A new life in Australia’s Northern Territory
Work It! – 20 000 jobs
Dream It! – Yes you can
Live It! – Fresh lifestyle!
“The secret to a bright future. The earlier we see the bright future, the faster we can achieve
it.”
Disclaimer
While all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that the information contained in this
publication is correct, the information covered is subject to change. The Northern Territory
Government does not assume and hereby disclaims any express or implied liability whatsoever to
any party for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions, whether these errors or omissions
result from negligence, accident or any other cause.
Images courtesy of Tourism NT
Published October 2014
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A new life in Australia’s Northern Territory
Contents
Contents ........................................................................................................................................ 2
Great lifestyle – Live It .................................................................................................................. 4
Jobs, Jobs, Jobs – Work It ........................................................................................................... 4
Skilled workers in high demand.............................................................................................. 4
Looking to migrate to, or have a working holiday in the Northern Territory? ........................... 5
Looking for jobs ..................................................................................................................... 5
Living the dream ........................................................................................................................... 5
Out and about ........................................................................................................................ 6
Our parks and reserves ......................................................................................................... 6
Festivals and special events .................................................................................................. 6
Fishing ................................................................................................................................... 7
A taste for culture ................................................................................................................... 7
http://www.artsandmuseums.nt.gov.au .................................................................................. 7
Sport and recreation .............................................................................................................. 7
A great lifestyle ...................................................................................................................... 7
Housing ................................................................................................................................. 8
Cost of living .......................................................................................................................... 8
Education and childcare ......................................................................................................... 8
Health services ...................................................................................................................... 9
Multicultural services.............................................................................................................. 9
Transport ............................................................................................................................. 10
Government ......................................................................................................................... 10
Banking and business .......................................................................................................... 11
Discover – Honour It ................................................................................................................... 11
Our cities and towns ................................................................................................................... 12
Darwin ................................................................................................................................. 12
Palmerston and Outer Darwin .............................................................................................. 13
Alice Springs ........................................................................................................................ 13
Katherine ............................................................................................................................. 14
Tennant Creek ..................................................................................................................... 14
Nhulunbuy ........................................................................................................................... 15
Major Remote Towns ........................................................................................................... 15
Population* .......................................................................................................................... 16
Climate* ............................................................................................................................... 16
Top End ...................................................................................................................... 16
Alice Springs............................................................................................................... 16
Snap shot .................................................................................................................................... 16
Domestic flight travel............................................................................................................ 16
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A new life in Australia’s Northern Territory
International flight travel ....................................................................................................... 16
Major events ........................................................................................................................ 17
Key industries ...................................................................................................................... 17
Interested in investing? .............................................................................................................. 17
Interested in visiting? ................................................................................................................. 17
Interested in working and living? .............................................................................................. 17
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A new life in Australia’s Northern Territory
Great lifestyle – Live It
Australia’s Northern Territory - or ‘the Territory’ presents all the hallmarks of a booming
economy. That trend is set to continue in spectacular fashion.
The Territory is sophisticated, dynamic and progressive yet it retains that friendly, fun-loving
character that has made it such a popular drawcard. These traits are accentuated by the fact that
our population is the nation’s youngest, at a median age of just 31 years: 6years younger than the
rest of the Australia. Territorians are typically a vibrant, happy, outdoor-loving lot who also know
how to enjoy the finer things in life.
The Territory’s 243 000-strong population includes people from over 100 nationalities who have
shared their cultures for more than a century to turn this region into one of Australia’s most
cosmopolitan. Indigenous people, many still living traditional lifestyles, make up 30% of the
population and have a strong influence on the region’s culture. More than 9% of Australia’s
permanent Defence personnel and their families are based in the Territory, in Darwin and
Katherine and remote training grounds.
The Northern Territory covers one-sixth of Australia and straddles climatic zones ranging from the
monsoon-influenced tropics across the ‘Top End’ nudging the Timor and Arafura seas, to the arid
red-ochre deserts of Central Australia.
The Territory’s location at the top half of Australia puts it closer to Asia than to Australia’s main
population centres. It has long led the rest of the country in developing strong diplomatic, cultural
and economic ties with South East Asia. Successive governments have been quick to capitalise on
this trading benefit by promoting the Territory as Australia’s ‘Gateway to Asia’.
Territory leaders have seized on opportunities to bolster the region’s economy through trade and
business relationships tied in with burgeoning consumer demands in the growth zones of South
East Asia, the western Pacific and beyond.
More recently the current Northern Territory Government is vigorously pursuing its vision to grow
and develop northern Australia to deliver benefits for all of Australia and importantly position
Darwin as the hub of this key growth area.
Developing Northern Australia will position Australia amongst the world’s top economies.
The Territory’s vibrant economic growth and a raft of multimillion and multi-billion dollar
developments are positioning Australia’s fastest-growing region for an even more exhilarating
future. It’s going to mean exceptional work and investment opportunities, particularly in the next
five years. Many thousands of jobs will come on line for professionals and skilled tradespeople
from all walks of life, and for business entrepreneurs looking for a bright new start for their families.
We’re going to need a lot of people-power to get the jobs one!
http://www.australiasnorthernterritory.com.au
“Surround yourself with people who take their work seriously, but not themselves, those
who work hard and play hard.”
Jobs, Jobs, Jobs – Work It
Skilled workers in high demand
Several significant economic drivers will underpin intensive local development.
Those economic drivers will include the AustralAsia Trade Route, investment in gas and related
industries, mining and minerals processing, agribusiness, tourism, Defence support and Darwin’s
growth as a regional supply, service and distribution hub. Emerging industries based on tropical
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A new life in Australia’s Northern Territory
and desert knowledge and innovation, information technology and communications are also
forecast to bolster the Territory’s economy in the future.
The Territory is on track to become a major oil and gas operations and maintenance hub.
Specifically, a new Darwin marine supply base provides state-of-the-art facilities to service offshore
oil and gas operations.
An impressive list of existing and impending oil and gas ventures, supported by the global giants of
the sector, will assure the region’s growth and prosperity for decades into the future.
Significant mining developments and infrastructure projects, including a new hospital, are also due
to commence and will further boost job opportunities and bring significant economic benefits for
Territory-wide regional towns and communities.
The spin-offs will include an unparalleled demand for skilled tradesmen of every kind, and
professionals across broad-ranging sectors including engineering, nursing, medicine and teaching..
Looking to migrate to, or have a working holiday in the Northern
Territory?
Several migration programs are available for persons and families wishing to migrate to the
Northern Territory to live and work or do business.
What kind of people is the Northern Territory looking for?
The Northern Territory is on the lookout for persons with skills and experience in business, and
most trades and professions, including construction, hospitality, tourism, education and health. The
wide diversity of jobs available is reflected in the Northern Territory Skilled Occupation Priority List.
This list provides a list of occupations that are either in shortage or experiencing recruitment
difficulties in the Northern Territory. The Northern Territory Government is actively seeking and
encouraging migrants with these skills to join its community.
Detailed information on migration and Northern Territory Government sponsorship for business
and skill migrants is available at http://www.australiasnorthernterritory.com.au
Looking for jobs
A wealth of business and employment opportunities will be on offer, especially if you have the skills
the Territory needs. The Territory Worker Database is a candidate pool established to bring
together skilled and semi-skilled people looking for jobs and employers needing their services. The
database allows job seekers to register their skills for prospective employers or recruitment
agencies to search for suitable candidates recruit to hard to fill job vacancies.
http://www.australiasnorthernterritory.com.au
Living the dream
“Good fortune is a way of living. Your actions and attitudes about your experiences
determine your outcome.”
Eleven official public holidays a year. The climate is amazing and with enough public
holidays to give you plenty of time to get away and enjoy it.
If you make a move to the Northern Territory you won’t regret it. On top of the abundant jobs,
business opportunities and excellent support services for families, the Territory lifestyle is
exceptional. There’s so much to see and do and so much space to do it in.
http://www.centralaustraliantourism.com
http://www.tourismtopend.com.au
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A new life in Australia’s Northern Territory
Out and about
Dining out is high on the agenda for Territorians – and the tantalising choice of cuisine and
eateries to suit all budgets means it’s not unusual for families to eat out at least once a
week.
Sublime dining experiences are on offer everywhere - among the 60 international food stalls at
Darwin’s famous Mindil Beach Sunset Markets and other popular markets, at the waterfront
seafood eateries and at the scores of restaurants, alfresco cafes, pubs and club bistros scattered
throughout the Territory.
Our parks and reserves
World famous national parks. Visitors come from all over the world to explore the Northern
Territory’s breathtaking natural wilderness.
Fom the teeming northern wetlands to the incredible living deserts of the Red Centre, the Territory
has hundreds of declared conservation sanctuaries including land-based and marine parks,
conservation reserves and heritage sites ranging from less than one hectare to thousands of
hectares.
The most famous are the World Heritage-listed Uluru-Kata Tjuta (Ayers Rock and The Olgas) and
Australia’s biggest and most culturally and ecologically significant national park, Kakadu, covering
20,000 km of the Top End.
Also high on visitor to-do-lists are the majestic Litchfield, Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge), Judbarra
(Gregory), Keep River and Garig Gunak Barlu (Cobourg Peninsula) national parks and the wildliferich Mary River wetlands in the Top End. Central Australia’s Watarrka (Kings Canyon) and West
MacDonnell national parks and the Barkly region’s Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles) all showcase
stunning landscapes and geological formations.
In our cities and towns there are glorious sun-drenched coastal reserves, leafy parks, water parks,
playgrounds and sporting ovals dotted everywhere, along with many kilometres of bike and walking
tracks.
http://www.parksandwildlife.nt.gov.au
Festivals and special events
Hardly a month goes by without something extra special happening. The Territory pulsates
with a myriad of festivals, sporting events, indigenous and cultural celebrations, worldclass racing carnivals and mad-cap regattas.
No matter what time of year, the Territory hosts some of Australia’s best festivals and events. From
exciting sporting events to authentic art and cultural experiences, a trip to the Territory is made
complete by adding local events to the itinerary.
History, food, adrenaline-pumping races and the best local and travelling art and music is
presented in both contemporary and rustic venues – or outdoors in the exceptional NT weather.
The Darwin and Alice Springs horse racing cup carnivals and the V8 Supercars Championship are
huge drawcards that inject millions into the local economy.
The Northern Territory hosts a range of music events, concerts, sporting and cultural events every
year.
http://www.darwinfestival.org.au
https://www.ntmajorevents.com.au
http://www.darwinfilmfest.com.au
http://www.travelnt.com/en/events.aspx
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A new life in Australia’s Northern Territory
Fishing
Without question, it’s exceptional in The Northern Territory.
It’s the favourite pastime for many thousands of locals and the reason why hordes of southern and
overseas visitors trawl our waterways every dry season.
The Territory hosts several top-class annual fishing tournaments like the NT Barra Classic, Kakadu
Klash, Daly River Barra Nationals and the Gove Game classic, which entice many of the world’s
keenest anglers.
A taste for culture
Territorians are culturally sophisticated and embrace the many opportunities to enjoy art
exhibitions, concerts, theatre and other live performances that showcase both local and
visiting talent.
Major art and cultural events like the annual Darwin Festival, and Alice Springs’ Heritage and
Beanie Festivals are among many big drawcards.
Indigenous art, from Arnhem Land to Central Australia, supports a flourishing industry and is a vital
tool in cultural understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.
The Territory boasts many excellent museums and galleries. The Museum and Art Gallery of the
Northern Territory in Darwin holds priceless collections of Indigenous, South East Asian and
Oceanic art and material culture, maritime archaeology, Territory history and natural sciences.
The Alice Springs Cultural Precinct, incorporating the Araluen Centre and Galleries, Albert
Namatjira Gallery, Aviation Museum and more, is home to some of Central Australia’s most
intriguing cultural and historical attractions.
Tennant Creek’s Nyinkka Nyunya Art and Culture Centre, located on a site held sacred by the local
Warumungu people, allows visitors to learn about Indigenous life and history in the region. Several
remote Territory communities have their own galleries and also stage annual cultural and sporting
festivals to showcase their traditional customs and talent to the world. The Garma, Barunga,
Merrepin and Walking with Spirits Festivals are all prominent on the Territory’s Indigenous cultural
calendar.
http://www.artsandmuseums.nt.gov.au
Sport and recreation
Territorians are into anything that’s active - the Northern Territory institute of sport (NTIS) is
at the forefront of elite training and competition, and a recognised leader in athlete
acclimatisation and related research.
The Territory offers indoor stadiums, world-class hockey grounds, Olympic sized swimming
complexes, football ovals, golf courses, dedicated sporting clubs and extensive bicycle and walking
tracks.
Sailing, power-boating, kayaking, windsurfing and dragon boating are all popular and a weekend
on the water is a favourite for many families. Darwin and Nhulunbuy have long-established clubs
with first-class facilities and training and racing programs for yachties and powerboat owners.
http://www.dsrr.nt.gov.au/ntis
A great lifestyle
Share the pleasures of monsoon-influenced ‘wet’ and ‘dry’ seasons in the top end. When it
comes to agreeable climatic conditions, the Northern Territory is up there with the best.
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A new life in Australia’s Northern Territory
The Territory is hot, humid dry or chilly, depending on the season and whether you live in the north
or the red centre. Top Enders savour the advantages of a predictable climate – like balmy breezes
and an average 10 hours of sunshine a day in the dry, and spectacular tropical thunderstorms and
replenishing monsoonal downpours in the wet.
Cyclones are a fact of life in the north during the Wet but stringent building codes, intensive
awareness campaigns and excellent weather warning systems keep potential dangers to an
absolute minimum.
The Central Australian desert climate can be extreme. In the summer months, temperatures rarely
drop below 20oC/68F overnight, and top a searing 40 deg C/104 deg F by day. In contrast, winter
will see temperatures cool overnight.
http://www.australiasnorthernterritory.com.au
Housing
The Territory’s tropical and arid-zone housing concepts are recognised internationally.
Northern Territory residents tend to live in houses built to take advantage of the climate and the
environment. Traditional Top End houses are elevated to capture gentle breezes and have large
louvered windows, ceiling fans, verandas, decks and paved poolside areas that reinforce the
tropical theme. In Central Australia, many houses are single storey Mediterranean style - just right
for the warm dry days and cool crisp nights.
http://www.reint.com.au
Cost of living
Some Territory household costs are higher than in other parts of Australia. The comparatively
small population and vast freight distances mean higher prices for some grocery lines – but the
upside is that your house will probably have cost-saving solar hot water, you can spend less on
travelling around your community or on parking and entry fees – and if moving to the Top End, you
won’t need many winter clothes.
Renting or buying places to live can be expensive compared with some Australian cities and
towns, but the Northern Territory Government is working on initiatives to increase the availability of
affordable housing.
Education and childcare
The Territory boasts more than 150 government and 35 private schools, and many top class
childcare facilities.
Education facilities range from large senior secondary colleges in Darwin and Alice Springs, to
smaller metropolitan, regional and remote community schools.
The Northern Territory also has world class tertiary facilities, the Charles Darwin University.
Charles Darwin University is a member of the group of 7 Innovative Research Universities in
Australia and ranked in the Top 400 Universities in the world.
Territory schooling stages align with those in other Australian states. Preschool to Year 3 are the
Early Years, the Primary Years are Years 4 to 6, the Middle Years are Years 7 to 9 and the Senior
Years 10 to 12.
School is compulsory for children aged between 6 and 15 years. Non- compulsory preschool
programs are available for children turning four by 30 June of a given school year, and Transition is
available for children turning five by mid-year.
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A new life in Australia’s Northern Territory
Senior secondary students study for the Northern Territory Certificate of Education and Training
(NTCET), an end-of-school qualification recognised by all Australian colleges and universities.
Students seeking university entrance must also comply with Territory and South Australian tertiary
entrance requirements as prescribed by the universities. One Territory school offers the
International Baccalaureate as an alternative to the NTCET.
Vocational education and training (VET) is encouraged as a valid career pathway, often as part of
NTCET studies. High schools and registered training organisations offer a wide variety of courses
and deliver high quality, nationally consistent training outcomes for industry, communities and
individuals.
Remote area students have access to distance education coordinated through the NT Open
Education Centre, Katherine School of the Air and Alice Springs School of the Air.
http://www.education.nt.gov.au
http://www.cdu.edu.au
The school year is divided into four 10-week terms with one-week, four-week, one-week and sixweek breaks at the end of Terms 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively.
Health services
Excellent health services are available throughout the Northern Territory. Royal Darwin
Hospital houses the National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre, and the modern
new Alan Walker Cancer Care Centre.
Royal Darwin Hospital is the Territory’s main medical facility and all major regional towns have
their own hospitals offering general inpatient, outpatient and emergency services. Royal Darwin
and Alice Springs hospitals offer a wide range of specialist services and both are teaching
hospitals aligned with Flinders University in Adelaide through the NT Clinical School. Darwin
Private Hospital is also available for patients with appropriate health cover.
Many remote health centres have e-carts which allow direct contact with specialists in Darwin and
around the world.
Private doctors, dentists, specialists and allied health professionals such as physiotherapists,
optometrists and pharmacists practice in the major towns and also visit remote communities
regularly.
http://www.health.nt.gov.au
http://www.medicareaustralia.gov.au
Multicultural services
The Northern Territory is one of Australia’s most culturally diverse regions. Its population
includes people of 100 nationalities and supports some 50 social, cultural and religious
organisations representing different cultural groups.
The Territory has long been like a home-away-from-home for overseas immigrants who have
contributed enormously to our economy and culture and embrace our unique lifestyle.
There are several Islamic mosques, Buddhist and Chinese temples and a host of Christian
churches offering religious instruction and worship. The Territory community celebrates with
enthusiasm during annual cultural festivals including the Greek Glenti, an Indian festival and the
Chinese New Year.
SBS Radio broadcasts throughout the Territory in 68 languages and SBS TV telecasts programs
covering news, sport, movies and entertainment from all over the world.
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A new life in Australia’s Northern Territory
A multilingual interpreter service is available for newcomers needing to do business or attend to
other matters as they settle in.
http://www.multicultural.nt.gov.au
Transport
Most Northern Territory workers can be home within 15-20 minutes. Getting around
Territory cities and towns is generally quick and easy, even during peak hour. The commute
is even quicker in regional Towns.
An efficient public bus service runs in the major towns and taxis and hire cars are widely available.
Seniors, pensioners, carers and students travel free on public buses.
The Territory outback road network consists of sealed highways, unsealed secondary roads and
bush tracks that can be affected by flooding in the wet season.
The Stuart Highway connects with South Australia, the Barkly Highway with Queensland, and the
Victoria Highway with Western Australia.
The AustralAsia Railway provides regular efficient freight and passenger services between Darwin
and Adelaide, with connections to the east and west coasts. Thousands of visitors a year board
The Ghan for an exhilarating outback travel experience that’s regarded as one of the world’s great
train journeys.
Darwin has regular international and national shipping connections and is a port of call for dozens
of luxury cruise ships en route to exotic destinations.
Darwin is the Territory’s main international air gateway, servicing domestic and overseas carriers
with connections to the rest of the world. Flights to many major South East Asian cities are shorter
and cheaper than those to most Australian capital cities. (Many Darwin residents visit Bali, Vietnam
and Singapore for weekend getaways.)
Alice Springs and Yulara airports are busy hubs, with direct flights to most Australian capital cities.
All regional towns have airports and remote communities rely heavily on air services.
http://www.transport.nt.gov.au
http://www.darwinairport.com.au
http://www.theghan.com.au
Government
The Territory continues to work on becoming a state in the future. The parliament of the
Northern Territory is the legislative assembly with 25 members and a ministerial cabinet
lead by a chief minister.
The Northern Territory has a Westminster style of government with no upper house. The Head of
State is the Administrator, rather than the Governor as in other Australian jurisdictions.
Local Government is the second tier, with city councils and shire councils administering by-laws
and spending on services and infrastructure according to the needs of their jurisdictions.
Northern Territory laws are similar to those in other parts of Australia, but with some notable
exceptions to account for unique situations.
Examples are the Australian Government’s Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act and the
Northern Territory Liquor Act. The first governs ownership of, and access to, some 50 per cent of
Territory land under Aboriginal ownership. The second restricts or prohibits possession, supply or
use of alcohol in certain areas, including ‘dry’ communities.
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A new life in Australia’s Northern Territory
http://www.aec.gov.au
http://www.nt.gov.au/lant
Banking and business
The Territory supports an efficient environment for businesses, by offering Australia’s
lowest tax environment for small to medium businesses.
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no land taxes (other than the council rates)
one of the highest payroll tax thresholds in the country
fast-tracked business operation approvals
Australia’s lowest developer contributions fees
defined planning and environmental processes
no fire service levy
Visit the Northern Territory Treasury website for more information on the taxes and duties you can
expect to pay here.
All the major Australian banks, including the Commonwealth, ANZ, National Australia (NAB) and
Westpac, have branches in Darwin and Alice Springs. In the larger regional towns there is at least
one major bank and several other banking options are also available.
Most major Australian insurance companies also operate in the Territory, along with the homegrown Territory Insurance Office (TIO), and provide cover for all usual needs, and special cover for
unique local needs such as flood and cyclone damage.
Australian taxation laws apply in the Northern Territory so residents are subject to requirements
relating to income tax, Goods and Services Tax (GST) and other general taxes.
All workers in Australia require a Tax File Number. The Australian Taxation Office oversees all tax
matters.
http://www.ato.gov.au
http://www.treasury.nt.gov.au
“There are many parts of Australia that are so remote, so distant from the large wellserviced capital cities, that they are allowed particular tax breaks.”
Discover – Honour It
Waves of other migrants followed later, enticed by jobs in pearling, pastoralism and other emerging
industries, and the chance to make a new start in a new frontier.
Darwin was founded as Australia’s most northerly port in 1869, and its population surged
after gold was discovered at nearby Pine Creek in 1871.
The Macassan of eastern Indonesia who sailed down from the Spice Islands on the trade winds to
gather prized trepang are thought to have been the first non-Indigenous people to set foot on
Northern Territory soil. Dutch explorer William Jootszoon van Colster recorded the first official
sighting from his tallship Arnhem in 1623 – but the Macassans and other seafarers are thought to
have visited long before then.
The 1880s gold discoveries lured an influx of Chinese fortune-seekers and Malay, Filipino and
Japanese divers were brought to the territory to collect mother-of-pearl shell. Greek people also
came in large numbers and, together with their fellow European and Asian immigrants, helped
create the multicultural city that Darwin is today.
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A new life in Australia’s Northern Territory
Explorer John McDouall Stuart became the first explorer to cross Australia from south to north,
paving the way for construction of the Overland Telegraph line. When completed in 1872, it
provided Australia’s first communications link with the outside world.
It also opened the way for pastoralists to take up leases in Central Australia – but it was the
discovery of alluvial gold at Arltunga to the east of Alice Springs in 1887 that provided the impetus
for the region’s population boom.
Tennant Creek took its name from the nearby watercourse named in 1860 by John McDouall
Stuart to acknowledge the financial help he received from South Australian pastoralist John
Tennant.
Katherine developed with the arrival of the Overland Telegraph Line. In 1879, after good reports
from Stuart and other explorers, Alfred Giles and Alfred Woods brought stock to the district and
built ‘Spring Vale’ homestead with a view to establishing a pastoral empire.
World War II put the town on the map as a major allied military base for troops fighting the
Japanese in the Pacific.
More than 200 Defence personnel and civilians perished when the Japanese bombed Darwin on
19 February 1942.
Today travellers can see evidence of Darwin’s World War II history at a variety of preserved sites
including ammunition bunkers, airstrips and oil tunnels in and around the city.
Darwin was devastated again on 24 December 1974 when Cyclone Tracy swept across the coast.
The city was rebuilt with much improved construction codes and is a modern, landscaped
metropolis today.
http://www.artsandmuseums.nt.gov.au
http://www.travelnt.com.au
1863 - Britain vested control of the Territory in South Australia
1911 - South Australia relinquished control to the Commonwealth Government
1 July 1978 - The Territory was granted self-government
Our cities and towns
1 July - Territory Day
On the first of July each year Territorians celebrate Territory Day, marking the commencement of
self-government in The Territory on 1 July 1978. Territory Day is also known as Cracker Night when public fireworks are legal for one day a year.
Darwin
Darwin is built on a low-lying peninsula jutting into a stunning natural working harbour
that’s twice the size of Sydney harbour.
The city’s northern suburbs are lined with breezy tropical elevated houses, with lush gardens of
palms, bougainvillea, frangipani, orchids and other tropical species.
Wide streets, shady parks, a pedestrian mall, superb ethnic restaurants and trendy pubs and clubs
have all contributed to an upsurge in the popularity of Darwin city living. Added bonuses are the
Mitchell St entertainment strip, Darwin Waterfront’s eateries and wave pool, and upmarket housing
options within the stylish Cullen Bay, Tipperary Waters and Bayview Haven marina developments.
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A new life in Australia’s Northern Territory
Darwin’s city streets and suburban shopping malls boast excellent restaurants. There’s boardwalk
dining overlooking the harbour or the yachts in Cullen Bay Marina. On offer to tantalise the
tastebuds are Australian, Chinese, Thai, Japanese, Italian, French, Greek, Vietnamese, Malaysian,
Mexican and Indian cuisine.
Darwin has three cinema multiplexes screening the latest releases, and the popular open-air
Deckchair Cinema on the waterfront, where you can enjoy a glass of wing while watching an
arthouse movie.
SkyCity Casino provides popular gaming and restaurant facilities and hosts regular open air live
music concerts.
East Point Reserve, just a few minutes’ drive from the Darwin CBD, is a favourite sunset picnic or
barbecue spot and home to a colony of agile wallabies.
Darwin has excellent walking and bicycle paths along the beachfront, through parks and
throughout the suburbs.
http://www.tourismtopend.com.au
Palmerston and Outer Darwin
The city’s population of more than 25 000 makes Palmerston the Territory’s second largest
city.
The population is predominately young working families and Defence personnel attached to Top
End military facilities.
The satellite city of Palmerston, 20 minutes by road from the Darwin CBD, is the Northern
Territory’s fastest growing city – and it’s still expanding. At one time, it was the fastest growing
metropolis in Australia.
Beyond Palmerston, close to 20 000 Territorians live on acreage in the sprawling Litchfield Shire,
also known as Outer Darwin.
Residents here have swapped inner city living for a rural lifestyle, well away from neighbours and
main roads traffic, but still close enough to commute to a city job.
The newest Palmerston suburbs nudge tranquil bushland and feature modern, breezy tropical
houses and units, interspersed with attractive retail, business, medical and general community
facilities.
Palmerston’s drawcards include tastefully landscaped suburbs, good sporting facilities including a
swimming pool, pubs, clubs, restaurants, a major shopping centre and a cinema complex.
http://www.palmerston.nt.gov.au
Alice Springs
Alice Springs is the world’s most famous outback town: an alluring desert icon in the red
heart of Australia.
‘The Alice’, as it is known, combined laid-back charm with all the modern conveniences, comforts
and diversions you’d find in a good-sized city. It’s full of friendly people and has shopping, bars,
cafés, restaurants, markets, live entertainment, a casino and a convention centre.
The locals live in either in tree-lined streets in the older parts of the town or in modern suburbs
similar to those in any Australian city. Housing choice ranges from modest units to architecturallystunning apartments and houses.
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A new life in Australia’s Northern Territory
The climate promotes an outdoor lifestyle, backed up by excellent sporting and recreational venues
and facilities - including one of the world’s top 10 desert golf courses, nestled in the shadow of the
spectacular MacDonnell Ranges.
Alice Springs is one of seven Australian cities participating in the Australian Government’s Solar
City program, and with an average of 300 sunny days each year, why not? The town is well on its
way to becoming a solar energy model for the rest of Australia and the world.
Arts and culture are strong in The Alice. Many locals belong to wide-ranging organisations, clubs
and groups which encourage active participation in visual art of many genres, theatre, dance,
music and craft.
Alice Springs has a diverse community made up of people from all over the world. Around 20% of
the population is Indigenous.
Alice Springs is surrounded by breathtaking gorges and waterholes, all easily accessible by road,
walking trails and bicycle tracks. It’s the perfect base from which to explore the MacDonnell
Ranges, visit Uluru (Ayers Rock) or Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), fossick for gemstones and generally
enjoy the richly-coloured wide open spaces of the Red Centre.
http://www.alicesprings.nt.gov.au
Katherine
Katherine is an easy-going town about 300 km south of Darwin. Its young population and
friendly environment make it a great place for families.
It’s the kind of place where everyone takes the time to say hello.
Many people move to Katherine for work—and enjoy the place so much they decide to make it
home. There’s plenty to do in and around Katherine. Nitmiluk National Park is the area’s main
tourist attraction. The stunning Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge has ancient rock art and is a great place
to spend a day with the family, relaxing or getting active with bush walks and canoeing.
The Katherine Hot Springs and Mataranka Thermal Springs are both popular locations for taking a
relaxing soak. Edith Falls, part of Nitmiluk National Park, is a great place for picnics, barbecues,
swimming and hiking.
Katherine people love a party, so they plan several each year: the Katherine Festival (formerly the
Flying Fox Festival) is held annually in August, the Katherine Country Music Muster is held in May
every year and the Katherine Show draws people from throughout the region every July. There is
also an annual debutante ball and many more minor events that keep townspeople entertained. In
June 2011 the town held its first Fringe Festival.
http://www.katherine.nt.gov.au
Tennant Creek
Tennant Creek, the major service centre for the Barkly region, straddles the Stuart Highway
500 km north of Alice Springs and 1000 km south of Darwin.
Tennant Creek is also the regional service hub for the huge pastoral stations producing premium
beef cattle on sweeping grasslands.
The quest for gold was the key element of Tennant Creek’s history. Mining companies still produce
gold, copper and manganese throughout the region. The mineral-rich region is a hive of exploration
activity.
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A new life in Australia’s Northern Territory
Tennant Creek residents are fiercely proud of their town, once named the friendliest in Australia.
They revel in a relaxed lifestyle supported by modern facilities including sporting grounds and
venues, recreation reserves, art and craft galleries, a civic hall and library.
Aboriginal people are an important part of Tennant Creek’s community, and continue to maintain
their identity and traditions. Renowned local artists produce traditional paintings, carvings and
other crafts and sell them through galleries in the town.
Mary Ann Dam is a popular spot for swimming, barbecues, picnics or bush walks and is easily
accessible from town by road or bicycle track. Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles) south of Tennant
Creek, is among the Territory’s most photographed features - and the perfect place to catch a real
outback sunset. Iytwelepenty (Davenport Ranges) National Park is another popular camping
destination.
http://www.barkly.nt.gov.au
Nhulunbuy
It’s an outdoor lovers paradise where locals enjoy fishing, sailing, bird-watching and fourwheel-drive excursions to exquisite beaches and wilderness areas.
Nhulunbuy, nestled on the Arafura Sea at Gove Peninsula in southeast Arnhem Land is a mining
town built to service the Rio Tinto Alcan Gove Alumina Refinery and mining operation.
Nhulunbuy is remote by any standards but its people love the lifestyle. The Central Arnhem Road
provides the only land link with Darwin and the Stuart Highway, but it is cut by flooding during the
wet season.
The town is serviced by daily domestic flights and provides well-developed educational, health,
social, sporting, cultural and shopping facilities for both its townspeople and the very remote
homeland communities of East Arnhem Land.
Local attractions include the Yirrkala Arts and Crafts Museum, Nambara Arts and Crafts Centre,
and the annual Garma Festival, which all give a fascinating insight into the powerful traditional
culture of the region’s Yolngu people.
http://www.ncl.net.au
Major Remote Towns
Ali Curung, Angurugu, Borroloola, Daguragu/Kalkarindgi, Elliott, Galiwin’ku, Gapuwiyak,
Gunbalanya, Lajamanu, Maningrida, Milingimbi, Ngukurr, Ntaria, Numbulwar, Papunya,
Ramingining, Umbakuma, Wadeye, Wurrumiyanga, Yirrkala, Yuendumu
The Northern Territory Government is in the process of developing the Territory’s biggest
remote communities into properly planned and designed towns which will become the
economic and service delivery centres for their regions.
The visionary concept involves Indigenous communities through all regions of the Territory.
Once completed, these Major Remote Towns, located from the Arnhem coast to Central Australia’s
Western Desert, will offer services, facilities and infrastructure that will put them on a par with other
Australian country towns.
People from the surrounding regions will be able to work and shop in the towns and access
schools, police stations, courts, health services, recreational facilities, aged care and disability
facilities, the Internet and good transport services. The towns will have the necessary infrastructure
to provide water, sewerage and electricity services and good roads to allow people to get to and
from their communities.
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A new life in Australia’s Northern Territory
http://www.rdia.nt.gov.au/about_us/regional_services/major_remote_towns
Population*
Darwin 79,588
Palmerston and Outer Darwin 30,646
Alice Springs 28,605
Katherine 10 766
Nhulunbuy (East Arnhem region) 4,964
Tennant Creek (Barkly region) 7,944
* http://www.nt.gov.au/dbe/economics.shtml#ntstatistics
Climate*
Top End
Dry season (May-Oct) 21 deg c – 32 deg c
Wet season (Nov-Apr) 24 deg c – 32 deg c
Alice Springs
Autumn/Winter 8 deg c – 23 deg c
Spring/Summer 18 deg c – 33 deg c
*Average Temperatures
For more information about living and working in the Northern Territory, visit
http://www.australiasnorthernterritory.com.au
Snap shot
Domestic flight travel
2650 km
2621 km
3742 km
3132 km
3141 km
3154 km
2850 km
1686 km
3 hrs 30 mins Perth
3 hrs 30 mins Adelaide
5 hrs 30 mins Hobart
4 hrs 30 mins Melbourne
4 hrs 30 mins Canberra
4 hrs 30 mins Sydney
4 hrs 30 mins Brisbane
2 hrs 30 mins Cairns
International flight travel
Bali 2 hrs 55 mins 1763 km
Singapore 4 hrs 20 mins 3343 km
Ho Chi Minh 4 hrs 45 mins 3669 km
Manila 5 hrs 10 mins 3264 km
Bangkok 6 hrs 45 mins 4391 km
Auckland 7 hrs 45 mins 5143 km
Japan 7 hrs 5385 km
Los Angeles 11 hrs 30 mins 14 054 km
Milan 17 hrs 15 mins 13 440 km
London 17 hrs 50 mins 13 820 km
Toronto 20 hrs 15 532 km
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A new life in Australia’s Northern Territory
Major events
V8 Supercars
Darwin Festival
International CrIcket
Darwin Cup
Barra Fishing Classic
AFL (Australian Rules Football)
Solar Challenge
Key industries
Gas-based Manufacturing
Defence Support
Mining and Energy
Tourism
Retail
Transport Logistics
Government
Interested in investing?
Visit the Northern Territory’s investment portal http://www.investnt.com.au
Northern Territory Government
Department of Chief Minister
Office of Asian Engagement, Trade and Investment
Postal Address:
GPO Box 4396
Darwin NT 0801
Australia
Tel: +61 8 8999 5201
Email: investment@nt.gov.au
Interested in visiting?
Visit the Northern Territory’s Tourism site http://www.travelNT.com
Tourism NT
Postal Address:
GPO Box 1155
Darwin NT 0801
Australia
Tel: +61 8 8999 3900
Email: info@travelnt.com
Interested in working and living?
Visit http://www.australiasnorthernterritory.com.au
Northern Territory Government
Department of Business
Business and Skilled Migration
Postal Address:
GPO Box 9988
Darwin NT 0801
Australia
Tel: +61 8 8999 5264
Email: migration@nt.gov.au
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