Leslie Massey
Australia is divided into six states: New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, and Western Australia. Each state has its own unique mix of environments, cultures, and rhythms, from rolling deserts to lush rainforests and sun-soaked cities. In addition to these six states, Australia also has two internal territories: the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory, which contains Canberra, the capital city of Australia. The Australian Capital Territory is home to some of the country's most important national institutions, including the National Gallery, the National Museum, and Parliament House. The Northern Territory, on the other hand, offers a more quintessential Australian experience with its sublime landscapes, emblematic wildlife, and authentic Aboriginal culture.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Australian states | 6 |
| Names of the Australian states | New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, and Western Australia |
| Number of territories | 2 internal territories and 7 external territories |
| Names of the internal territories | The Australian Capital Territory, the Jervis Bay Territory, and the Northern Territory |
| Names of the external territories | Ashmore and Cartier Islands, the Australian Antarctic Territory, Christmas Island, the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, the Coral Sea Islands, Heard Island and McDonald Islands, and Norfolk Island |
| Number of capital cities | 8 |
| Capital of Australia | Canberra |
| Capitals of the Australian states | Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Hobart, Melbourne, and Perth |
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What You'll Learn
Canberra: the capital of Australia
Australia is divided into six states: New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, and Western Australia. The country also has two internal territories: the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory, which contains Canberra, the capital city of Australia. In addition, there are seven external territories, including the Australian Antarctic Territory and Norfolk Island.
Canberra is renowned for its cosmopolitan atmosphere and blend of nature and culture. The city is home to some of Australia's most important national institutions, including the National Gallery of Australia, the National Museum of Australia, and Parliament House. The site of Canberra was chosen in 1908, and construction began in 1911. The Australian Parliament moved into the first Parliament House in 1927, relocating from the previous temporary capital, Melbourne.
The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) is one of the two internal territories, along with the Northern Territory, that operates indistinguishably from the states. The ACT has representation in the Parliament and Senate, although it does not have constitutional status as a state, and territorial legislation can be overridden. The territory is renowned for its blend of nature and culture, with monuments and museums alongside wild wetlands and glistening lakes.
Canberra is located within the Australian Capital Territory, which was established in 1909. The creation of the ACT involved excising Oaks Estate, a contiguous residential area of Queanbeyan, from New South Wales. The Australian Capital Territory is home to a significant portion of Australia's population, with most Australians living in the eastern coastal mainland states, including New South Wales and Queensland.
As the capital of Australia, Canberra holds a prominent position in the country's governance and administration. It serves as the seat of the federal government, housing the Parliament of Australia and, presumably, other key governmental institutions. The city also plays a crucial role in international relations, with many foreign embassies and diplomatic missions established there.
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Sydney: capital of New South Wales
Australia is a country comprising six states and two territories. Each state has its own capital, and the country has eight capital cities in total. The state of New South Wales, commonly abbreviated as NSW, is situated on the east coast of Australia. Its state capital is Sydney, which is also the country's most populous city.
Sydney is located on the shores of Port Jackson and is known for its bustling city life, arts and culture scene, and vibrant multicultural communities. The city boasts rooftop bars, designer shops, busy cafes, and restaurants with stunning views. Sydney also offers some of the best education opportunities in the world, with prestigious universities such as the University of Sydney, Macquarie University, and the University of New South Wales. The city is ranked as one of the world's top ten student cities.
As the capital of New South Wales, Sydney serves as the state's main cultural, economic, and administrative centre. The state is home to iconic landmarks such as the Sydney Harbour, the Blue Mountains, and pristine beaches like Bondi and Manly. It also includes Lord Howe Island, located 580 km (360 miles) east of the Australian mainland. The island is a popular tourist destination, known for its idyllic natural scenery.
New South Wales has a population of over 8.5 million people as of December 2024, making it Australia's most populous state. The majority of the state's population, about 5.3 million, resides in the Greater Sydney area. The state offers a diverse range of experiences, from the thriving metropolis of Sydney to the serene seaside villages and mountain wilderness areas. It is a popular destination for thrill-seekers, beach lovers, wine connoisseurs, and families alike.
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Brisbane: capital of Queensland
Australia is divided into six states, two internal territories, and seven external territories. Each state has its own unique mix of environments, cultures, and rhythms. One of these states is Queensland, which is known to Australians as the "Sunshine State". Queensland is a stretch of subtropical land in the northeast of Australia. It is home to the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef, the ancient Daintree Rainforest, and the beautiful Whitsunday Islands.
The state's capital is Brisbane, which enjoys more winter sunshine and warmth than almost anywhere else in the country. This makes it perfect for outdoor activities and water sports. Brisbane is also known as "Brissie". The Queensland-New South Wales border runs through Coolangatta (Queensland) and Tweed Heads (New South Wales) and splits the Gold Coast Airport.
Brisbane is one of Australia's eight capital cities. The capital of Australia is Canberra, which is located in the Australian Capital Territory. Canberra is home to some of Australia's most important national institutions, including the National Gallery of Australia, the National Museum of Australia, and Parliament House.
Other capital cities in Australia include Sydney, the capital of New South Wales, and Perth, the capital of Western Australia.
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Perth: capital of Western Australia
Australia is divided into six states: New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, and Western Australia. Western Australia (WA) is the largest state and is situated on the west coast of the country. The capital of Western Australia is Perth, a city famed for its serene, uncrowded beaches, parklands, and fresh seafood. Owing to the vastness of Western Australia, there is something for everyone. The state boasts attractions such as the dramatic Kimberley Region, the idyllic Rottnest Island, and the premium wine and surf region of Margaret River.
Perth is one of eight capital cities in Australia. The capital of Australia is Canberra, located in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). The Northern Territory is another territory with a degree of self-government, and its capital is Darwin.
Each state in Australia has its own constitution, legislature, executive government, judiciary, and law enforcement agencies. They administer and deliver public policies and programs, though they are still legally subordinate to the federal government. The states originated as separate British colonies prior to Federation in 1901.
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Darwin: capital of the Northern Territory
Australia is divided into six states, two internal territories, and seven external territories. Each state has its own constitution, legislature, executive government, judiciary, and law enforcement agencies. The six states are New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, and Western Australia. The two internal territories are the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory.
The Northern Territory is an administrative division in northern Australia that functions similarly to a state. The Northern Territory has its own representation in the Parliament and Senate, and its capital city is Darwin.
Darwin, the capital of the Northern Territory, is located at the top end of Australia. The city is known for its proximity to some of the country's most renowned national parks, including Kakadu National Park, King's Canyon, and Litchfield National Park. The region surrounding Darwin, known as "the Outback," showcases quintessential Australian landscapes, wildlife, and Aboriginal culture.
As a major urban center in the Northern Territory, Darwin offers a unique blend of environments, cultures, and attractions. The city boasts a cosmopolitan atmosphere, featuring serene beaches, parklands, and a reputation for fresh seafood. Visitors can explore a range of museums and monuments, glistening lakes, and wild wetlands.
Darwin's strategic location has contributed to its significance. It serves as a gateway to the Arafura Sea, the Timor Sea, and the Torres Strait, which separate Australia from Maritime Southeast Asia and New Guinea. This positioning has influenced cultural exchange and trade throughout its history.
The Northern Territory, with Darwin as its capital, holds a special appeal for those seeking an authentic Australian experience. The region embodies the essence of Australia, from its sublime natural landscapes to its rich cultural heritage. Visitors are drawn to the Territory for its rugged beauty, diverse wildlife, and the opportunity to immerse themselves in the local Aboriginal traditions.
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Frequently asked questions
There are eight capital cities in Australia.
The capital of Australia is Canberra, located in the Australian Capital Territory.
Yes, each of Australia's six states has its own capital.
The capitals of the Australian states are:
- Sydney (New South Wales)
- Brisbane (Queensland)
- Hobart (Tasmania)
- Melbourne (Victoria)
- Adelaide (South Australia)
- Perth (Western Australia)
Australia has two internal territories: the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory. There are also seven external territories: the Ashmore and Cartier Islands, the Australian Antarctic Territory, Christmas Island, the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, the Coral Sea Islands, Heard Island and McDonald Islands, and Norfolk Island.
