Lexi Webster
Australia is a country with a vast array of cities and towns. The definition of a city varies between Australian states, with each state having different criteria for what constitutes a city. For instance, New South Wales has two types of cities: those acknowledged on the register of the Geographical Names Board, and local government areas that have been proclaimed as cities but are not acknowledged on the Geographical Names Register. Australia's capital city is Canberra, located within the Australian Capital Territory, while the country's largest city, in terms of population, is Melbourne, with 5,031,195 people calling it home.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition of a city | Varies between states |
| Number of states | 6 |
| Number of territories | 2 |
| Number of Greater Capital City Statistical Areas (GCCSAs) | 8 |
| Population of the most populous cities | Located within New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria |
| Population living in rural towns | 10% (as of 2014) |
| Examples of cities | Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, Darwin, Adelaide, Hobart |
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What You'll Learn
Australia has six states and two territories
Australia is divided into six states and two territories. Each state is a successor to a historical British colony and has its own constitution, legislature, executive government, judiciary, and law enforcement agencies. The six states are:
- New South Wales (NSW), which includes Lord Howe Island. The state's capital, Sydney, is Australia's largest city and is home to some of the country's most famous landmarks, including Sydney Harbour, the Sydney Opera House, and Bondi Beach. NSW boasts indulgent wine regions, pristine seaside villages, and mountain wilderness.
- Queensland (QLD), known as the 'Sunshine State'. This subtropical stretch of land in northeast Australia is home to the Great Barrier Reef, the ancient Daintree Rainforest, and the beautiful Whitsunday Islands. Its capital, Brisbane, enjoys an abundance of winter sunshine and warmth.
- South Australia (SA), a laid-back destination known for its thriving arts scene and more than 500 annual events and festivals. Its capital, Adelaide, is a great base for exploring the Barossa Valley wineries, the Flinders Ranges, and Kangaroo Island.
- Tasmania (TAS), an island state separated from mainland Australia by the Bass Strait. Tasmania has breathtaking landscapes and vast wilderness, with dazzling beaches, rugged mountains, and gorgeous rivers. Its capital, Hobart, is a cosmopolitan city close to quaint regional towns and exquisite food and wine trails.
- Victoria (VIC), the cultural heart of Australia. The state's capital, Melbourne, has been named the 'Most Liveable City in the World' multiple times due to its cultural diversity, modern cityscape, and friendly atmosphere. Victoria offers incredible museums, galleries, and natural wonders like the Grampians National Park and the Great Ocean Road.
- Western Australia (WA), the largest state in Australia, situated on the west coast. This vast state includes the dramatic Kimberley Region, the idyllic Rottnest Island, and the premium wine and surf region of Margaret River. Its capital, Perth, is known for its serene, uncrowded beaches, parklands, and fresh seafood.
In addition to these six states, Australia also has two territories: the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and the Northern Territory (NT). The ACT, home to the nation's capital, Canberra, blends nature and culture with monuments, museums, lakes, and wild wetlands. The Northern Territory, with its capital in Darwin, showcases quintessential Australia, featuring sublime landscapes, emblematic wildlife, and authentic Aboriginal culture.
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Sydney is the nation's biggest city
Australia is a massive country with massive cities. Sydney, the nation's biggest city, is a jewel in Australia's crown. It is the financial hub of the country and home to many of Australia's biggest businesses. It is also where many international companies choose to set up their Australian branches. Sydney has a thriving ecosystem of businesses, imports, and exports, and tourism is a significant contributor to its economy.
Sydney is commonly mistaken for the capital of Australia. Although it is not the capital, Australia heavily relies on the money brought in by Sydney. The city has a large population, and only 20,000 people make up the difference between Sydney and Melbourne, the second-largest city. Sydney is also geographically larger than New York City and London, with an area of 12,368 km2.
Sydney is part of New South Wales, which has two types of "cities": cities acknowledged on the register of the Geographical Names Board of New South Wales and local government areas proclaimed as cities but not acknowledged on the Geographical Names Register. Sydney is settled on the shores of Port Jackson and is the bustling capital of New South Wales, the ultimate all-rounder destination. It is surrounded by the Sapphire Coast to the south, the Central Coast to the north, and the Blue Mountains to the west.
Sydney's growth can be attributed to the discovery of large gold deposits nearby after it was settled, leading to eras of prosperity. The city has a lot to offer, from its iconic landmarks and pristine beaches to its vibrant culture and diverse population. It is known for its friendly atmosphere and is a popular destination for tourists and immigrants alike.
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Melbourne has been voted the 'Most Liveable City in the World'
Australia is divided into six states and two territories, with each state having its own capital city. The country's most populous cities are located within New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria.
Melbourne, the capital of Victoria, has been voted the Most Liveable City in the World multiple times. In 2024, it was ranked as the third and fourth most liveable city in the world. It was also crowned the world's friendliest city in 2022 by William Russell. Melbourne has a thriving economy, a vibrant culture, and a stable and cohesive society. The city boasts a rich arts and culinary scene, easy access to nature, and a commitment to sustainability.
Melbourne's modern infrastructure supports business growth, liveability, and seamless connectivity. The city has a well-connected transport network, including efficient trains, trams, buses, and road systems. It also has world-class digital infrastructure, with high-speed internet, robust utilities, and state-of-the-art facilities that support innovation and business expansion.
Melbourne is known for its exceptional quality of life, with a range of housing options available, from inner-city apartments to quieter suburbs within an easy commute. The city has a unique climate with warm summers, moderate autumns, cool winters, and bright springs. It also has clean air quality, free from the high levels of air pollution common in other major cities.
Melbourne is a global leader in healthcare and education. The city is home to globally renowned research institutions, medical innovation hubs, and state-of-the-art hospitals and healthcare facilities. It has a world-class education system, with 10 top universities, a network of internationally recognised vocational training institutions, and over 1,300 schools, ensuring access to high-quality education from early childhood to university.
With its cultural diversity, modern cityscape, and friendly atmosphere, Melbourne offers an ideal environment for businesses to flourish and individuals to enjoy a high quality of life.
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Criteria for city status varies between states
Australia is divided into six states and two territories, with each state having its own criteria for conferring city status. While the exact definition of a city varies between states, some common factors come into play. These include population, population density, number of dwellings, economic function, and infrastructure.
In New South Wales, there are two types of "cities": those acknowledged on the register of the Geographical Names Board of New South Wales, and local government areas that have been proclaimed as cities but are not acknowledged on the Geographical Names Register. Notably, since 1993, only local government areas in New South Wales can be officially declared "cities" by the Government, as per the Local Government Act 1993. Interestingly, the current version of this Act does not specify any criteria for city status, while a previous version mentioned a population threshold of 25,000 and the requirement to be an independent centre of population.
The state of Queensland, also known as the 'Sunshine State', is located in the northeast of Australia and is a popular destination for sun-seekers and beachgoers. The state's capital, Brisbane, is known for its warm climate and abundance of outdoor activities.
Victoria, with its capital Melbourne, is the cultural heart of Australia. Melbourne has been recognised as the 'Most Liveable City in the World' on multiple occasions, owing to its cultural diversity, modern cityscape, and welcoming atmosphere.
Western Australia, the largest state, is situated on the west coast. Its capital, Perth, is renowned for its serene beaches, parklands, and fresh seafood.
At the top end of Australia lies the Northern Territory, with its capital city, Darwin. This territory showcases the quintessential Australian outback experience, featuring iconic natural landmarks such as Kakadu National Park, King's Canyon, and Uluru.
South Australia, with its capital Adelaide, offers a laid-back atmosphere and a thriving arts scene, earning it the nickname the 'Festival State'. Tasmania, an island state separated from mainland Australia, boasts breathtaking natural landscapes and the cosmopolitan capital city of Hobart.
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The most populous cities are in New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria
Australia is a country comprising six states: New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, and Tasmania. The definition of a "city" in Australia varies between these states. For instance, only local government areas in New South Wales can be declared "cities" by the Government, according to the Local Government Act 1993.
New South Wales, located on the east coast of Australia, has the highest population in the country, with 7,480,228 residents as of 2016. The state's most populous city is Sydney, which is also the most populous city in Australia. Sydney had a population of 4,321,535 as of the 2016 census, and this number is projected to reach 8.9 million by 2061. Sydney is followed by Newcastle, Central Coast, and Wollongong as the most populous cities in New South Wales. Newcastle, the second-most populous city in the state, had a population of 322,278 in 2016 and is located about 101 miles from Sydney. Central Coast, the third-most populous city in the state, had a population of 307,742 in 2016 and is known for its beautiful beaches and relaxed lifestyle.
Victoria is another state in Australia with a significant population. Its capital, Melbourne, is projected to overtake Sydney as the country's most populous city by 2053. Melbourne is known for its vibrant culture, diverse neighbourhoods, and thriving coffee scene. The state of Queensland is also home to several populous cities, including its capital, Brisbane. Brisbane is a bustling metropolitan area known for its sunny climate and outdoor attractions, such as the Brisbane River and the nearby Gold Coast.
While exact population rankings for cities in Queensland and Victoria were not readily available, it is clear that these two states, alongside New South Wales, are home to some of Australia's most populous and influential cities. These cities play a significant role in shaping the country's economy, culture, and overall development.
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Frequently asked questions
Australia is divided into six states and two territories, with eight capitals in total. However, the exact number of cities in Australia is unclear as the definition of a city varies between states. One source places the number at 317 prominent cities.
Some of the capital cities in Australia include:
- Sydney, New South Wales
- Darwin, Northern Territory
- Brisbane, Queensland
- Adelaide, South Australia
- Hobart, Tasmania
- Melbourne, Victoria
- Perth, Western Australia
The largest city in Australia is Melbourne, with an urban population of 5,031,195.
