City history
From the traditional lands of the Larrakia people to the colonial settlement of Palmerston, Darwin has evolved into a vital tropical gateway for Australia.
Chapter one
Indigenous name
"People of the sea"
The Larrakia people are the traditional owners of the Darwin region, maintaining a deep and continuous connection to the coastal lands and waters.
Named after Lord Palmerston
The settlement was originally established by the South Australian government as Palmerston.
Named after Charles Darwin
The name was changed to honor the naturalist following the transfer of administration to the Commonwealth.
Chapter two
The completion of the Overland Telegraph Line allowed Darwin to sync with international time via telegraphic signals.
The Northern Territory solidified its reliance on Australian Central Standard Time without the use of daylight saving.
Chapter three
The establishment of Palmerston as a key port for the Northern Territory's development.
Connecting the remote north to the global network through telegraphic technology.
The transition of control from South Australia to the Commonwealth of Australia and the renaming of the city.
The devastating cyclone necessitated a complete reconstruction and modern redesign of the city.