 With
a population of 168,000 and covering an area of more
than 1,300,000 square kilometres, the Northern Territory
is the least populated and most barren area of
Australia.
With its small population and more fragile
economy than other parts of Australia, the Northern
Territory isn’t classified as a state.
It has been controlled by the Federal government
since 1911 however since 1978 the Territory has been
self-governing. Known as the “Red Heart” of
Australia, the Northern Territory is the sole existence
of the untamed and sometimes surreal Australia.
The
central region holds one of the most culturally
significant icons of Aboriginal and Australian culture
– Uluru (Ayers Rock).
In true outback spirit, the Centre gives an
appreciation of the vast and unspoiled wonders of
Australia’s interior.
The modern outback town of Alice Springs is the
hub of Central Australia and the strong Aboriginal
presence here echoes spiritually in every landmark.
The contrast between the
Centre’s amazing aridity and vastness, and the humid,
tropical wetness of the Top End is surprising.
The cosmopolitan city of Darwin is surrounded by
a tropical boundary of spectacular landscape.
To the north lies the colourful religion and art
of the Tiwi Islands.
To the south is the Kaleidoscope of rainforest,
plunge pools, termite mounds and cycads of Litchfield
National Park, while further south boasts the beautiful
gorge region of Katherine.
The east displays a contrast of
untouched wetlands, birdlife and fishing in the majestic
Mary River Wetlands, the waterfalls, wetlands and
wildlife of the World Heritage Listed Kakadu National
Park – a treasure house of wildlife and Aboriginal
rock painting, the untamed beauty of Arnhem Land and the
water playgrounds of the Gove Peninsula.
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