Destination: Northern Territory
General Things to Do Weather Time Health Education
Welcome
Our Darwin team extend a warm greeting to you and welcome you to our great nation and in particular, Northern Territory.
If you intend to relocate to Australia and have not yet arranged for a home visit and customised moving quotation, please complete our online Contact Request Form. Once we receive your completed form, one of Wridgways experienced moving consultants will contact you, and arrange for a representative to visit you in your home, anywhere in the world. You will then receive a firm, customised moving quotation.
Wridgways offer comprehensive moving and relocation solutions. Not only can we provide moving, storage, insurance and packing services, we can also help you find a new home, temporary accommodation, deliver cultural transition programs, find suitable schools for your children and introduce you to your new city with our orientation service.. just to name a few. Contact our Brisbane office or our Relocation division to find out more about our extensive services.
General
There are not many places left in the world that offer a magnificent, remote natural environment to wander and explore. Australia's Northern Territory is one such place.
Easily accessible through Darwin International Airport in the tropical north, or through Alice Springs or Ayers Rock airports deep in the heart of the Red Centre. Darwin has daily flights from Singapore and Bali, plus flights from Brunei, Kuala Lumpur, Timor and Timika that connect to all world capital cities. Both Darwin and the Red Centre airports also have direct daily links with all Australia's capital cities.
Visit National Parks, see ancient aboriginal art and habitat sites, go bird watching, photograph some amazing creatures in their natural habitat, or just soak up the silence. You may prefer to hike through the ancient stone country, clamber up waterfalls, swim in crystal clear pools, catch a barramundi or chase a marlin, hunt for bush tucker and cook it in the campfire, or learn the dream-time stories of the aboriginal people.
Things to do... Places to visit
Want to explore Northern Territory but don't know where to begin...
Darwin is a tropical paradise just waiting to be discovered by you. The city boasts a relaxed lifestyle and our outdoor markets are world renown. No matter what you're after - we have it all and it's so easy to find your way around.
Darwin's history is an exciting mixture of adventure, intensity, disappointment, disaster and achievement. For more than a century Darwin was Australia's pioneering outpost in the great north. Today, it is Australia's northern gateway, yet it still retains a strong sense of history moulded by its past: Darwin was previously known as Palmerston and was founded in 1869 and its early growth was accelerated by the discovery of gold near Pine Creek, about 200km south of Darwin. The minor gold rush attracted more than 7000 Chinese and a handful of Europeans.
Today, Australia's only tropical capital city boasts a population of 77,000 with about 20,000 more in the combined satellite city of Palmerston and the surrounding rural area. Approximately half the Northern Territory population live within a 40km radius of Darwin and like the city itself, on average they are younger than the rest of Australia.
It may be the city's relaxed lifestyle, the magnet of its attractions, the haunting majesty of the monsoonal storms, or the smell of the tropics, but people who experience Darwin never forget it.
There's shopping galore in Darwin City's Smith Street Mall, and airconditioned shopping centres Casuarina Square, Karama Shopping Centre, Palmerston Shopping Centre and Palm City Oasis.
Restaurants range from fine dining to the more casual fish and chips on the Wharf, or at the popular dining district, Cullen Bay. The variety, quality and range of restaurants in the city area is unbelievable for a city of its size. Darwin is a multi-cultural society with over 50 ethnic groups and nationalities, the variety of award winning cuisine is endless. Choose from a variety of international cuisine available from hotel restaurants, cafes, markets, takeaways and private establishments.
Adjourn for a coffee or cocktail at one of the many pubs, clubs or hotel bars. If you'd like to tempt your taste buds with buffalo, barramundi, crocodile, camel, or our wide variety of fresh fish and seafood, we have it here just waiting for you.
Pee Wee's at the Point, winner of the 2000 Gold Plate and Brolga Award for Best Restaurant in the Northern Territory, and featured in Gourmet Traveller Good Food Guide, is a wonderful seafront restaurant just 5 minutes drive from Darwin's major hotels. It offers outside or airconditioned dining seven nights a week from 6pm.
No matter what age you are, the nightlife is fantastic. There are so many pubs, clubs, theme bars, an adult entertainment centre and a casino, you won't know which one to go to first. For those who prefer a more sedated night out, there are still a number of choices to make.
There are markets every day of the year. The most popular is Mindil Beach Sunset Markets (April to October), however, there are also Palmerston Night Markets, Parap Markets, Rapid Creek Markets, Nightcliff Markets with the newest being the Mitchell Street Nite Markets. You'll have no trouble finding arts and crafts, didgeridoos, fresh fruit and vegetables, clothing, souvenirs, or why not even try a massage while you're there! The only problem you will have, is trying to decide which cuisine takes your fancy - there's so many to choose from.
It's easy to get around in Darwin. The public transport system is great. The buses will be able to take you almost everywhere or you may prefer a taxi, private hire car or you could even hire a bike. There are full day and half day tours as well if you'd like to see the sights and have them explained to you by a guide. For the more adventurous, you can enjoy a scenic flight over the city.
Walking is also a great way to see the sights and there are brochures designed especially for this purpose. They outline places of interest and historical landmarks, and are available at the information centres both at the airport and in the city as well as a number of accommodation houses and attractions. They are called Discovering Darwin, a series of nine in all, covering the Wharf, the Esplanade, the City, the Gardens, the Northern Suburbs, East Point, Darwin, Outer Darwin and Fannie Bay.
Ayers Rock (Uluru) is one of Australia's most popular tourist attractions. Ayers Rock Resort lies nestled in the desert like a giant mythical snake - it is like no other place on earth and no matter how many pictures you have seen, nothing prepares you for the experience of actually being there.
The decision to walk to the top of the rock is one which should be based on fitness, as it really is only suitable for healthy people, and your level of respect for the Aboriginal notion that this is a sacred site. The traditional owners have resigned themselves to the inevitable despoliation of the rock. You have to decide if you want to be part of that despoliation.
Rising 348 metres above the surrounding plain, occupying an area of 3.33 sq km, and with a girth of 9.4 km, Uluru lives up to its status as the world's most famous monolith. It has a very significant place in the creation stories and laws (Tjukurpa) of Anangu. Anangu guides can take you along the base of Uluru, sharing their stories with you. There are also many walks for you to enjoy on your own.
At sunset Uluru puts on a spectacular light show that changes its colours from red to orange to lilac in a matter of minutes. Uluru's important Aboriginal history means that the National Park is one of only two places in the world recognised as a World Heritage site because of its living cultural significance. It is jointly managed according to the rules of Anangu Law, the Tjukurpa.
Kakadu National Park is just 257km from Darwin along the sealed Arnhem Highway. In its 19,000sq km, it is home to around 275 species of birds, 75 species of reptiles, 25 species of frogs, an estimated 10,000 species of insects and 1,600 plant species comprising more than a third of the Top End's plant life.
The name "Kakadu" comes from "Gagudju" - the main Aboriginal language used in the Northern part of the area at the start of the 20th century. Today, three major languages are spoken within the park - Gundjeihmi / Mayali, Kunwinjku and Jawoyn. For at least 50,000 years, Aboriginal people have continuously lived in the area now defined by the National Park, leaving behind shelters, stone tools, grindstones and ochre for ceremonial painting. The longer you stay in the Park, the more you will enjoy it, so plan at least a few days. The Bowali Visitors Centre is the best place to understand Kakadu. You can get advice from the Rangers, find out when the guided walks and talks are on, be advised on road conditions, or find out about permits for those special restricted hideaways like Koolpin Gorge.
Katherine Gorge is a deep gorge carved through sandstone by the Katherine River and is the central attraction of this 292.008 hectare National Park. Upstream, the gorge widens into a broader valley which forms the southern most portion of the Arnhem Land plateau. Swamplands cover the plateau and are surrounded by dry sandy woodland. During the "dry season" (April - September) the Katherine River flows quietly in sections separated by rocks and boulders, while in the "wet season" floodwaters surge through the gorge.
Edith Falls is located in the western boundary of the Katherine Park. This picturesque waterhole is a favourite stopping point for visitors travelling northwards. Edith Falls can be reached by travelling the Stuart Highway northwards from Katherine for 40 kms and then following a bitumen road for 20 kms. Facilities include an ablution block with toilet and shower facilities, basic park furniture of wood barbecues and tables. Please collect your firewood before entering the Park. The campground at Edith Falls has unpowered sites only. For further details contact: Parks and Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory, PO Box 344, KATHERINE NT 0851 or telephone: (08) 8973 8888
Mataranka Thermal Pools is fed from a subterranean water supply which surfaces at the nearby Rainbow Springs. The Rainbow Spring is a geothermal spring, whereby the temperature of the water relates to the rock temperature at the levels of the water's origin. The spring water rises from underground at 30.5 million litres per day, at a temperature of 34-35 degrees Celsius, and is then contained in a relaxing swimming pool surrounded by a paperbark and palm forest. The area around the pool is a natural breeding ground for the Little Red Flying Fox. The breeding season is traditionally in the wet season but often extends into the dry. During breeding season and whilst the babies are maturing Parks and Wildlife Rangers conduct afternoon guided walks.
Every effort is made by the Conservation Commission to maintain an enjoyable visitor experience and minimise adverse impacts from the flying fox, however they are a natural phenomenon that adds another dimension to the visitor experience, and which may not be seen again or some time. The Thermal Pool sector is located at the end of the Maranka Homestead road. The access roads may be cut for short periods during the wet season.
Tennant Creek is said to be 'the Golden Heart of the Northern Territory'. This region lays between Alice Springs and Katherine. Mulga and mallee shrubland gives way to rocky escarpment and permanent water such as the Frew River in the Davenport Range National park where four wheel drivers can bush camp and enjoy secluded waterholes, or fossick for gold on a cattle station. The Devils Marbles spectacular attraction is located 106 kms south of Tennant and well worth a visit. Thousands of huge rounded boulders scattered over a wide valley, precariously balanced one on top of the other is the reason this natural formation is so entitled. The large boulders seemingly change colour during the day and have to be seen, to be believed. Self drive, or take a tour from Tennant Creek.
For more suggestions for places to visit in Northern Territory visit:
» NT Holidays
» Northern Territory website
» Walkabout
» Voyages
Weather & Climate
The Northern Territory has two distinct seasons - the Dry, where the wetlands are condensed and ideal for seeing wildlife and the Tropical Summer, where everything is lush and green, wetlands flooded and overflowing waterfalls.
During the winter months nights are quite cool and temperatures may drop to below 10 degrees Celsius. The winter days are balmy. In contrast, the days during the summer months can reach well over 40 degrees Celsius.
The average daily temperature in Darwin during the summer months, is 30 degrees Celsius and 18 degrees Celsius during the winter months.
The warmest Darwin months are January and February, which are very dry and can sometimes rise up to the very high 30 degree Celsius range. As compared to the other extreme, June and July are the coldest months and heavy rains are more likely during the months from November to March.
Time
Northern Territory is on Australian Eastern Standard Time (GMT + 9.5 hours). Summertime or 'Daylight Savings' is not observed in Western Australia. Australian states and territories have varying policies on Daylight Savings so double-check bookings and so forth when you're crossing state lines.
» World Time Zone
Health
Australia offers a high standard of medical care and facilities. All cities offer privately funded doctors surgeries, hospitals and clinics as well as Government funded facilities. Most Australians are covered by private health insurance to avoid the long waiting periods associated with certain treatments, but many also enjoy the government funded public health system referred to as Medicare.
Medicare is Australia's universal health insurance scheme and provides access to free treatment in a public hospital and free or subsidised treatment by practitioners such as doctors, including specialists. Australia's public hospital system is funded jointly by the Commonwealth, State and Territory Governments and is administered by State or Territory health departments. Contribution to the health care system is made through taxes and a Medicare levy which is based on taxable income.
Are you eligible for Medicare?
People who reside in Australia are eligible if they meet any of the following four criteria:
- they hold Australian citizenship
- they have been issued with a permanent visa
- they hold New Zealand citizenship, or
- they have applied for a permanent visa, restrictions apply to persons who have applied for a parent visa (other requirements apply).
However, for new arrivals to Australia it is interesting to know that The Commonwealth Government has signed Reciprocal Health Care Agreements with some countries. Under these arrangements, residents of these countries are entitled to restricted access to health cover while visiting Australia. For further information,
» visit the Medicare website
Ambulance services are offered Australia-wide and provide emergency services, clinical care, paramedic training and non-emergency transport. It is among the best in the world in providing state-of-the-art emergency care.
The state government provides free services to some pensioners and Senior Card holders, however, this service is generally not free of charge in Australia. It is suggested you contact your state ambulance authority and discuss the option of membership subscription with them as soon as possible.
Dental services are extensive in Australia and dentists operate within private practices in most communities throughout the country. Dental services are not free, but can be partly or completely covered within a private health fund membership or dental protection plan.
To obtain details of your closest dentist, visit:
» www.dentist.com.au or
» Dental Services Australia.
Further information about Health in Australia, is available on the Internet at the following related links:
» Public Health System in Australia
» Medicare public health system
» Private Health Insurance Administration Council of Australia
Education
The school system in Australia is divided into two sectors; government-run or "free-of-charge" public, education system and the independent or "private" education system.
Northern Territory's state schools are coeducational. Children may begin their education with kindergarten and/or preschool, in preparation for primary school. Preschool provides a year of non-compulsory education, for four and five year olds.
By law, children must attend school between the ages of 6 and 15. Primary school is the first compulsory stage and covers Years 1 to 7. Children in Northern Territory, enrol in Primary school for a 'preparatory' year, better knows as their 'prep' year, starting in the year they turn five years old. However, that is if their birthday is before April 30th in the same year, as children who turn five after April 30th, will start school in the following year.
After completing Primary school, children the go on to attend secondary or commonly referred to as High school. High school offers years from Years 8 through to 10, children often commence their High school education aged between 12 and 13 years. On completing Year 10, students have the option of continuing to Years 11 and 12 or leaving school.
The school year usually runs from late January to mid-December. It is divided into two semesters, with two terms in each and holiday (vacation) breaks for Easter, winter, spring and summer.
Secondary Schools
Choosing a secondary school for your child can be a daunting task, particularly if you are moving from an overseas country. For parents who are new to Australia, it may be difficult to know what questions to ask to make an informed decision.
If you require assistance with school searches, please contact our Darwin office or our Relocation Division. We also suggest you visit the numerous education websites available for further details, please see links provided below. We hope it will help you as parents, make the important decision your child's secondary education.
We suggest that before you begin your school search, you clearly establish what your educational priorities and educational requirements, for your child are. Consider the individual personality, strengths, weaknesses, skills, likes, dislikes and needs of your child. This will enable you to create a clear picture of the kind of school that will reflect your educational values and will best suit your son or daughter.
If you are planning to transfer to NT from interstate or overseas you, or your school, will be required to provide the school principal with all school reports and certificates, as evidence of your child's previous schooling and level achieved.
Further information about the full range of NT education services, is available on the Internet at the following related links:
» Department of Education Northern Territory
» Dept Employment, Education & Training
» Universities of Northern Territory
» National Catholic Education Commission
What does education cost?
NT State schools do not charge annual tuition fees. The parents and citizens' associations of most schools, however, do request that parents/caregivers donate a financial contribution. The amount varies from school to school. In most schools, parents are responsible for providing such items as stationery and uniforms. Parents also bear the costs of sending their children on school excursions and to camps and for participating in extracurricular activities.
Private school fees vary from approximately AUD$1,000-$6,000 per year for Catholic and smaller private schools and up to AUD$5,000-12,000 for the larger private schools.
