northern territory — Locations Overview
Capital City: Darwin
Population (Greater Darwin): approx. 150,000
The Northern Territory offers some of Australia’s most visually distinctive and culturally significant locations, with landscapes that cannot be doubled elsewhere. From tropical coastlines and wetlands to desert interiors, escarpments and remote communities, the NT provides cinematic scale and authenticity for productions seeking a strong sense of place.
Darwin’s compact capital city footprint allows for efficient movement between urban locations and remote environments. The Territory is particularly attractive for productions requiring outback settings, tropical climates and dramatic natural features.
The NT screen industry is smaller than eastern states but is supported by experienced crews accustomed to remote and challenging conditions, cooperative agencies and targeted incentives.
Practical Considerations When Filming in the Northern Territory
Filming in the NT requires careful planning, cultural awareness and extended lead times.
With Greater Darwin’s population at approximately 150,000, productions should account for:
Limited crew depth for very large productions
Remote access logistics and travel distances
Extreme weather conditions and seasonal constraints
High cultural and environmental sensitivity across many locations
A significant proportion of land in the NT is Aboriginal-owned, and filming approvals are closely tied to land rights and cultural consultation.
Working with Councils & Agencies in the Northern Territory
Local knowledge is essential in the NT.
Location Professionals must:
Confirm land tenure before committing to locations
Understand Land Council processes and approval timelines
Allow substantial time for consultation and consent
Engage early with state agencies and Traditional Owners
Productions that plan early and respect local processes are far more likely to proceed smoothly.
Agencies to Allow Extra Time For
Land Councils: Required for filming on Aboriginal land, including Arnhem Land.
Formal consent processes apply
Extended lead times should be expected
Environmental and cultural conditions may apply
Parks and Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory: Responsible for parks, reserves and protected areas.
Environmental assessments may be required
Drone use and high-impact activity require approval
Studios
The NT does not operate large-scale soundstage facilities. Production typically relies on:
Location-based shooting
Temporary or adapted studio spaces in Darwin
Interstate studio support for large builds
State Screen Authority — Screen Territory
Screen Territory is the Northern Territory’s screen agency, supporting production through incentives, location assistance and liaison services. The agency works closely with Location Professionals to navigate approvals, land access, cultural consultation and remote logistics.
First Nations & Cultural Heritage Considerations — NORTHERN TERRITORY (Including Arnhem land)
Location Professionals working in the Northern Territory must consider Aboriginal land rights, cultural heritage obligations and Country-specific protocols as a central part of the location process.
The Northern Territory operates under a distinct land rights framework, with a significant proportion of land held under Aboriginal ownership. Requirements vary depending on land tenure, council jurisdiction, Northern Territory Government agencies and the relevant Traditional Owner groups. Filming on Aboriginal land, national parks, waterways, coastal areas, reserves and culturally sensitive sites may require consultation, cultural heritage assessments and formal approvals under Northern Territory legislation.
Certain regions within the Northern Territory, including Arnhem Land, are entirely Aboriginal-owned and operate under specific land rights legislation. Filming in these areas requires formal consent from Traditional Owners and engagement with the relevant Land Council. Location Professionals should allow substantial lead times, follow established cultural and administrative processes, and work closely with local representatives to ensure permissions, access and activity are managed respectfully and lawfully.
Early and respectful engagement is essential across all NT locations. Location teams must ensure the correct Traditional Owner groups are identified, understand who holds decision-making authority for access, and follow any guidance provided regarding filming activity, movement, environmental protection or cultural sensitivities.
Understanding when Aboriginal consultation is required — and how to navigate the Northern Territory’s land rights and approvals framework — is a core responsibility of Location Professionals working in the NT, particularly on regional, remote or high-impact productions. Local knowledge, clear communication and established relationships are critical to successful outcomes.
Northern territory
ALMG’s Northern Territory State Representative
Screen Territory
Screen Territory is the Northern Territory Government’s screen agency, supporting Location Professionals and productions through funding, production incentives and practical on-the-ground support across the Territory.
Screen Territory plays a critical role in facilitating filming in some of Australia’s most remote, culturally significant and environmentally sensitive locations. The agency works closely with Location Professionals to assist with permitting pathways, agency coordination and early-stage location planning, particularly where projects intersect with Aboriginal land, national parks, remote communities or complex access requirements.
Given the Territory’s unique land tenure arrangements and strong cultural governance structures, Screen Territory is often a key first point of contact for productions seeking guidance on approvals, First Nations engagement pathways and multi-agency coordination.
Email: screenterritory@nt.gov.au
Phone: +61 8 8999 3976
Address:
Level 8, Charles Darwin Centre
19 Smith Street Mall, Darwin NT 0800 Australia
MAIN CONTACT
Jennie Hughes | Director | jennie.hughes@nt.gov.au
Screen Territory Production & Location Support
Production incentives, permitting guidance, location strategy and agency liaison
Northern Territory Resources
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Screen Australia
Screen Australia is the Australian Government’s national screen agency, supporting the development, production, promotion and distribution of Australian screen content across film, television, documentary, online and interactive platforms. They provide funding, industry research, market intelligence and administer key federal programs including the Producer Offset and Official Co-production Program, helping productions navigate national frameworks and build sustainable screen businesses.
Email: enquiries@screenaustralia.gov.au
Phone: +61 2 8113 5800
Address:
Level 7, 45 Murray Street
Pyrmont NSW 2009
Screen Australia’s Upcoming Productions listings and industry data are widely used as a national reference point, although listings are curated and may not reflect early-stage or confidential productions.
NATIONAL Resources
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