The Northern Territory is situated in northern-central Australia. Its capital city is Darwin.
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.