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THE NORTHERN TERRITORY History
William Jootszoon van Colster made the first recordings of the sighting of what is now known as the Northern Territory State of Australia back in 1623. As with the rest of the continent, this region was already inhabited by Aborigines when European explorers arrived. These indigenous people had survived off the arid land in harsh conditions for tens of thousands of years. Van Colster was a Dutch seaman. However, it was Jon McDouall Stuart that first explored this area on his quest to cover Australia from south to north. Stuart became an iconic ambassador for the exploration and development of many parts of Australia. It was his quest that prompted the Overland Telegraph Line from Adelaide to Darwin, allowing Australian residents to have access to one another across vast land masses and distances.
Northern Territory Flag In 1871, gold was discovered in the Northern Territory. Thus began the population boom to the area known as Centre as people streamed in from places around the world in search of riches and fortunes.
It was only in 1911 that the Northern Territory was transferred to the control of the Commonwealth, separate from South Australia. It was decided that an Administrator would govern the Northern Territory on behalf of the Australian Government. Between 1926 and 1931, the area now known as the Northern Territory was divided into North Australia and Central Australia. World War II saw the ‘northern’ parts of the territory being occupied for military purposes. This was only for the duration of the war, though, and control was given back to the Commonwealth in the mid-1940’s.
Today, the Northern Territory is a state of diversity. Its awe-inspiring landscapes, friendly folk and the abundance of cultural and historical sites have lured residents and tourists from all corners of the globe. Thriving industries and natural wonders meet on a platform of mutual benefit to ensure that the Northern Territory remains one of Australia’s most popular escapes.
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