On the edge of history
In south-west Colorado lies the largest archaeological preserve in the USA, a series of vast cliff dwellings whose residents 'vanished' overnight. But was the answer to their disappearance in plain sight?
![Tigers burning bright](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/12467/1456502/Pj8QPj9PL1695972279174/TIGERS-BURNING-BRIGHT.jpg)
Tigers burning bright
As India celebrates 50 years of its Project Tiger conservation scheme, we visit the reserves of Madhya Pradesh to see how its success has impacted a tiger population that once looked in danger of disappearing
![SEASON'S GREETINGS](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/12467/1456502/juEYMaDIr1695971533351/SEASONS-GREETINGS.jpg)
SEASON'S GREETINGS
From fiery fall foliage to art fairs and harvest festivals, opens up a wealth of across the USA and Canada autumn experiences
![Waking a sleeping GIANT](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/12467/1456502/TG0kXrNMV1695971180771/WAKING-A-SLEEPING-GIANT.jpg)
Waking a sleeping GIANT
A slow drive along the North Wales Way, from the English border to Anglesey, reveals not only a land of incredible local food and castles, but a region that is slowly reimagining itself
![The rebirth of old JEDDAH](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/12467/1456502/1XEhgZ7TH1695970315221/THE-REBIRTH-OF-OLD-JEDDAH.jpg)
The rebirth of old JEDDAH
As efforts to restore Al-Balad, Jeddah's historical district, take hold, we get an exclusive peek at how art and culture are taking centre stage
![Star-studded escapes](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/12467/1456502/NUJa8248P1695969662166/STARSTUDDED-ESCAPES.jpg)
Star-studded escapes
Wilderness, history and wildlife combine at some of Britain's most iconic stargazing sites, as more and more travellers are looking to the heavens