The Northern Territory is located in the north and centre of the country. It is the third largest of the Australian states and the least populated with the number of inhabitants less than 300,000. The capital city of the state is Darwin and other major towns include Alice Springs, Katherine and Tennant Creek. The majority of towns are small settlements, which have the basic facilities needed for daily life. The population of the state is representative of many different nations and it is estimated that around 15% of those living in the Northern Territory are expats.

The northern part of the state has two distinct seasons – wet and dry. The colder months are fairly mild and there has never been an instance of frost. The southern part of the state is mainly desert and has quite high temperatures all year round. Rainfall is higher in the coastal areas than inland.

The Northern Territory has one of the highest crime rates in Australia and cities such as Alice Springs and Darwin are among the highest rates in the country.

Northern Territory – Employment

One of the main industries in the Northern Territory is mining, so there may be opportunities for expats with experience in this area. There is also a large gas and oil industry which will be ideal for those who have worked in this area before. There are large areas of the state which are given over to agriculture, so those who are looking to start their own farming business should be able to find something to suit.

Tourism also offers many opportunities and the number of visitors to the state rises each year. As with all states there is a skills shortage and migrants are encouraged to apply for visas on this basis. Skilled staff is required in areas such as medicine, teaching, sciences and trades such as plumbing, construction and electrical. There is a state sponsored skilled migrant programme which admits a limited number of people each year, although migrants can also apply to the national government for admittance on the basis of skills.

Northern Territory – Property

The city of Darwin has a number of residential suburbs which are ideal for those thinking of moving to Australia, particularly those with young children. The older suburbs are in the southwest part of the city although there are several newer suburbs to choose from. Suburbs such as Howard Springs and Berry Springs are growing rapidly as the city expands. Both areas have good schools and properties there fall into a range of price brackets, so there is something for everyone.

The central business district of the city has undergone a regeneration including the waterfront areas. Residential properties in the area are mainly apartments and have been developed to attract young professionals. Property prices in the area are rising due to the demand. There are a number of more expensive residential areas in the city, including Brinkin and Larrakeyah. These areas have good schools but the cost of living there is a little higher than in other areas due to the exclusive nature of the neighbourhoods.

Alice Springs is another popular destination as it has everything needed for daily life. There are good shopping facilities and night life. The older parts of town have good sized houses which are much in demand, so property prices are relatively high there. There are other areas of the town which have developed in recent years and are home to modern houses and apartments. The town has good educational facilities and is known for having excellent leisure facilities. The communities in Alice Springs are also known for running many societies, so newcomers to the area should find it easy to meet new friends.

Another option for expats moving to the Northern Territory is a smaller town such as Tennant Creek. The town has good leisure facilities and the aboriginal culture is very much a part of daily life in the town. The properties on offer range from apartments to larger family homes and most houses have good sized gardens. This area is ideal for those who enjoy an outdoor life as it is known for hiking trails and other outdoor sports. Property prices vary but tend to be lower than those in other towns in the state.