Darwin, Northern Territory

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Darwin is the capital city of the Northern Territory of Australia. It is the largest city in the sparsely populated Northern Territory, with a population of approximately 148,564 as of June 2018. Situated on the Timor Sea, Darwin is the most northerly of the Australian capital cities and acts as the Top End's regional centre.

History

The area around Darwin has been inhabited by the Larrakia people for thousands of years. The first European to see Darwin was Dutch explorer Willem Janszoon in 1606. The area was later visited by other European explorers, including the British in the 19th century. Darwin was originally established as Palmerston in 1869, but was renamed in 1911 after Charles Darwin, the famous naturalist.

Geography

Darwin is located on the northern coast of Australia, with its suburbs sprawling from the city centre to the outer regions. The city is built on a low bluff overlooking the harbour, with the Darwin Harbour being a significant feature. The climate is tropical, with a distinct wet and dry season.

Economy

Darwin's economy is largely driven by the mining and energy industries, with significant contributions from tourism and the public sector. The city is a key service centre for the surrounding region and has a growing importance as a gateway to Asia.

Culture

Darwin is known for its multicultural population, with a significant proportion of residents being of Aboriginal Australian descent. The city hosts several cultural festivals and events, including the Darwin Festival and the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair. The Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory is a major cultural institution in the city.

Education

Darwin is home to several educational institutions, including Charles Darwin University, which offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses. The city also has numerous primary and secondary schools, both public and private.

Transport

Darwin is served by the Darwin International Airport, which provides both domestic and international flights. The city is connected to the rest of Australia by the Stuart Highway and the Ghan railway service, which runs from Darwin to Adelaide.

Related Pages

• Northern Territory
• Charles Darwin
• Larrakia people
• Darwin Harbour
• Charles Darwin University
• Stuart Highway
• Ghan