The Devil's Marbles

Northern Territory

Northern Territory is a vast, fascinating Australian federal territory. It encompasses a total area of 1.35 million sq km with a population of only 209 000. The capital, Darwin located in the far north, is a busy cosmopolitan city of 110 000 people – the least populated of all Australian capitals but definitely the most populated city in the Territory. The Stuart Hwy (known locally as ‘The Track’) begins here, runs through Alice Springs all the way to Adelaide, South Australia – a distance of over 3 000 km.  The Territory is divided into three sections. The ‘Top End’ which is home to Arnhem Land (Aboriginal land) and the world-famous Kakadu NP with its breathtaking wetlands and wildlife. It is one of Australia’s most important heritage regions covering an area of 1 307 300 ha.  Just off NT’s coast are the Tiwi Islands, home to the Tiwi people. This tropical area has distinct wet and dry seasons. The wet season between Nov-Apl experiences high temperatures, humidity and tropical storms resulting in a lush green landscape. The dry season, May-Oct has warm, sunny and dry days with low humidity. The Middle or ‘Gulf to Gulf’ section is dominated by the Tanami Desert to the west, sparse settlements along the Stuart Hwy, dusty roads and a real feeling of the Outback.  The ‘Red Centre’ dubbed so for its red soil and rocks is surrounded by numerous meteorite craters, canyons and valleys. Among its more well known rock formations are Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) which are sacred to the local Aborigines. It is an extremely arid area with greatly varying temperatures.  Indigenous Australians have lived in this region for about 40 000 years. Under British rule the Territory was controlled first by NSW (1825-63) and subsequently South Australia (1863-1911). After this time, the federal government took over control resulting in self-government in 1978.  Gold and copper mining as well as cattle raising (Victoria River Downs was the world’s largest cattle station) were the economy’s mainstays.  Other main settlements include Katherine, Tennant Creek, Yulara, Mataranka and Pine Creek. Its major rivers include the Alligator, Daly, Finke, McArthur, Roper, Todd and Victoria.  Today tourism is one of the Territory’s major industries with its diverse landscapes, spectacular waterfalls, wildlife and aboriginal history and culture and endless national parks (Kakadu, Gregory, Litchfield, Mary River, Finke Gorge, Watarrka (including Kings Canyon), Uluru-Kata Tjuta and West MacDonnell).  Other important industries are mining (bauxite, manganese and uranium), agriculture and fishing.  The Territory’s floral emblem is the Sturt’s Desert Rose.

Visitor Information Centre: Tel (08) 8941 1824 or Tourism Top End: Cnr Knuckey & Mitchell Sts. Tel (08) 8936 2499 or 1300 138 886