Northern Territory Road Map

Early edition of this large scale map of the Northern Territory showing roads, distances, national routes and national parks. Later editions are usually dated.

In 1929, the Commonwealth Railways had extended the North Australia Railway southwards from Darwin to what was to be its final terminus, Birdum. With the onset of World War II, supply roads leading to the north of the country were considered vital by the Federal Government. A central north–south highway was planned to connect the railheads at Alice Springs and Birdum, with surveying completed in August 1940,  the road was completed by December 1940. This upgraded from an often impassable track to an all-weather sealed highway made the road suitable for heavy military traffic. Quick and efficient movement of military equipment and troop was possible, with the road remaining open throughout the wet season. By March 1941, military authorities advocated extending the Alice Springs–Birdum road to Darwin. During the wet season, the road north of Birdum was impassable, which meant that a single railway line was the only connection through to Darwin. Construction was underway by October 1941 with the road nearing completion by July 1942, although some sections were yet to be bituminised.

Lake Amadeus Aboriginal Reserve was gazetted 10/7/1920, Arnhem Land Aboriginal Reserve created in 1931. Also shown is the Aboriginal Reserve which was Gurindji land and became famous for the Gurindji Strike, or Wave Hill walk-off, led by Vincent Lingiari in 1966.