As part of the Province of Western Australia, it covers those parts of the state north of Perth including Geraldton, Karratha, Broome and Kununurra, and is geographically the largest Anglican diocese in Australia and the largest land-based diocese in the world.

The incumbent bishop of the diocese is Darrell Parker, formerly vicar of St Paul's Tamworth.

In 1829, when the Swan River Colony was established, episcopal supervision was provided by the Diocese of Calcutta.

This state of affairs continued until the start of the 20th century, when facing the difficulties of administrating such a large area, a report was published in 1903 saying:"It seems probable that ultimately Western Australia will contain four dioceses.

Then in 1910, after the raising of £10,000 (the minimum amount required for the endowment of a Bishopric),[6] the Diocese of Northern Australia was created.

[9] When it was established, the southern most boundary of the dioceses extended down only as far south as Denham, in Shark Bay.

[22] The diocese is noted for its low church conservative Evangelical stance; no women serve as priests.