Northern Territory police say dozens of people were fighting in the town of Borroloola, 800 kilometres south-east of Darwin, at the weekend.

Police say two officers were injured during the unrest on the town's main street.

Watch Commander Garry Smith says most of the trouble was fuelled by alcohol and started on New Year's eve.

"Many of these people were fighting in groups of up to 40 with numerous smaller fights breaking out," he said.

"At one point, both members were assaulted with the local sergeant punched to the chest and his constable partner hit in the back with a rock thrown by someone in the crowd.

"Fortunately the members were not seriously injured and continued with their duties."

He says police in the town were called for assistance 17 times on New Year's eve and the following day.

"That included drink driving, domestics, assaults, a stabbing, armed persons where an axe and a shotgun were seized and a large scale disturbance involving a group of 400 people."