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The
Northern Territory is so called because until recently the area
was largely governed from Canberra.. However, a Legislative
Assembly, located in Darwin, is now responsible for government
with 90+% of the powers of an Australian State Parliament. The
Territory stretches from the centre of Australia where places
such as the inland city of Alice Springs and Uluru are located
to the rainforest/national park areas of the Kakadu and Arnhem
Land in the north. Numerous islands off the coast of Darwin
also comprise the Northern Territory.
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The
annual monsoon influences the weather in the Top End along with the extensive
land mass in the centre.. Summers (December, January and February, coincide
with the wet, monsoon rainy season. Temperatures are hot (35+ degrees
Centigrade) and the air is extremely humid. Winter (June, July and August)
is the best time to visit when the day-time temperature is in the comfortable
mid 20 degrees and the humidity is low. It is usually pretty dry during
this time of the year.
Night time temperatures in the inland areas, especially during winter,
can be as low as -4 degrees centigrade and warm clothing, including jackets
is advised.
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Like
most other states and territories of Australian the Northern
Territory is a land of contrasts. In the southern areas the
land supports sparse vegetation and low, stunted vegetation.
Some grazing of cattle is carried on, but little to no farming.
In the northern area of the territory, where the rainfall
is greater, the vegetation is denser, and large pockets of
jungle can be found. Because the area is close to sea level,
there are a large number of swampy areas in which huge numbers
of bird, insect and fish life thrive.
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| Major
Attractions |
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A
visit to Uluru, the world’s largest single rock that is of particular
aboriginal significance is a must. Darwin, with it’s multicultural,
modern lifestyle is the ‘jumping-off point’ for visits to Kakadu
and Litchfield National Parks with their ever-changing seasonal
features.
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What
To Take & What To Wear
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Casual,
lightweight clothing is all that is needed for most day-time
activities, but warmer clothing such as jeans/trousers/jacket
is advisable for the evening, with even warmer clothing in the
winter if going to the Centre. A suit and tie is virtually unknown
in this part of the world. Hats and protection from the sun
is important, along with comfortable footwear.
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