How long have Aboriginal peoples lived in the Northern Territory?

Aboriginal peoples have lived in the Northern Territory for at least 40,000 years.12

Some archaeological evidence, such as that found at the Nauwalabila I rock shelter, suggests that human habitation in the region may date back more than 50,000 years, with some estimates ranging between 53,000 and 60,000 years ago. While these earlier dates remain a subject of scientific debate due to potential geological displacement of artifacts, they align with theories regarding the initial human colonization of Australia during the Pleistocene Epoch.3