Largest of all the regions, the Arid Lands cover almost half of the Territory of which about 55% is Aboriginal freehold and 36% pastoral lease. Horticulture is a small, but important industry.

 

The region is dominated by spinnifex grassland, open shrubland, and open woodland and there are eight internationally significant conservation sites across the Arid Lands, including the Greater MacDonnell Ranges and the South West Tanami Desert. Home to 18% of the Territory’s population, its largest town is Alice Springs with about 28,600 people.