 The Northern Territory is a federal territory of Australia, occupying much of the center of the mainland continent, as well as the central northern regions. It shares borders with Western Australia to the west, South Australia to the south, and Queensland to the east. To the north, the territory is bordered by the Timor Sea, the Arafura Sea and the Gulf of Carpentaria. Despite its large area, over 1,349,129 square kilometres (520,902 sq mi) - making it the third largest Australian federal division - it is sparsely populated. With a population of 215,000[1] , it is the least populous division in the country.
The history of the Northern Territory began over 40,000 years ago when Indigenous Australians settled the region. Makassan traders began trading with the indigenous people of the Northern Territory for trepang from at least the 18th century onwards, and possibly for 300 years prior to that, while the coast of the Territory was first seen by Europeans in the 17th century. The British were the first to attempt to settle the coastal regions of the Territory in the 19th century; however no attempt was successful until the establishment of a settlement at Port Darwin in 1869. Today the economy is based on tourism, especially Kakadu National Park in the Top End and the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park in central Australia, and mining. The capital city is Darwin. Perhaps unusually when compared with Australia's states, the population is not concentrated in coastal regions, but rather along the Stuart Highway. The other major settlements are Katherine, Alice Springs, Tennant Creek and Nhulunbuy in the territory's north-east. Residents of the Northern Territory are often known simply as 'Territorians'. 
The Northern Territory is Australia's real Outback and home to the iconic natural wonders of Kakadu National Park and Uluru/Ayers Rock. Aboriginal people hold a spiritual connection to this land; their 40,000 year old story is shared on rocks and canvas, discovered in the sand and passed down through generations. The Northern Territory is blessed with diverse and contrasting environments, where change is the only constant.
Intriguing and spectacular wildlife vary dramatically from the deserts of Central Australia to the tropics of the Top End. The "NT" is renowned for its colourful outback characters. Larger than life and only too willing to share a yarn or two, it's hard not to fall in love with our down to earth attitude. Relax, open your mind and immerse yourself in the spirit of Australia's Outback.
The Top End of Australia's Northern Territory is one of the last remaining genuine outback regions where you can fully experience the awesome grandeur of nature first hand. There are not many places left in the world that offer a magnificent, remote natural environment to wander and explore. The Top End is just what it says, the most northern part of the Northern Territory. It is lush, green and tropical - a total contrast to the harsh, arid beauty of The Red Centre. The modern multicultural city of Darwin, the Territory's capital, is the northern gateway to Australia. The Top End occupies the huge square bump at the top of the Australian map, half of which is the vast area of Arnhem Land, owned by the country's traditional Aboriginal people. Internationally recognised, the World Heritage listed Kakadu National Park is one of the Nation's most prized cultural and ecological treasures. Almost 20,000 square kilometres in size the park is almost three hours drive east from Darwin. South of Darwin is Litchfield National Park a favourite area among Darwin outdoor lovers, the park comprises 1500 sq kms of largely untouched landscape. Nitmiluk Gorge is the major natural attraction in the Katherine region. The town of Katherine itself has many places of interest including the historic Springvale Homestead, the River Corridor, Katherine Hot Springs and various museums and historic buildings. The Red Centre is the heart of Australia and is in stark contrast to the Top End of the Northern Territory. Often harsh, always remote, Central Australia is awesome in the arid beauty of its endless plains and monuments of nature - Ayers Rock (Uluru), Mount Olga (Kata Tjuta), the MacDonnell Ranges and Kings Canyon. The town of Alice Springs has evolved into a modern Outback town, with all the creature comforts of a capital city. It is the hub of Central Australia, making it the perfect base to your explorations of the region, it is rich with the culture and heritage of the Aboriginal people who have roamed the Territory for tens of thousands of years. Whether you're a born-and-bred Australian or visitor from abroad, touring The Centre gives you an appreciation of the vast and unspoiled wonders of Australia's interior. |
