Leslie Massey
Australia, officially known as the Commonwealth of Australia, is a sovereign state comprising the Australian continent's interior, the island of Tasmania, and several smaller islands. It is the smallest continent and one of the largest countries on Earth, with Canberra as its capital. Australia is divided into six states and two territories, each with distinct environments, cultures, and attractions. The Australian region, also known as Oceania, encompasses 14 independent countries, including Australia itself, New Zealand, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and Samoa, each with its own capital city.
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What You'll Learn
Australia's capital, Canberra
Australia is a sovereign state made up of the Australian continent's interior, the island of Tasmania, and several smaller islands. It is also referred to as the "island continent" and is considered the biggest island in the world. Australia has six states and two territories, with Canberra as its capital.
Canberra is the capital of Australia and is located in the Australian Capital Territory in southeastern Australia. It is about 150 miles (240 km) southwest of Sydney. Canberra was founded and formally named in 1913, following a dispute over whether Sydney or Melbourne should be the national capital. It is an entirely planned city, with a design by American architects Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahony Griffin, who won a worldwide competition for their plan. Burley Griffin's design included Lake Burley Griffin, an ornamental water axis formed by a dam across the Molonglo River.
Canberra is home to many important institutions of the federal government, national monuments, and museums. These include Parliament House, Government House, the High Court building, the Royal Military College Duntroon, the Royal Australian Mint, the Australian Institute of Sport, the National Gallery, the National Museum, and the National Library. The city also hosts all foreign embassies in Australia and is a cultural hub with a thriving arts scene.
As a tourist destination, Canberra offers iconic museums and galleries, as well as classic experiences such as its thriving cool-climate wine region. The city is well-known for its national attractions, but it also boasts a rich local arts scene and heritage sites. Canberra is surrounded by nature, with popular lookouts, challenging hikes, and mountain bike trails in the inner suburbs. The city is also home to a rich foodie culture, with award-winning coffee, long lunches, and craft beers.
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Papua New Guinea's capital, Port Moresby
Australia, or the Commonwealth of Australia, is a sovereign state made up of the Australian continent's interior, the island of Tasmania, and several other smaller islands. Australia, the sixth-biggest country by land area, is frequently referred to as the "island continent". The Australian continent includes three independent nations: Australia, Papua New Guinea, and New Zealand.
Port Moresby has a rich colonial history that began in 1873 when British explorer Captain John Moresby explored and named the harbour after his father. The area became part of British New Guinea and was later administered by Germany in the north and Australia in the south. After World War I, Australia governed the entire territory, and Port Moresby became the administrative centre. In 1945, the Territory of Papua and New Guinea was formed when Papua and the former German New Guinea were amalgamated under a single Australian administration. Port Moresby became the capital of the new combined territory.
Port Moresby gained city status in 1972, and in 1975, it became the capital of an independent Papua New Guinea. The city reflects Papua New Guinea's cultural diversity, with residents from all 22 provinces contributing to its multicultural identity. English is widely spoken, and it is the official language, but Tok Pisin and Motu are also commonly used. As the gateway to Papua New Guinea, Port Moresby offers a mix of cultural, natural, and historical attractions, including the Papua New Guinea National Museum and National Library, located in Waigani.
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New Zealand's capital, Wellington
Australia, or the Commonwealth of Australia, is a sovereign state comprising the Australian continent's interior, the island of Tasmania, and several smaller islands. It is frequently referred to as the "island continent" and is considered the largest island in the world. Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea are the three independent nations that make up the Australian continent.
Now, let's focus on New Zealand and its capital, Wellington:
Wellington is the capital city of New Zealand, located at the southwestern tip of the North Island. It is nestled between the Cook Strait and the Remutaka Range and is known for its vibrant culture, diverse cuisine, and picturesque natural surroundings. The city has served as New Zealand's capital since 1865, and it is the administrative centre of the Wellington Region. It is the world's southernmost capital of a sovereign state and is known for its windy conditions, earning the nickname "Windy Wellington."
Wellington has a rich history and cultural significance. The city's name is derived from Arthur Wellesley, the first Duke of Wellington, who won the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. The original settlers of the New Zealand Company chose this name in recognition of the Duke's support for their principles of colonisation. In the Māori language, Wellington has three names, with "Te Whanganui-a-Tara" meaning "the great harbour of Tara," referring to the city's harbour.
Wellington is a compact city with a unique mix of culture, history, nature, and cuisine. The city boasts a diverse range of restaurants, bars, and cafes, earning a reputation as New Zealand's culinary capital. It is also known for its street art, sculpture walks, and world-class museums such as Te Papa. The Wellington Cable Car offers stunning views of the city, and nature enthusiasts can explore the nearby Remutaka Cycle Trail, the Escarpment Track, and Oriental Bay, the city's inner-city beach.
Wellington is also a hub for film and special effects, with a thriving creative industry. It is known as the cultural capital of New Zealand, and its diverse and youth-driven culture has been recognised through various livability rankings. The city is easily accessible through its transport network, including train, bus, and ferry connections to the South Island.
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Norfolk Island's capital, Kingston
Australia, officially known as the Commonwealth of Australia, is a sovereign state that includes the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and several smaller islands. It is considered the world's smallest continent and is occasionally referred to as the "island continent." Australia is a highly urbanised country with a population of nearly 28 million people, and its capital cities are home to a significant portion of its population.
The Australian region, also known as Oceania, encompasses 14 independent countries spread across the Pacific Ocean, including both island nations and mainland Australia. While Canberra is the capital of Australia, there are other territories and external territories within the Australian sphere that have their own capitals.
Norfolk Island, located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean about 1,041 miles northeast of Sydney, is one such external territory of Australia. With a rugged volcanic terrain, the island is small, covering an area of only about 34 to 35 square kilometers. The island's population was recorded as 2,188 in the 2021 census, though an earlier count in 2016 put the number at 1,748. The descendants of mutineers from the HMS Bounty who were transferred from Pitcairn Island in 1856, as well as later settlers from Australia and New Zealand, make up the island's population.
The capital of Norfolk Island is Kingston, a historic town with a ceremonial role. Kingston was founded in 1788 by Lt. Philip Gidley King and other settlers, who constructed many of the buildings that still stand today. The Kingston and Arthurs Vale Historic Area stretches to the island's southern coast along Emily Bay and has been recognised by UNESCO as an iconic historical site. Kingston is home to the Government House, the official residence of the Administrator, as well as other government buildings such as the court, Legislative Assembly, and Administration offices. The town also boasts two Anglican churches: All Saints Kingston and St Barnabas Chapel, both part of the Diocese of Sydney.
While Kingston is the administrative centre, Burnt Pine is the island's commercial hub and largest settlement, featuring the shopping centre, post office, and other amenities. Norfolk Island's economy is largely driven by tourism, with many islanders employed in the industry. The island's natural attractions, such as the Norfolk National Park, Anson Bay, and Emily Bay, draw approximately 30,000 tourists annually, particularly from New Zealand.
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New South Wales' capital, Sydney
Australia is a sovereign state made up of the Australian continent's interior, the island of Tasmania, and several smaller islands. It is frequently referred to as the "island continent" and is considered the largest island in the world. Australia has six states and two territories.
New South Wales (NSW) is one of these states, located on the east coast of Australia. NSW's state capital is Sydney, which is also the country's largest and most populous city. The city is known for its sparkling beaches, rugged outback, hazy mountain ranges, and lush, subtropical forests. Sydney is a popular tourist destination, with its iconic landmarks, sophisticated dining scene, and accessible location.
The state of New South Wales offers a diverse range of attractions and experiences. It boasts stunning coastlines, including popular beaches such as Port Stephens and Byron Bay. The Blue Mountains, with their misty waterfalls and photogenic spots, are a favourite among visitors. NSW also has a thriving wine industry, with renowned regions like Mudgee and the Hunter Valley inviting tourists to indulge in wine-tasting experiences.
Sydney, as the capital of New South Wales, serves as a gateway to the state's beauty and culture. The city itself offers a vibrant blend of urban life and natural wonders. It is easily accessible, with international flights arriving daily from around the world. Sydney's Central station is a major transport hub, connecting the city to other parts of the state and country via train services.
As the nation's biggest city, Sydney is a bustling metropolis with a rich history. It was the site of the first British settlement in Australia in 1788 and has grown to become the heart of New South Wales, attracting visitors from all over the globe.
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Frequently asked questions
Australia and Oceania consist of 14 independent countries and 12 dependent overseas territories.
The capitals of some of these countries are: Canberra (Australia), Wellington (New Zealand), Suva (Fiji), and Port Moresby (Papua New Guinea).
Australia is divided into six states and two territories. The states are New South Wales (Sydney), Victoria (Melbourne), Queensland (Brisbane), Western Australia (Perth), South Australia (Adelaide), and Tasmania. The territories are the Northern Territory (Darwin) and the Australian Capital Territory (Canberra).
The capital of the Australian Capital Territory is Canberra.
