The prime minister has joined survivors from Darwin and around the country to mark five decades since Cyclone Tracy, one of the worst natural disasters in Australian history.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is in Darwin to mark the 50th anniversary of Cyclone Tracy, Australia’s largest peacetime evacuation and reconstruction.

In the early hours of Christmas Day 1974, a tropical cyclone swept through Darwin... leaving an indelible mark on the city and its people. Severe Tropical Cyclone Tracy is regarded as one of the most significant cyclones in Australia's history.

Before first light on Christmas morning, hundreds gathered at East Point Reserve to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Cyclone Tracy, including the nation’s prime minister, who said the disaster brought out the best in the NT and Australia.

Cyclone Tracy survivors broke down in tears as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese paid tribute to those who lost their lives in one of Australia's worst natural disasters.