Territory Day - The Celebration of a Lifestyle

Territory Day, the anniversary of the Northern Territory declaring self-governance, is celebrated every year on July 1st. Across the Northern Territory the sky lights up with fireworks as citizens commemorate the freedom, opportunity, and lifestyle the Territory offers.

At the time of Federation in 1901, the Northern Territory was part of South Australia. In 1947, it was allowed to make its own legislature. The road to self-governance became more marked in the 1970s, when the Prime Minister, Gough Whitlam, publicly articulated the idea of granting the NT self-governance. This was finally achieved in 1978, and the Northern Territory flag flew proudly for the first time. Since then, the NT has expanded both its population and economy. 

The landscape of the Northern Territory, Australia

The Territory is vast and varied. The northern coast, home to the capital, Darwin, is tropical. As such, it experiences the dry and wet seasons, and is often the target of cyclones that brew above the ocean before hitting the land. The southern parts of the Territory are desert, iced with plants, grasses and trees. They host iconic landmarks such as Uluru and Kata Juta. Although both north and south are different in landscape, the relaxed manner and resilience of the people bind them together.

The people and the landscape go hand-and-hand. The landscape, rugged and without limits, sustains the laid-back attitude of Territorians. It has made its mark on residents, yielding flood, storms and fire, in the midst of distance and isolation. However, those who call this place home do so with pride.

The Territory offers a lifestyle unique to its location, drawing visitors and arrivals from all over Australia and the world. Known for its multicultural society and welcome to those who come from other places, the diversity and distinctiveness of both its natural beauty and community set it apart. Today, The Territory offers a chance to whomever might take it.