The 8 Best Aboriginal Shops in Adelaide I Support Wholeheartedly
I’ve always had a soft spot for Aboriginal art. It’s not just about the colours and patterns but how each piece connects to the land, telling stories of culture, history, and spirituality with every dot and line.
That’s why I’ve started collecting pieces over the years. Plus, it’s my way of supporting local artists.
If you’re keen to add some artwork to your collection, I have the best Aboriginal shops in Adelaide for you to check out. From paintings to carvings, these local shops have it all!
APY Gallery Adelaide
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Address: 57/59 George St, Thebarton
Phone: +61 882 124 743
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Friday – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Website: http://www.apygallery.com/
Products: Modern Aboriginal paintings, ceramic art, gifts, traditional punu (wooden ceremonial masks), and more
Looking for bold, large-scale artworks with energetic mark-making? Check out APY Gallery Adelaide!
It’s entirely owned and run by Indigenous people, featuring early-career Indigenous artists from art centres across the APY Lands, regional SA, and Adelaide.
Beyond the paintings, you’ll find stunning ceramics and textiles with intricate patterns. The gallery operates on an 80/20 commission split, meaning artists and their art centres get 80% of the sale price. Buying from here directly supports Anangu artists, providing them with income and employment opportunities.
I picked up a set of piti (traditional wooden bowls) featuring a serpent winding along the sides. The artist explained that it represents creation and fertility. It’s a solid addition to my growing collection of Aboriginal art.
Tip: Spend over $250 on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, and you’ll get an authentication certificate. It includes the artist’s name, details about their background, the artwork’s title and size, a catalogue number, and the story behind the piece.
Milpinti Indigenous Art
Media From: milpinti
Address: 131 Sturt St
Phone: +61 404 149 617
Operating Hours: Wednesday to Sunday – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Website: https://milpinti.com.au/
Products: Paintings, weaving, and carved items
For authentic Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art in both traditional and contemporary styles, check out Milpinti Indigenous Art. This small, privately run gallery offers pieces that start at just $20, making it an affordable way to support Indigenous art.
The artists here come from the Central and Western Desert regions, bringing deep cultural connections to their work.
To make it even more special, some artists paint or weave their crafts right inside the gallery! Watching the creative process unfold adds an extra layer of meaning to each piece.
I picked up a piece from Rochelle Bird Mbitjana’s Alparra Seed Collection for $330. The warm, earthy tones—rich pinks, soft whites, and burnt oranges—create a stippled texture that almost seems to pulse with movement. To me, it feels like a desert landscape bursting into bloom after the rain.
Tip: Spend at least $100 to receive a Certificate of Authenticity with your artwork.
Marra Dreaming
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Address: 22 Commercial Rd, Salisbury
Phone: +61 882 852 311
Operating Hours: Monday to Thursday – 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Website: https://www.marradreaming.com.au/
Products: Paintings, handicrafts, silk, ceramic dishes, and more
Support emerging Indigenous artists by picking up a piece from Marra Dreaming. They’re most notable for their striking totem poles, inspired by the River Red Gums in local reserves.
Beyond the art, you’ll find gift cards, Kakadu plum, Australian sandalwood, and lemon myrtle candles. They also sell traditional baskets, boomerangs, plant pots, and tall vases, making it a great spot for unique gifts.
I’m a big fan of their silk scarves, especially the Purple/Blue Silk with Turtle design by Raylene Snow. It’s a stunning piece that goes with everything, and the turtle symbol represents longevity, wisdom, and protection in Aboriginal culture. Wearing it feels like carrying a meaningful story with me.
Tip: They run cultural workshops for schools, community groups, aged care centres, and government departments. Check their website to book or inquire.
Ngarrindjeri Dreaming
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Address: 13 Charles St
Phone: +61 412 786 667
Website: https://ngarrindjeridreaming.com.au/
Products: Paintings, handicrafts, jewellery, apparel, and more
For Australian Aboriginal merchandise and Indigenous-themed products, check out Ngarrindjeri Dreaming. This shop is run by Sharon Karpany, a Ngarrindjeri woman whose artistic designs are featured on all kinds of products, from bags and apparel to mugs and jewellery.
Sharon doesn’t hold back when it comes to creativity. She also makes stubby holders, jigsaw puzzles, paintings, and cheese boards.
I got my oven mitts from here, featuring a pink tile design that’s both stylish and functional. They do a great job protecting my hands when I’m baking, and they add a nice pop of colour to my kitchen!
Tip: Sharon regularly hosts painting, crafting, and basket-weaving workshops at her shop. Keep an eye out for upcoming sessions posted on her Facebook page!
Art by Farquhar
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Address: 1070 South Rd, Edwardstown
Phone: +61 434 957 371
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Saturday – 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Sunday – 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Website: https://www.artbyfarquhar.com.au/
Products: Indigenous paintings, prints, and photography
Find a wide range of original and reproduction prints from well-known Indigenous artists at Art by Farquhar. This humble shop started as Kool Koala Art but quickly grew into one of Adelaide’s go-to Indigenous art galleries.
While Farquhar makes many pieces, they also collaborate with local artists and photographers, paying royalties per sale.
That’s why you’ll find artwork in collaboration with artists like Chern’ee and Brooke Sutton, Elizabeth Close, Sasha Hill, and Coral Hayes Pananka, with prices starting at $300.
There’s also a great selection of prints and photography from both local and interstate creatives.
I’m a big fan of Dave Birch and John Nieddu, and after searching galleries around the city, I finally found Dave’s work here. I picked up an aerial shot of South Australia, which now hangs in my living room. It’s the perfect reminder of how stunning this state really is.
Tip: You can grab a gift card from this place for up to $300—perfect for an art-loving mate!
Art Gallery of South Australia (AGSA) Store
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Address: 490 North Terrace
Phone: +61 882 077 000
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Website: http://www.agsa.sa.gov.au/
Products: Paintings, ceramics, bags, jewellery, and more
The store at the Art Gallery of South Australia is a top spot for authentic Aboriginal art and gifts. The gallery has been supporting Indigenous art since 1939, showcasing a diverse collection of Australian works, including pieces from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists.
There’s a great range of items to buy, from paintings and ceramics to unique homewares and accessories. Everything comes from emerging and established Indigenous artists, making it a fantastic place to discover both new talent and well-known names.
I picked up a moon pendant made by Celia Dottore, featuring a brushed sterling silver pendant on a fine silver chain. The handmade design was inspired by the moon’s phases and surface features, and you can actually feel the craters and rough textures when you run your fingers over it!
Tip: Plan your visit during the Tarnanthi Festival, usually held in October, for a special collection of Indigenous art and handcrafted items.
Gallery 33
Media From: gallery33_australia
Address: Shop 7 Adelaide Arcade
Phone: +61 871 207 095
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- Friday – 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Saturday – 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Sunday – 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Website: https://gallery33.com.au/
Products: Aboriginal art pieces, jewellery, home decor, baby fashion, and more
Check out Gallery 33 for authentic pieces sourced directly from Alice Springs. This Australian family-owned business showcases traditional and contemporary designs by Aboriginal artists from across the country. From jewellery and home decor to purses and Australian gifts featuring Indigenous art, there’s plenty to browse.
What makes this place special is its commitment to ethical sourcing. They only work with companies that support artists fairly, ensuring every sale gives back through royalty agreements.
Here, I picked up a stunning dot painting with intricate patterns and bold colours. The artist explained that it tells an ancestral Dreamtime story, sharing the Aboriginal perspective on the origins of the world.
Tip: Take your time browsing. There’s a huge selection! With a bit of patience, you might just find something unexpected, like an Aboriginal-designed tumbler.
Mangkaja Arts
Media From: mangkajaarts
Address: 8 Bell Rd, Fitzroy Crossing WA
Phone: +61 891 915 833
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Website: http://www.mangkaja.com/
Products: Paintings and carvings
For beautifully carved artifacts, visit Mangkaja Arts, an art centre representing artists from five language groups: Bunuba, Gooniyandi, Nyikina, Walmajarri, and Wangkajunga. Beyond carvings, they offer artworks on canvas, board, and paper, each telling a powerful story.
Mangkaja artists create vibrant pieces that capture Dreaming stories, historical journeys, and spiritual connections to the land. Since the Mangkaja people were originally from the desert, much of their art reflects their migration due to the Canning Stock Route and cattle stations.
I picked up a Yarnkunja 2 print for $450, featuring concentric, boomerang-like black brushstrokes on a soft yellow background, framed by heart-shaped motifs. The rhythmic patterns represent waterholes, landscapes, and ancestral stories. It’s a striking piece that adds both depth and history to my collection.
Tip: Supporting this gallery helps fund trips for artists and their families to return to important cultural sites for art and cultural practices.
