Northern Territory

The Northern Territory is a federal territory of Australia. The capital city is Darwin; the other two sizable settlements are Alice Springs (in the desert interior, 1,500 kilometres (930 mi) to the south) and Katherine (near the base of the Top End). Residents of the Northern Territory are often known simply as ‘Territorians’.

Aboriginal Australians

More than one quarter of the population of the Northern Territory are Indigenous Australians, a far greater proportion than in any other state or territory in Australia. The life expectancy of Aboriginal Australians is well below that of non-Indigenous Australians in the Northern Territory, a fact that is mirrored elsewhere in Australia. ABS statistics suggest that Indigenous Australians die about 20 years earlier than the average Australian.

There are Aboriginal communities in many parts of the territory, the largest ones being the Pitjantjatjara near Uluru, the Arrernte near Alice Springs, the Luritja between those two, the Warlpiri further north, and the Yolngu in eastern Arnhem Land.

Tourism is one of the major industries on the Northern Territory. Iconic destinations such as Uluru and Kakadu make the Northern Territory a must see destination for domestic and international travellers. Diverse landscapes, spectacular waterfalls, wide open spaces, aboriginal culture, wild and untamed wildlife, all create a unique opportunity for the visitor to immerse themselves in the natural wonder that the Northern Territory offers. Images of Uluru (Ayers Rock) are recognised around the world ensuring that Tourism in the Northern Territory will remain a vital component of its future.

Darwin

Darwin is the territorial capital and the most populous city of Australia’s Northern Territory. It has a population of 111,300 (est. 2005) and is located on Australia’s far northern coastline. Darwin is the furthest north and least populous of the Australian capitals.

The city is notable amongst the capital cities for its history of major disasters. Its tropical climate has seen it regularly subjected to heavy thunderstorms. Major cyclones have occurred approximately once every three decades. Much of the city was destroyed by Cyclone Tracy in 1974. Darwin is also the only Australian capital city to have come under substantial attack during a world war. On 19 February 1942, Japanese planes made two major air raids on Darwin from the aircraft carrier fleet that had attacked Pearl Harbor less than 3 months earlier. These were the first of 64 air attacks experienced by the city during World War II, the last being on 12 November, 1943.

Today Darwin is a fast growing regional centre, important to Australian military, tourism and mining.

Darwin is known as the “Gateway to Asia,” and the city’s population is very multicultural. Seventy-five nationalities are represented in Darwin, and nearly a quarter of the population self-identifies as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.

Darwin has changed from the rough and tumble frontier town of a few decades ago to a modern vibrant tropical city. It was known for a long time as a hard drinking outpost where men greatly outnumbered women and isolation was a fact of life. Nowadays it is a safe, family friendly city.

Weekly markets include Mindil Beach Sunset Markets (Thursdays and Saturdays during the dry season), Parap, Nightcliff and Rapid Creek markets.

On 1 July, Territorians celebrate Territory Day. This is the only day of the year, apart from the Chinese New Year, when fireworks are permitted. In Darwin, the main celebrations occur at Mindil Beach, where a large firework display is commissioned by the government.

The Darwin Festival, held annually, includes comedy, dance, theatre, music, film and visual art and the NT Indigenous Music Awards. Other festivals include the Glenti, which showcases Darwin’s large Greek community, a similar festival held by the smaller Indian community. The Chinese New Year is also celebrated with great festivity, highlighting the Asian influence in Darwin.

The Speargrass Festival is held annually the week prior to July’s first full moon and celebrates the alternative Top End lifestyle. The festival activities include music, screening of locally produced films, screen printing, basket weaving, sweat lodge, water slides, human pyramid, hot tub, frisbee golf, spear throwing, Kubb competition, bingo, communal organic cooking, morning yoga, meditation, greasy pig and healing circles. The festival occurs at the Speargrass property, 50kms northeast of Pine Creek.

The Darwin beer-can regatta, held in August, celebrates Darwin’s love affair with beer and contestants’ race boats made exclusively of beer cans. Also in Darwin during the month of August, are the Darwin Cup horse race, and the Rodeo and Mud Crab Tying Competition.

Darwin is home to the Indo-Pacific Marine & Australian Pearling Exhibition, which houses an aquarium complete with living coral, and its complementary sea life.

The Museum of the Northern Territory in Darwin gives an overview of the history of the area, including exhibits on Cyclone Tracy and the boats of the Pacific Islands.

There is a lively nightlife scene, a wide choice of dining options and several theatres and several cinema complexes as well as the Deckchair Cinema. Most sports are catered for and many facilities are world class. Outdoor pursuits such as fishing and camping are very popular with Darwin residents.

The fishing in the waterways around Darwin is outstanding with a range of tropical species in abundance. The national parks of Kakadu and Litchfield National Park are an easy drive from Darwin.

Music is celebrated at both the Darwin Festival, Darwin Fringe festival and yearly “Bass in the Grass” concert. Local and visiting bands can be heard at venues including the Darwin Entertainment Centre, The Vic Hotel, Happy Yess, and Brown’s Mart.

The Deckchair Cinema is an open-air cinema which operates through the dry season, from April to October, and screens a independent and arthouse films. Darwin’s Mitchell Street is lined with nightclubs, takeaways, and restaurants, many with al fresco-style dining. This is the entertainment hub of the city.

Check our Darwin gallery!