Northern Territory (NT)

• The lush, tropical north of the Northern Territory is often called the ‘Top End’, while the desert outback of central Australia is referred to as the ‘Red Centre’.
• The Northern Territory’s Finke River is the oldest river system in the world, with parts possibly dating as far back as 340 million years.
• Stokes Hill in Darwin is named after Captain John Lort Stokes. It is home to a Larrakia spiritual ancestor called Chinute Chinute who sometimes appears as a Tawny Frog Mouth Owl.
• The devastating tropical Cyclone Tracy hit Darwin on Christmas morning 1974. The cyclone killed 65 people and damaged the majority of Darwin’s buildings and infrastructure. Following the destruction, Darwin’s building codes and disaster plans were heavily reviewed, to replace flimsy buildings with sturdy ones and enforce strict, life-saving disaster plans.
• The very talented and internationally renowned singer, songwriter and actor Jessica Mauboy was born in Darwin in 1989.
• Uluru (Ayers Rock) has been around for millions of years and stands about 348 metres high. Interestingly, it is thought that the bulk of the rock is underground, extending down 2.5 kilometres.
• Between 1860 and 1907 tens of thousands of one hump camels were imported into Australia to help people pioneer the harsh, dry conditions. Today, around 200,000 wild camels roam the Northern Territory.

The Northern Territory’s flag was first raised on 1 July 1978. It uses the colours black, white and ochre. A stylised Sturt’s Desert Rose appears against an ochre background. On the left-hand side of the flag is a white Southern Cross against a black background. The seven petals of the Sturt’s Desert Rose represent the six Australian states and the Northern Territory.

The Northern Territory’s Coat of Arms depicts all of the Territory’s floral and faunal emblems: the Sturt’s Desert Rose, two Red Kangaroos and a Wedge-tailed Eagle. The two Red Kangaroos hold shells and support a shield. The shield depicts a drawing of a woman in a style influenced by Arnhem Land rock art. The designs surrounding the woman are simplified Churunga, map-like drawings of campsites joined by paths. The Wedge-tailed Eagle holds an Aboriginal Tjurunga stone on top of a helmet. The helmet signifies the Northern Territory’s role in war. Between the shield and either of the kangaroos are Sturt’s Desert Roses.

The Northern Territory’s faunal emblems are the Wedge-tailed Eagle and the Red Kangaroo. The Wedge-tailed Eagle has an average wingspan of 2.5 metres, making it Australia’s largest raptor. The Red Kangaroo is Australia’s largest marsupial. Males can grow up to 2 metres in height and weigh over 75 kilograms.

The Northern Territory’s floral emblem is the Sturt’s Desert Rose. The Sturt’s Desert Rose has been known by other names including the Darling River Rose, Cotton Rosebush and Australian Cotton.