Strategic location and global connectivity
The Northern Territory (NT) is Australia’s gateway to Asia, and a dynamic hub for trade, investment, and innovation. Strategically located and rich in natural resources, the NT offers unique opportunities for businesses looking to grow in domestic and international markets.
Situated at the doorstep of the Asia-Pacific, the NT provides fast and efficient access to key markets in Southeast Asia and beyond. With major ports, airports, and logistics infrastructure, the Territory is a natural launching pad for regional trade.
To the north of Darwin there are 8 capital cities, 36 major trading ports, 69 international airports and 485 million people - just over 20 times Australia’s population.
To the south of Darwin there are 6 mainland capital cities, 20 major trading ports, 23 international airports and more than 24 million people.
The Northern Territory has direct shipping and air routes with key trading partners in Asia. Darwin is a strategic transport hub with sea, air, road and rail services, including:
- 24/7 Darwin International Airport
- the Port of Darwin, which is Australia’s closest shipping port to Asia. This multi-use, mixed cargo and marine services port is directly linked to the national rail network and is connected by major highways to other capital cities.
- the Darwin Marine Supply Base, designed and purpose built to service current and future demands of the Australasian offshore oil and gas industry
- coastal shipping across northern Australia
- cold storage facilities at both the airport and the port to support the import and export of perishable commodities
- vapour heat treatment facilities to meet importing protocol countries’ requirements and direct export into Japan and Korea.
Port of Darwin
The deep-water Port of Darwin has modern freight handling facilities, a dedicated bulk liquids berth and links with an intermodal road-rail network across Australia. Darwin’s strategic location reduces shipping times to Asia - a trade advantage for the export and import of bulk commodities.
The Port of Darwin is the only Australian port between Townsville (Queensland) and Fremantle (Western Australia) with full access to multi-modal transport services.
Darwin Port also has world-class pilotage and harbour control systems and a seamless supply chain capable of handling containers and general cargo, bulk liquids, bulk materials, live exports and heavy lift oversized cargoes. It also services cruise ships and naval vessels at the Fort Hill Wharf facility.
For more information, go to the Darwin Port website.
Airports
Darwin is the capital of northern Australia, with regular flights to Cairns, Townsville, Kununurra and Broome within 2 hours flying time.
Find out more about NT airports:
- Darwin Airport
- Alice Springs Airport
- Katherine Airport
- Gove Airport
- Tennant Creek Airport
- Groote Eylandt Airport.
Trusted reputation
We are known for exporting high-value products, and we have a global reputation for quality and safety. Our biosecurity protection and monitoring systems are strong, with world-class food safety standards.
We have the space and natural resources to supply growing demand from all over the world.
The Territory is politically stable and has a strategic defence significance, world-renowned tourism attractions, and a vibrant and culturally diverse local population.