Northern Territory

Northern Territory is rich in history and is one of the most beautiful destinations in the world. Visitors to the Northern Territory can choose from five regions that make up this state, which is sparsely populated but filled with natural wonders. Each destination provides guests with an opportunity to partake in a number of adventures or some well-deserved relaxation. The outback is located in the Northern Territory, so any holiday here proves to be a uniquely Australian experience.

The Northern Territory covers about one sixth of the Australian continent with an area of 1.35 million km2 which is equal to the combined areas of France, Spain and Italy. About four- fifths of the Territory (1.09 million km2) lies within the tropics and the 6200 km coastline is generally flat and backed by swamps, mangroves and mudflats, rising to a plateau no higher than 450 m.

History

With evidence of settlements dating back 50,000 years, the Northern Territory is home to the oldest living culture in the world. The Yolngu culture originated in the Arnhem Land, and the Yolngu people still live a very traditional lifestyle. A wide range of indigenous cultures continues to exist in the Northern territory, and over 80 aboriginal languages are still in use. Nearly half of the Northern Territory is considered aboriginal land. The prominent aboriginal groups, other than the Yolngu of the Arnhem Land, are the Arrernet, Warlpiri and Pitjantatjara in the Red Centre.

The indigenous people of the Northern Territory were artists and hunters who had established thriving trade routes with the people of Indonesia. These Indonesian cultures included the Makassan trepangers, who were known as expert harvesters of sea cucumbers, also known as trepang. The aboriginal goods supplied to the Makassan eventually reached the markets of Southern China. These trade routes became very influential in the development of the native Australians, and interbreeding became very common. When the British first settled Australia in 1788, the Australian Aborigines numbered about 300,000, and they spoke nearly 250 languages.

Climate

Rainfall varies from an average 1570 mm a year in the far north to less than 150 mm in the south. About two-thirds of the Territory receives less than 500 mm a year. In the north, monsoonal influences produce two definite seasons known locally as “the wet” (October to April) and “the dry” (May to September). During the wet season, the coast is subject to tropical cyclones (hurricanes or typhoons).

The temperature in Darwin remains almost constant throughout the year. The daily average maximum in January is 31.8 C and the average minimum 24.8 C. In July, the average maximum is 30.3 C and the minimum 19.3 C.

Geography

The Northern Territory is a land rich in geographic features. Over 20 national parks are located in the state, and each park has its own unique set of characteristics. Most of the cities and towns of the Northern Territory lie on a north/south course along one of the only paved highways leading out from Darwin. The highway is officially known as Stuart Highway, but locals refer to it as “the track.”

The northern part of the state is known as Top End. It includes Darwin and the land comprising the northern quarter of the state. Arnhem Land is a smaller region comprised of the area just to the east of Darwin. The Katherine Region lies to the south of Top End and spans the width of the Northern Territory. South of Katherine is the Barkly Tableland, and the southernmost region is known as the Red Centre, the Simpson Desert or Alice Springs.

Population

The Northern Territory’s population includes people of many ethnic backgrounds as well as those of aboriginal descent. In 1977 – federal legislation enabled aboriginal descendants to claim traditional ownership of vacant Crown land and today Aboriginal land trusts hold title to about 40 per cent of the Territory.