Schools, Health Services & Housing
One of the best things about living in Australia's Northern Territory is its lifestyle. The Northern Territory has a clean environment, friendly communities and a strong and growing economic base. It provides a way of life unlike any other place, with opportunities for families, business and individuals to live healthy, comfortable and productive lives.
Housing
A range of houses and units is available for sale or rent in the Northern Territory. Prices in Darwin are on a par with other smaller Australia capital cities while prices in other parts of the Territory are comparable with regional Australian towns.
From the green leafy suburbs of Darwin and nearby Palmerston to the spectacular outback landscape and native gardens of Central Australia, the Northern Territory's tropical architecture and arid zone knowledge are creating a unique lifestyle.
Houses are often designed to take advantage of the climate. Many houses in Darwin are elevated to catch the breeze. Verandahs, decks and paved poolside areas encourage outdoor living while large windows, louvres and ceiling fans maximise airflow. In Central Australia many houses are single-story Mediterranean style, designed for warm dry days and cool nights. Most houses have some level of air conditioning for additional comfort.
Through its HomeNorth scheme, the Northern Territory Government offers a range of programs to help residents buy their first homes in the Northern Territory.
More information on real estate
More information on Government housing assistance
Health
Quality health care is available across the Northern Territory at hospitals, health centres and community care centres. Private medical specialists, general practitioners, dentists, allied health practitioners and other agencies also provide excellent health care. St John Ambulance provides an ambulance service throughout the Northern Territory, and modern public hospitals are located in Darwin, Alice Springs, Katherine, Tennant Creek and Nhulunbuy. Darwin is also the location for Darwin Private Hospital. Free dental services are provided to infants, school children and priority groups.
More information on Darwin Private Hospital
Education
The Northern Territory has a range of public and private preschools, primary and secondary schools. The education system is comparable to that of other Australian states. Schools have well qualified staff and are equipped at levels consistent with Australian education standards.
The school year starts in late January and is divided into four terms of 10 weeks. Schools have a strong focus on literacy and numeracy, and also provide opportunities for students to take part in activities such as sports, languages and visual and performing arts, including learning a musical instrument.
A range of tertiary courses, vocational education and training is available in the Northern Territory. Charles Darwin University (CDU) has three campuses in Darwin, Palmerston and Alice Springs. CDU and the Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education offer courses from diploma level through to doctorates
There are nearly 100 private registered training organisations in the Northern Territory providing training that is recognised in every state and territory in Australia under the Australian Qualifications Framework.
More information on education and training
More information on Charles Darwin University
Last updated on the Thursday 26 Mar 2009
