Damon Mcknight
Central Australia, also known as the Red Centre, is an inexactly defined region associated with the geographic centre of Australia. The region is mostly covered by desert land, spanning over 600,000 square kilometres, or 40% of the Northern Territory. The population of Central Australia is sparse, with the 2023 Estimated Resident Population at 41,009 and a population density of 0.07 persons per square kilometre. The largest settlement in Central Australia is Alice Springs, which had a population of 33,990 as of June 2024, accounting for approximately 10% of the population of the Northern Territory. Other major remote centres in the region include Ntaria, Yuendumu, and Papunya, while the rest of the population lives in smaller communities, outstations, pastoral properties, and mining operations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Population | 41,009 (2023 estimate) |
| Population density | 0.07 persons per square km |
| Population of Alice Springs | 33,990 (as of June 2024) |
| Percentage of Northern Territory population living in Alice Springs | 10% |
| Indigenous population | 30.3% of the Northern Territory |
| Land area | Over 600,000 square km or 40% of the Northern Territory |
| Main town | Alice Springs |
| Other settlements | Yulara, Ntaria, Yuendumu, Papunya, smaller communities, outstations, pastoral properties, mining operations |
| Main industries | Mining, energy, tourism |
| Attractions | Uluru/Ayers Rock, Kata Tjuta/The Olgas, Kakadu National Park, camel rides |
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What You'll Learn
- The population of Central Australia is estimated to be 41,009, with a density of 0.07 people per square km
- Alice Springs is the only major town in Central Australia, with a population of 33,990
- The population of Central Australia is sparse, with a large portion of the region uninhabited
- Central Australia is home to numerous attractions, animals and cultural history
- The region has a significant number of Aboriginal communities, including the Arrernte people
The population of Central Australia is estimated to be 41,009, with a density of 0.07 people per square km
Central Australia, also known as the Red Centre, is an inexactly defined region associated with the geographic centre of Australia. The term "Central Australia" can be used in a narrow sense to describe the town of Alice Springs and its immediate surrounds, or in a broader sense to refer to almost any region in inland Australia that has remained relatively undeveloped.
Other major population centres in Central Australia include Yulara township, which provides lodging and services for the tourism industry at Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, as well as Ntaria, Yuendumu, and Papunya. The rest of the population is dispersed across smaller communities, outstations, pastoral properties, and mining operations. The mining and energy sectors are significant contributors to the region's economy, with the Newmont Tanami gold mine alone employing about 1200 people.
Central Australia is home to numerous attractions, animals, and cultural history, drawing in tourists from around the globe. The region experiences a wide range of temperatures, from over 40 degrees Celsius during the summer to below -10 degrees Celsius in the winter.
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Alice Springs is the only major town in Central Australia, with a population of 33,990
Central Australia, also known as the Red Centre, is an inexactly defined region associated with the geographic centre of Australia. In its broadest sense, it can refer to any region in inland Australia that has remained relatively undeveloped, synonymous with the term Outback. The region is mostly covered by desert land, spanning over 600,000 square kilometres, or 40% of the Northern Territory.
The area surrounding Alice Springs is known as Mparntwe to its original inhabitants, the Arrernte, who have lived in the Central Australian desert for tens of thousands of years. The name "Alice Springs" was given by surveyor William Whitfield Mills after Alice, Lady Todd, the wife of telegraph pioneer Sir Charles Todd. The town is colloquially referred to as "The Alice" or simply "Alice".
Alice Springs experiences a wide range of temperatures, with an average maximum in summer of 35.6°C and an average minimum in winter of 5.1°C. The town is situated on the usually dry Todd River on the northern side of the MacDonnell Ranges. The surrounding region is arid and consists of several deserts. The MacDonnell Ranges offer hiking opportunities, and the nearby Finke Gorge National Park features four-wheel-drive tracks.
Alice Springs is considered an oasis of modern amenities in an otherwise sparsely populated region. It serves as a hub for residents of outlying communities in Central Australia, such as Yulara, Ntaria, Yuendumu, and Papunya, providing access to essential services and supplies. The town also attracts tourists with its restaurants and cafes and cultural attractions.
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The population of Central Australia is sparse, with a large portion of the region uninhabited
Australia is a massive country with about the same landmass as the United States. With a population of around 25 million people, it is surprising that 85% live within 50 km of the coast, leaving a large portion of the country uninhabited, primarily in the central region. Central Australia, also known as the Red Centre, is an inexactly defined region associated with the geographic centre of Australia.
Alice Springs is somewhat of an oasis for restaurants, cafes, and other modern amenities in an otherwise arid environment consisting of several deserts. The surrounding region is known as Central Australia or the Red Centre. The original inhabitants of the area, the Arrernte, have lived in the Central Australian desert in and around Alice Springs for tens of thousands of years. The town is situated roughly in Australia's geographic centre and is almost equidistant from Adelaide and Darwin.
Other major remote centres in the Central Australia region include Ntaria, Yuendumu, and Papunya. The rest of the population is widely dispersed across the region in smaller communities, outstations, pastoral properties, and mining operations. These residents rely on Alice Springs to access essential services and supplies. The mining and energy resources sector is a major contributor to the gross regional product (GRP) of the Central Australia region, accounting for around 18%, or $2.9 billion in 2021-22.
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Central Australia is home to numerous attractions, animals and cultural history
Central Australia, also known as the Red Centre, is an area of rich cultural history, diverse wildlife, and unique attractions. The region is centred on Alice Springs, a town surrounded by desert lands. Here, you'll find a strong Aboriginal presence, with 30% of the population identifying as Aboriginal, and numerous indigenous Australian communities.
The Red Centre is home to a variety of wildlife that has adapted to the extreme conditions of the Australian desert. This includes kangaroos, wallabies, bats, dingoes, and a variety of native rodents and reptiles. Some unique species found in this region include the black-flanked rock-wallaby, an endangered species with small, isolated populations, and Major Mitchell's Cockatoo, a spectacular parrot that will not tolerate other nesting pairs nearby.
The Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park, located in the Northern Territory, is one of the area's most popular tourist attractions. The park is home to Ayers Rock, a sandstone formation sacred to the Aboriginal population of the area, the Anangu. This site has been revered by the Anangu for centuries.
Central Australia also boasts a rich artistic history. The region is known for its prehistoric art, with Indigenous art movements like the Hermannsburg School, led by Albert Namatjira, gaining national fame in the 1950s for their desert watercolours. Art is of significant cultural and economic importance to Indigenous communities in Central Australia, with the highest per capita concentrations of artists in the world.
The exact population of Central Australia is unclear, as the region's boundaries are not precisely defined. However, Alice Springs, the main town in the region, is surrounded by desert lands with a significant Aboriginal presence.
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The region has a significant number of Aboriginal communities, including the Arrernte people
Central Australia, also known as the Red Centre, is an inexact region associated with the geographic centre of the country. The region is sparsely populated, with an estimated resident population of 41,009 as of 2023. However, it has a significant number of Aboriginal communities, including the Arrernte people, one of the largest Aboriginal communities in the country. The Arrernte people's lands encompass approximately 47,000 square miles (120,000 square kilometres). Their territory includes notable landmarks such as Mount Gosse, Mount Zeil, the Finke River, and parts of the Simpson Desert.
The Arrernte people have a rich cultural heritage and a strong presence in the region, particularly in and around Alice Springs, also known as Mparntwe in the Arrernte language. They have their own distinct language, with several dialects, and a highly developed sign language. The Arrernte way of life, artwork, and culture are showcased through tours and storytelling, providing insights into their traditions and history. The Arrernte people have also played a significant role in shaping the cultural landscape of Central Australia, with their oral history documenting the region's early formation and their involvement in preserving their cultural heritage.
The Arrernte consist of several distinct groups, including the Central Arrernte, Eastern Arrernte, and Western Arrernte. These groups are spread across different regions, with the Central Arrernte based in Alice Springs, the Eastern Arrernte to the east of the town, and the Western Arrernte to the west, extending towards Mutitjulu and King's Canyon. The Arrernte people have formed the Arrernte Council of Central Australia and actively participate in Aboriginal organisations in the region.
The Arrernte people's connection to the land is deep-rooted, and they have set aside 'conservation areas' to protect various species within their traditional territories. Their lands feature diverse landscapes, including mountain ranges, waterholes, and gorges. The Arrernte people's influence extends beyond their immediate communities, as their artwork, language, and cultural practices attract tourists interested in learning about Aboriginal culture and history. Through their involvement in tourism and cultural preservation, the Arrernte people continue to play a vital role in shaping the cultural identity of Central Australia and promoting understanding and appreciation of their heritage.
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Frequently asked questions
The estimated resident population of Central Australia in 2023 is 41,009, with a population density of 0.07 persons per square km.
The largest settlement in Central Australia is Alice Springs, which had a population of 33,990 as of June 2024.
The population of Alice Springs accounts for approximately 10% of the population of the Northern Territory.
Other major settlements in Central Australia include Yulara, Ntaria, Yuendumu, and Papunya.
