History of Darwin
Indigenous history
The Larrakia “Saltwater People” are the traditional custodians of Larrakia Land – the Greater Darwin region stretching from Cox Peninsula in the West, to Adelaide River in the East. The Larrakia people had a vibrant traditional society with strong, established connections and trade routes with neighbouring Tiwi, Wagait and Wulna people, and Indonesian fisherman. Their stories, songs, and ceremonies echo the close relationship and understanding they share with the saltwater country.
Darwin — A global city
1839 brought European settlement as Lt. John Lort Stokes sailed into the waters of what is now known as Darwin Harbour. The discovery of gold in 1871 then led to a rapid acceleration of growth with the new settlement of Darwin in 1911, before being officially granted city status in 1959 following an extensive increase in population and economy.
Today, Darwin is often referred to as the Gateway to Asia, strengthening further the ties established by the Larrakia people and becoming the social, cultural and economic heart of the Northern Territory. Home to a diverse culture heavily influenced by Indigenous heritage, strong trade links with Asia and an ever growing travelling global community.
More about the Northern Territory
- The lush, tropical north of the Northern Territory is called the ‘Top End’, while the desert outback of central Australia is the ‘Red Centre’.
- The Top End has only 2 seasons (the Dry Season from May - October and the Wet Season (November - April), and the Red Centre has 4 seasons.
- The Northern Territory has a total area of 1,349,129 km2, around 17.5% of Australia’s total land mass.
- The population of the Northern Territory in 2024 was estimated at 256,000, whilst the population in Darwin was 148,000.
- Northern Territory Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders make up 25.5% of the state’s population, and over 100 Aboriginal languages and dialects are spoken here.
- There are over 80 parks and reserves to visit across the Northern Territory.
