Parliament House of the Northern Territory in Darwin
Hop on our Darwin bus tour for an insight into the history and politics of the Northern Territory, a visit to Parliament House in Darwin is a must. Officially opened in 1994, a tour of the House allows you a visit to all public areas where you’ll learn what the role of Parliament is today along the way.
Highlights to note are, the Parliamentary Chamber, Sturt’s Desert Rose Mosaic, the Main Hall, Aboriginal Art Exhibition, and the Portrait Gallery of former Chief Ministers and Speakers of the Northern Territory. A plaque lies embedded in the floor where the bomb fell during the first attack on Darwin in 1942. And a quilt made up of 1600 patches signed by, or on behalf of, those present on this day is held at the NT Library.
Sturt’s Desert Rose Mosaic
The floor at Parliament House in Darwin features the Northern Territory’s floral emblem, designed by local artist Geoff Todd. Made of stone and metal, it symbolises the land, law and the people. With seven petals representing the six states of Australia and the Northern Territory, be sure to spot it on your visit.
Other interesting facts about Parliament House of the Northern Territory in Darwin
- An original wall from the Post Office still exists today and is now incorporated into the Historic Lobby at the Parliament House in Darwin
- A commemorative time capsule was buried at Parliament House in Darwin in 1992 to mark the 100th anniversary of the first sitting of Legislative Council – it’s due to be opened in 2048
- There is a memorial fountain dedicated to Peter Malmstedt and Andrew Snow who were killed when a crane collapsed during the construction of the building
- The current Parliament House building in Darwin is intended to serve the Northern Territory for at least 100 years
