Leslie Massey
Australia is surrounded by thousands of islands and is often referred to as an island continent. The country is divided into six states and two territories, with five states on the mainland and one state that is an island: Tasmania. Tasmania is separated from mainland Australia by the Bass Strait and is home to breathtaking landscapes, dazzling beaches, rugged mountains, and winding rivers. Australia has a total of 8,222 islands within its maritime borders, ranging from small rocks to islands larger than 1,000 square kilometres.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of states | 6 |
| Number of territories | 10 |
| Number of islands | 8,222 |
| Number of external territories | 7 |
| Number of internal territories | 3 |
| States that are islands | 1 (Tasmania) |
| States with islands | New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Western Australia |
| Capital cities | 8 |
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What You'll Learn
Tasmania, the only island state, is 100+ miles from the mainland
Australia is surrounded by thousands of islands, including the world's largest sand island, K'gari. However, only one of its six states is an island: Tasmania, separated from the mainland by the Bass Strait. Tasmania, also known as 'Tassie', boasts dazzling beaches, rugged mountains, and winding rivers, all set amidst some of the most picturesque landscapes on Earth. Its capital, Hobart, is a cosmopolitan city with a range of attractions for families and food and wine enthusiasts alike.
Tasmania is Australia's smallest state by population, with 570,000 residents, and the largest island in the country, spanning 24,911 square miles. It is followed by Melville Island in the Northern Territory, which covers 2,234 square miles.
Australia's six states are New South Wales (which includes Lord Howe Island), Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, and Western Australia. While Tasmania is the only island state, several other islands are larger than 1,000 square kilometres, including K'gari in Queensland, Kangaroo Island in South Australia, and Groote Eylandt in the Northern Territory.
Australia also has ten federal territories, three of which are internal territories: the Australian Capital Territory, the Jervis Bay Territory, and the Northern Territory. The remaining seven are external territories, including Norfolk Island, Christmas Island, and the Australian Antarctic Territory.
Tasmania is indeed a microcosm of Australia, the world's largest island continent.
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Queensland, home to the Whitsunday Islands
Australia is divided into six states and two territories. The six states are New South Wales (including Lord Howe Island), Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania (including Macquarie Island), Victoria, and Western Australia.
Queensland, also known as the 'Sunshine State', is a subtropical stretch of land in the northeast of Australia. It is home to the Whitsunday Islands, a group of 74 continental islands of various sizes. The Whitsunday Islands are located off the central coast of Queensland, about 900 kilometres (560 miles) north of Brisbane. The northernmost islands are off the coast of the town of Bowen, while the southernmost islands are off the coast of Proserpine. The island group is centred on Whitsunday Island, while the commercial centre is Hamilton Island.
The Whitsunday Islands are a popular tourist destination, particularly for travellers interested in the Great Barrier Reef. The area is one of the most popular yachting destinations in the Southern Hemisphere, with about 700,000 visitors between March 2008 and March 2009. The Whitsunday Ngaro Sea Trail offers a mix of seaways and short walks, crossing South Molle, Hook, and Whitsunday Islands. The islands also feature the white sands of Whitehaven Beach.
The Whitsunday Islands provide a range of accommodation options, from camping to large resorts. Visitors can charter a yacht or bareboat to explore the seaways, beaches, and coves. The Ngaro Whitsundays Underwater Art Trail, featuring sculptures of marine life, is another attraction in the area. The Whitsunday Islands offer opportunities for snorkelling, kayaking, sailing, and other water sports, making it an ideal destination for outdoor activities and adventures.
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New South Wales includes Lord Howe Island
Australia is divided into six states and two territories. Of these, Tasmania and New South Wales are islands. New South Wales (NSW) is the ultimate all-rounder destination, with the Sapphire Coast to the south, the Central Coast to the north, and the Blue Mountains to the west. The state is home to the nation's biggest city, Sydney, which is settled on the shores of Port Jackson.
The island was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982, in recognition of its global significance in terms of beauty and biodiversity. The surrounding waters are a protected region designated the Lord Howe Island Marine Park. The island is also home to the world's southernmost coral reef, which protects a crystal-clear lagoon perfect for swimming and other water sports.
Lord Howe Island is a paradise for nature lovers, with its pristine waters, spectacular walks and hikes through subtropical forests and along coastal ridges. The island is also a birdwatcher's dream, with 14 species of seabirds choosing this island paradise to nest and raise their chicks.
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Victoria, home to Melbourne, the 'Most Liveable City'
Australia is divided into six states and two territories. The six states are New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, and Western Australia. Out of these, Tasmania is an island state.
Victoria, home to Melbourne, is a thriving cultural hub in Australia. Melbourne has been consistently ranked as one of the world's most liveable cities. In 2024, it was ranked as the 4th most liveable city in the world and the most liveable city in Australia by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU). The EIU assessed 173 cities based on five major categories: stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure. Melbourne scored a perfect 100/100 in education, healthcare, and infrastructure, with impressive ratings in culture and environment, and stability. The city also has a diverse cultural landscape, with over 40% of its residents born overseas and approximately 39% of people speaking a language other than English.
Melbourne is also an affordable city compared to other global cities like Hong Kong, Singapore, and Sydney. The city boasts a well-connected public transport network and a unique climate with warm summers, moderate autumns, cool winters, and bright springs. Melbourne's geographical location ensures clean air and a lack of air pollution, which is common in other major cities.
Melbourne is also a top student city, welcoming over 230,000 international students annually. The city has world-class universities and research facilities, and Victoria is known as the 'Education State' due to its commitment to improving educational outcomes for all learners. The city also has a vibrant arts scene, with the National Gallery of Victoria, the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art, and various Aboriginal art galleries showcasing the country's diverse cultures and history.
Melbourne's liveability is further enhanced by its proximity to the countryside, offering residents a range of outdoor activities and experiences within easy reach. The city also hosts exciting events like the Formula One Grand Prix, the Boxing Day Test, the Australian Open, music festivals, exhibitions, and cultural experiences, making it a dynamic and engaging place to live.
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Western Australia, the largest state by area
Australia is surrounded by thousands of islands and is itself considered the world's largest island. The country is divided into six states, two territories, and eight capital cities. Western Australia (WA) is the westernmost state of Australia, occupying the western 32.9% of the country's land area, excluding external territories. It is bounded by the Indian Ocean to the north and west, the Southern Ocean to the south, the Northern Territory to the northeast, and South Australia to the southeast.
Western Australia is the largest state in Australia, with a total land area of 2,527,013 square kilometres (975,685 sq mi). It is also the second-largest subdivision of any country on Earth, only surpassed by Russia's Sakha Republic. The state has a diverse range of climates, including tropical conditions in the Kimberley region, deserts in the interior (such as the Great Sandy Desert and the Little Sandy Desert), and a Mediterranean climate in the southwest and southern coastal areas. The sandstone gorges of the Kimberley, on the northern coast, are a notable feature of the state's geography.
The state has a population of approximately 2.965 million people as of June 2024, representing 10.9% of Australia's total population. Over 90% of Western Australia's population is concentrated in the southwest corner, with around 80% living in the state capital, Perth. The remainder of the state is sparsely populated. The state's primary industries include agriculture, pastoralism, forestry, and fishing, while it also boasts a significant iron ore mining industry and offshore petroleum and natural gas resources.
Western Australia is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. There are approximately 630 species of birds in the state, with around 15 of those being endemic. The southwestern corner of the state and the area around Broome and the Kimberley are particularly notable for birdwatching. The state also boasts an impressive array of plant life, with 10,162 published native vascular plant species and an additional 1,196 species that have been recognised but are not yet published.
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Frequently asked questions
One. Tasmania is the only island state in Australia.
No, Tasmania is separated from mainland Australia by the Bass Strait.
Tasmania has a population of 570,000.
Australia has 8,222 islands within its maritime borders, including the world's largest sand island, K'gari.
Yes, Australia has six external territories that are islands: Norfolk Island, Coral Sea Islands, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Christmas Island, Ashmore and Cartier Islands, and Heard Island and McDonald Islands.
