Lawyers in the first native title claim over an Australian capital city have begun their closing submissions in the Federal Court in Darwin.

The Larrakia people lodged the claim in 1996 and are fighting for access to more than 200 parcels of Crown land around Darwin, including mangroves, beaches and prime real estate.

Members of the Larrakia community attended today's proceedings.

Their lawyer told the court the way they relate to the country is significant.

A number of groups will respond to the claim, including the Northern Territory Government, the Darwin City Council and the Amateur Fishermens Association.

Submissions are expected to continue for seven days before Justice John Mansfield retires to make a decision.