The Middle or 'Gulf to Gulf' section is dominated by the Tanami Desert to the west, sparse settlements along the Stuart Hwy, dusty roads and a real feeling of the Outback. The 'Red Centre' dubbed so for its red soil & rocks is surrounded by numerous meteorite craters, canyons & valleys. Among its more well known rock formations are Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) which are sacred to the local Aborigines. It is an extremely arid area with greatly varying temperatures. Indigenous Australians have lived in this region for about 40 000 years. Under British rule the Territory was controlled first by NSW (1825-63) and subsequently South Australia (1863-1911). After this time, the federal government took over control resulting in self-government in 1978. Gold & copper mining as well as cattle raising (Victoria River Downs was the world's largest cattle station) were the economy's mainstays. Other main settlements include Katherine, Tennant Creek, Yulara, Mataranka & Pine Creek. Its major rivers include the Alligator, Daly, Finke, McArthur, Roper, Todd & Victoria. Today tourism is one of the Territory's major industries with its diverse landscapes, spectacular waterfalls, wildlife and aboriginal history & culture and endless national parks (Kakadu, Gregory, Litchfield, Mary River, Finke Gorge, Watarrka (including Kings Canyon), Uluru-Kata Tjuta & West MacDonnell). Other important industries are mining (bauxite, manganese & uranium), agriculture and fishing. The Territory's floral emblem is the Sturt's Desert Rose.

Northern Territory  

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