[1] The area of Batchelor, then known by its broader locality Rum Jungle, was first surveyed in 1869 as a part of Hundred of Goyder (Northern Territory) and was first purchased by WO Clyde and likely used to grow tobacco until it was selected by the government.
The farm and an associated railway siding were named in 1912 after Lee Batchelor, the first minister responsible for the Northern Territory who died in office during the previous year.
The farm suffered from problems attracting and retaining experienced workers amid the strikes and industrial relations turmoil that led to the Darwin Rebellion.
[11] To support the airbase, the railway siding formerly used by the demonstration farm was extended and a petrol unloading point installed.
The original design had been based around a permanent population for some 600 persons, but during the years the mine was operating, this number was regularly exceeded.
[11] Processing and extraction of uranium ore at the Rum Jungle mine had ceased by 1971, and the control of the township was handed back to the Northern Territory Administration.
In 1979, the Northern Territory Government sold many houses in Batchelor to existing residents and encouraged the development of private sector industries, including the Meneling Abattoirs and Woodcutters Mine to establish a permanent population base to ensure the ongoing viability of the town.
[14] The town is an entry point for travellers to Litchfield National Park which attracts approximately 280,000 visitors annually.
[15] The town is situated on one of two all—weather access roads to the park[16] and a number of accommodation options are available as well as services including mechanical repairs and a supermarket.
There are a number of attractions in the town area for visitors travelling between Darwin and Litchfield Park including a museum, cultural centre, butterfly sanctuary and miniature replica of Karlstein Castle.
[18] The abattoirs previously contributed significantly to the local economy and jobs market, but have been closed in recent years due to unfavourable industry conditions.
During the dry season from May to October, the overnight temperatures are cooler and the days typically warm with little rainfall or cloud cover.
Batchelor has a small medical clinic operated by the Northern Territory Government, offering a general practice service on weekdays.
[23] In 2010, Batchelor Area School was granted funding from the Australian Government to extend the library facilities as part of the Building the Education Revolution program.
[25] The main campus of the Batchelor Institute is located within the town and provides tertiary and vocational education and training with a focus on outcomes for indigenous students.
[13] Batchelor Institute's Indigenous Media Unit holds a licence for Radio Rum Jungle, broadcast on 97.3 FM.