REALM Regions - level 1
The REALM Regions level 1 are the broadest regions of the 5-tier framework. The regions are based largely on the ‘enduring’ components of ecosystems, namely geomorphology (geology and associated landforms). These boundaries are coincidental with other ecological themes such as vegetation and soils.
Updating NT landscape regionalisation
The NT REALM Regions are a progression from previous regionalisations for Australia. Specifically, they update the Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation of Australia (IBRA 7), which has been unchanged in the NT since 1996. See Australia's bioregions (IBRA) - DCCEEW).
They also update the Physiographic Regions of Australia (Pain, Gregory, Wilson & McKenzie 2011) (as available through the CSIRO Data Access Portal - Physiographic Regions of Australia), which was an update from Jennings and Mabbutt (1977).
Where to find the data
To download the spatial data for REALM Regions level 1 mapping, go to NR Maps.
Meta data REALM Regions of the Northern Territory
Summary descriptions of each region PDF (6.7 MB)
NT REALM Regions level 1 map
NT REALM Regions geographic location: northern, central and southern REALM Regions.
Extent and occurrence
There are 31 regions described. Table 1 provides a summary of the extent and occurrence of each region.
- 13 regions occur exclusively within the NT
- 10 regions are predominantly within the NT with minor extents in neighbouring states
- 3 regions are partially shared with other states
- 5 regions have only a minor extent within the NT from neighbouring states
| Region | code | % of NT | Occurrence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alcoota | ALC | 2 | NT |
| Alkata | ALK | 1 | 5% in NT, shared with WA and SA |
| Arnhem Plateau | ARN | 2 | NT |
| Ashburton-Davenport | ASH | 2 | NT |
| Barkly | BAR | 7 | Predominantly in NT, shared with QLD |
| Burt Plain | BUR | 3 | NT |
| Central Arnhem | CEN | 6 | NT |
| Central Desert | CDE | 2 | 92% in NT, shared with WA and SA |
| Daly Basin | DAL | 2 | NT |
| Ehrenberg | ERH | 1 | 90% in NT, shared with WA |
| Georgina Limestone | GEO | 0.07 | Minor occurrence in NT, predominantly in QLD |
| Gulf Fall | GUF | 7 | Predominantly in NT, minor occurrence in QLD |
| Henbury | HEN | 1 | NT |
| Kulgera | KUL | 1 | Shared with SA (equivalent to Finke IBRA Region in SA) |
| Larapinta | LAR | 1 | NT |
| Macdonnell | MAC | 2 | NT |
| Mann | MAN | 0.09 | 5% in NT, predominantly in WA, remainder in SA |
| Mount Isa Inlier | MII | 0.02 | Predominantly in QLD |
| Newhaven | NEW | 2 | Predominantly in NT, extends into WA |
| Northern Coastal | NOC | 9 | Predominantly in NT, extends into WA and QLD |
| Ord-Victoria Plains | ORD | 5 | Shared with WA |
| Petermann | PET | 1 | 35% in NT, shared with WA and SA |
| Pine Creek | PIN | 1 | NT |
| Simpson | SIM | 8 | Predominantly in NT, shared with QLD and SA |
| Stony Plains | STP | 0.13 | Minor occurrence in NT, predominantly in SA |
| Sturt-Birdum | STU | 6 | NT |
| Tanami | TAN | 24 | 92% in NT, shared with WA |
| Toko Plains | TOK | 2 | Predominantly in NT, shared with QLD |
| Victoria River Plateau | VIC | 4 | Predominantly in NT, shared with WA |
| Watarrka | WAT | 1 | NT |
| Yuendumu | YUE | 1 | NT |
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