Lyla Lindsey
Darwin, the capital city of the Northern Territory, Australia, is the smallest and most northerly Australian capital city. It is also the largest city in the sparsely populated region, covering an area of 111-112 square kilometres (43 square miles) and home to an estimated population of 138,000-139,902 people. Darwin's proximity to Southeast Asia makes it a key link between Australia and countries such as Indonesia and Timor-Leste.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Population | 139,902 as per the 2021 census |
| Population growth rate | 2.6% per year |
| Population demographics | Native Australians, English, Irish, and Aboriginal people (9.7%) |
| Average age | 33 years old |
| Religion | Catholicism and no religion (20% each), Anglican, Uniting, and Eastern Orthodox |
| Area | 111-112 square kilometres (43 square miles) |
| Suburbs | Lee Point, Berrimah, Palmerston, Howard Springs, Humpty Doo, Berry Springs, Alawa, Anula, Bayview, Brinkin, Buffalo Creek, Casuarina, Coconut Grove, etc. |
| Climate | Tropical, with wet and dry seasons |
| History | Established in 1869 as Palmerston, renamed in 1911; suffered severe damage from Cyclone Tracy in 1974 and was rebuilt |
| Economy | Dependent on government business, tile and brickmaking, fruit growing, military bases, Timor Sea oil exploration, cattle export, uranium ore export, and pearls export |
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What You'll Learn
Darwin's population
Darwin, the capital city of the Northern Territory, Australia, has a population of over 138,000 people, according to 2014 estimates. The city is the smallest, wettest, and most northerly of the Australian capital cities. It is also the least populated capital city in Australia, with a population density of 44.98 people per square kilometre.
The Northern Territory's population accounts for about 1% of Australia's population, with the majority residing in the greater Darwin area. Darwin itself has nearly 53% of the Northern Territory's population, with 139,902 people according to the 2021 census. The city's population includes a significant proportion of Aboriginal people, with 9.7% of its people identifying as Aboriginal Australians, the highest percentage among Australian capital cities.
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The Aboriginal people of Larrakia
In 1880, it was estimated that the Larrakia numbered around 500 people. However, a smallpox epidemic from the east in the 1860s significantly reduced their population. The Northern Territory Aboriginals Act of 1910 gave the Chief Protector of Aborigines in the Northern Territory guardianship of all Aboriginal and "half-caste" children until they reached the age of 18. This act allowed authorities to remove Aboriginal children from their families and communities.
The Larrakia people have actively asserted their land rights and fought for recognition as the traditional owners of the Darwin region. In 1972, 1,000 Larrakia members signed the Larrakia Petition, attempting to present it to Princess Margaret during her visit to Darwin. They argued that their land had been taken by British settlers, rendering them refugees in their own country. After the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act was passed in 1976, the Larrakia formally submitted a land claim in 1979. This initiated a lengthy and complex legal battle with the Northern Territory government, which eventually resulted in the land being returned to the Larrakia people in 2016.
Today, the Larrakia Nation Aboriginal Corporation represents the Larrakia people as the traditional owners of Darwin. The organisation promotes and supports Larrakia culture, community services, arts, research, and Indigenous land and sea rangers. Darwin has the highest percentage of Aborigines of any Australian capital, with 9.7% of its population identifying as Aboriginal. The Larrakia people continue to play an active role in the political and cultural sphere, working to preserve their heritage and connection to the land and sea.
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Cyclone Tracy
Tracy was a small but intense tropical cyclone, with a radius of gale-force winds of only about 50 km. The cyclone caused massive damage to buildings and infrastructure in Darwin, with wind gusts reaching 217 km/h before instruments failed. The anemometer at Darwin Airport recorded a gust of 217 km/h before it was destroyed. The needle of the anemometer in the Darwin Airport control tower was bent in half by the strength of the gusts.
The cyclone destroyed more than 70% of Darwin's buildings, including 80% of houses. It left more than 25,000 out of the city's 47,000 inhabitants homeless and required the evacuation of over 30,000 people. The total rainfall in Darwin from Cyclone Tracy was at least 255 mm. In the days and weeks following the disaster, most of the traumatised population left Darwin, filling the planes that had arrived with supplies, equipment and specialised personnel.
The impact of Cyclone Tracy led to significant changes in Australia's approach to tropical cyclones. The near-complete destruction of Darwin resulted in the introduction of improved building codes across the country, with requirements such as cladding on buildings to protect against flying debris and roofs tied to foundations. The Whitlam government established the Darwin Reconstruction Commission on 28 February 1975, which effectively rebuilt the city within three years.
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Darwin's rural areas
Darwin, the capital city of the Northern Territory in Australia, is known for its tropical climate, rich history, diverse culture, and proximity to Asia. The city itself offers plenty of attractions, but its rural areas are also worth exploring.
Humpty Doo, located about 40 kilometres southeast of Darwin, is a small town with a population of just over 6,000 people. The town is surrounded by lush greenery and is known for its quirky name, which is said to have come from a local farmer's pet bull named Humpty Doo in the 1950s. Visitors can take a tour of the local farms and learn about the production of tropical fruits such as mangoes, bananas, and papayas.
Berry Springs, another rural area near Darwin, offers natural beauty and camping opportunities. The Litchfield National Park, located about 100 kilometres south of Darwin, is a popular camping spot offering a variety of options, from basic campsites to luxurious glamping. The park also provides opportunities for hiking, swimming, and wildlife spotting.
The Mary River National Park, located about 100 kilometres east of Darwin, is another popular destination for camping and exploring the natural surroundings. With plenty of activities, attractions, and natural beauty, Darwin's rural areas offer memorable experiences for visitors seeking a unique camping trip, a taste of local culture, or a peaceful escape from the city.
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Darwin's central business district (CBD)
Darwin, the capital of Australia's Northern Territory, is a tropical city with a relaxed vibe and a diverse cultural history. The city is situated on a peninsula, giving it a unique geographic advantage. Darwin's central business district (CBD) is the city's heart and soul, a vibrant and bustling hub where business, entertainment, and tourism thrive. The CBD stretches across approximately 2.5 square kilometres, making it a compact and walkable area. It is bordered by Darwin Harbour to the north, the Stuart Highway to the east, and Bennett Street to the west. The CBD is a vibrant mix of modern and historic buildings, with a range of shops, restaurants, bars, and cultural attractions.
The CBD is a major commercial centre and home to many of the city's important government and financial institutions. It is a bustling hub of activity during the day, with a diverse range of businesses operating across various industries. The streets are lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants, catering to a variety of tastes and budgets. The Smith Street Mall is a popular pedestrian mall and a vibrant focal point of the CBD, offering a lively atmosphere with street performers and a range of dining options. The mall is a popular gathering place for locals and tourists alike and often hosts community events and cultural festivals.
Darwin's CBD also boasts a rich history and cultural heritage, with several significant landmarks and attractions. The iconic Parliament House, with its distinctive design and lush tropical gardens, is a prominent feature of the cityscape. The Darwin Waterfront, a recently developed precinct, offers a vibrant mix of restaurants, bars, and recreational spaces, providing a lively atmosphere and stunning harbour views. The Stokes Hill Wharf, a historic landmark, is another popular destination, offering seafood restaurants, fishing charters, and stunning sunset views.
The CBD is also a hub for art and culture, with several notable venues and institutions located within its boundaries. The Darwin Entertainment Centre hosts a variety of performances, including theatre productions, concerts, and cultural events, bringing a diverse range of arts and entertainment to the city. The Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory is another significant attraction, showcasing the region's natural and cultural history through fascinating exhibits and galleries. The CBD also plays host to several festivals and events throughout the year, celebrating Darwin's diverse cultural heritage and tropical lifestyle.
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Frequently asked questions
As of 2021, Darwin has a population of 139,902, making it the smallest Australian capital city in terms of population.
Darwin covers a land area of about 111-112 square kilometres (43 sq mi).
The central business district (CBD) of Darwin is bounded by Daly Street (northwest), McMinn Street (northeast), Mitchell Street (southwest), and Bennett Street (southeast).
Palmerston, a satellite city of Darwin, is located about 12 miles (20 km) south of Darwin.
