Infrastructure
The Northern Territory has a dedicated AustralAsia trade route which is supported by solid physical infrastructure and services.
Road
The Northern Territory is served by three national highways which provide links to Queensland (Barkly Highway), South Australia (Stuart Highway) and Western Australia (Victoria Highway). The national highway network is the backbone of the road network system across the Northern Territory and provides sealed road links between the Northern Territory and the rest of Australia.
Transport of livestock and refrigerated and bulk goods within the Northern Territory is enhanced by the use of road trains for cost effective movement over large distances.
Rail
The Adelaide to Darwin railway has five freight services weekly and continues to provide the primary line-haul service along Australia’s central freight corridor. It connects the Northern Territory with freight services in South Australia and other states.
Sea
The Port of Darwin is a naturally occurring deep water port. Geographically, it is Australia’s closest port to the Association of South East Asian Nations markets, making it Australia’s northern gateway port. This strategic geographic location is fundamental to the high volume of trade flowing through the port and will play a significant role in future growth.
Air
Air transport continues to be an important enabler of economic growth in the Northern Territory. Four major airports capable of handling jet aircraft operate in Darwin, Alice Springs, Ayers Rock and Gove (Nhulunbuy). Darwin airport is an international gateway capable of handling the largest aircraft currently in operation. Alice Springs airport receives international charter flights from Japan on a seasonal basis.
Freight
The Northern Territory is serviced by reliable, cost-effective postal and courier services providing a complete range of competitive, customer-focused mail and specialty services. Postal, courier and cargo services link with freight forwarding companies including Australian Air Express and Star Track Express to provide time-critical air and line-haul parcel and mail delivery services.
General Aviation
The Northern Territory hosts a number of private and commercial general aviation fixed wing operators as most communities depend on charter aircraft for carriage of passengers and freight. Training and facilities are available at local flying clubs and schools in both Darwin and Alice Springs.
Rotary Wing
Helicopter operations play a vital role across the Northern Territory in linking fixed bases with off-shore oil and gas installations as well as providing critical search and rescue functions and medical support through CareFlight Choppers.
Content current at 16 December 2010.
