1982-3: Royals leave their mark on the Territory with visits from the Queen, Prince Charles and Princess Diana

THE NT News and NT Government are celebrating 42 years of self governance by revisiting some of our most memorable milestones. In 1982-3, Territorians brushed shoulders with royalty when the Queen, Prince Charles and Princess Diana all visited the NT.

Princess Diana visits the School of the Air in Alice Springs on March 30, 1983. Picture: Getty Images

• 1981: First Exercise Pitch Black hits Territory skies
• 1980: Azaria Chamberlain goes missing at Uluru
• 1979: 5m salty Sweetheart caught after stalking fishos
• 1978: Territory finally stands alone after winning self government

THE NT News and NT Government are celebrating 42 years of self governance by revisiting some of our most memorable milestones. In 1982-3 …

WHILE 1982 saw the Queen visit the Top End to officially open the Larrakeyah Naval Base, the most memorable moment for many Territorians would have to be the first Parap Village Markets, which sparked a laksa love affair still in existence today.

This was the year the sale of fireworks was restricted to Territory Day, and every year since (except for this year, thanks COVID-19), Territorians have enjoyed letting off as many crackers as possible.

The Territory also gained a new town this year, Jabiru, and a new school, with Tennant Creek High School opening its doors.

On the flip side, East Arm Hospital – one of the last leprosy hospitals in the country – closed after 27 years.

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Territorians were treated to another royal visit in 1983 when Prince Charles and Princess Diana touched down in the NT as part of a four-day visit to Central Australia.

They visited Yulara, Uluru and Tennant Creek, and spoke to children from the Alice Springs School of the Air.

Darwin’s $30 million Casino Resort Hotel at Mindil Beach opened, and the famous Hotel Darwin unveiled its $500,000 convention and function centre as part of its centenary celebrations.

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The Territory’s capital gained another museum that year – Fannie Bay Gaol.

The gaol served as Darwin’s main prison for almost 100 years from 1883 until 1979, and is now an important heritage site.