The Spirit of Trade in The Northern Territory

The history of trade in the Northern Territory can be traced back to before colonisation. Makassar people from what became Indonesia would sail to the shores of Arnhem Land to collect sea cucumbers in exchange for axes, knives and rice.

The Afghan cameleers moved goods across Australia’s barren interior by camel train. They connected coastal cities with pastoral land and formed what became the Great Northern Railway, or The Ghan. The Ghan paved the way for the Stuart Highway. The camel passed the torch onto the four wheel drive. The trade routes carved out in the past are being used to create the future.

Today, a new wave of trade is entering the territory. Musicians, artists, tradespeople and chefs. Giving it a go and continuing to shape the paths created before them.