The Red Savanna.

Northern Australia is home to the world’s largest intact tropical savanna—a rugged expanse of red earth, ancient eucalyptus, and iron-rich stones.

The Australian savanna is defined by its predictable seasonality. During the "Big Wet," monsoonal rains transform the parched red plains into lush wetlands. During the "Big Dry," the landscape becomes a tinderbox. This cycle has forced life here to become master of adaptation, particularly the vegetation, which must survive both total submergence and intense wildfire within the same year.

Magnetic Architecture

One of the most striking features of the Northern Territory are the Magnetic Termite Mounds. These towering structures are thin, flat, and always aligned north-to-south. This orientation acts as a passive solar climate control system: the thin edge faces the midday sun to minimize heat, while the broad sides catch the gentle morning and evening warmth.

The Eucalypt Dominance

Unlike African or South American savannas, Australia's is dominated by the genus Eucalyptus. These trees are highly flammable due to their oil-rich leaves, but they are also incredibly resilient. Many species possess "epicormic buds" beneath their bark, allowing them to sprout new leaves directly from the trunk almost immediately after a fire has passed through.