Ruqayyah Snyder
Australia is divided into six states: New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, and Western Australia. In addition, there are ten federal territories, three of which are internal: the Australian Capital Territory, the Jervis Bay Territory, and the Northern Territory. The remaining seven are external territories. Each state and internal territory has its own independent executive government, legislature, and judicial system, while the external territories have local government status overseen by federal departments.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of States | 6 |
| Number of Territories | 10 |
| Number of Internal Territories | 3 |
| Number of External Territories | 7 |
| States | New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, Western Australia |
| Territories | Northern Territory, Australian Capital Territory, Jervis Bay Territory, Ashmore and Cartier Islands, Australian Antarctic Territory, Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Coral Sea Islands, Heard Island and McDonald Islands, Norfolk Island |
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What You'll Learn
Australia has six federated states
New South Wales, the ultimate all-rounder destination, boasts indulgent wine regions, pristine seaside villages, and mountain wilderness. The state's capital, Sydney, is the nation's biggest city. Queensland, known as the 'Sunshine State', is a subtropical stretch of 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.
South Australia, often referred to as the 'Festival State', is known for its thriving arts scene and hosts more than 500 events and festivals annually. Tasmania, an island state separated from mainland Australia by the Bass Strait, offers dazzling beaches, rugged mountains, and breathtaking walks and hikes. Victoria, with its capital Melbourne, is the cultural heart of Australia. It boasts incredible museums and galleries, as well as the majestic Grampians National Park and the Heritage-listed Great Ocean Road.
Finally, Western Australia, the largest state, is situated on the west coast of the country. It features diverse attractions such as the dramatic Kimberley Region, the idyllic Rottnest Island, and the premium wine and surf region of Margaret River. So, while Australia has six federated states, it also has ten federal territories, including internal territories like the Australian Capital Territory and external territories like the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. Each state and territory contributes to the country's rich diversity and offers unique experiences for locals and visitors alike.
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There are ten federal territories
Australia is divided into six states and ten federal territories. The states are New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, and Western Australia.
The ten federal territories consist of three internal territories and seven external territories. The internal territories are the Australian Capital Territory, the Jervis Bay Territory, and the Northern Territory. The Australian Capital Territory is home to Canberra, the seat of the federal government. The Northern Territory is known for its national parks, including Kakadu National Park, King's Canyon, and Litchfield National Park, as well as the iconic Uluru.
The seven external territories are 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. These offshore dependent territories are legally subordinate to the federal government.
Each state and internal territory (except the Jervis Bay Territory) is self-governing, with its own independent executive government, legislature, and judicial system. They have the authority to legislate on matters concerning their citizens, within the limits of the federal constitution.
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Each state has its own government
Australia is divided into six states: New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, and Western Australia. Each of these states has its own government, with the power to legislate on matters concerning its citizens, subject to the limits of the federal constitution. The states are partially sovereign, having ceded some rights to the federal government.
The state of New South Wales includes Lord Howe Island and boasts indulgent wine regions, pristine seaside villages, and mountain wilderness. The nation's biggest city, Sydney, is located in this state. Queensland, known as the 'Sunshine State', is a subtropical stretch of 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 of South Australia, known as the 'Festival State', is one of the most laid-back destinations in the country, with over 500 events and festivals taking place each year.
Tasmania, often referred to as 'Tassie', is an island state separated from mainland Australia by the Bass Strait. It offers dazzling beaches, rugged mountains, and gorgeous rivers. Victoria, with its capital in Melbourne, is the thriving heart of culture in Australia. It boasts incredible museums, galleries, and natural wonders like the Grampians National Park and the Heritage-listed Great Ocean Road. Western Australia, the largest state, is situated on the west coast of the country. It features diverse attractions such as the dramatic Kimberley Region, Rottnest Island, and the premium wine and surf region of Margaret River.
In addition to these six states, Australia also has ten federal territories, three of which are internal: the Australian Capital Territory, the Jervis Bay Territory, and the Northern Territory. The Northern Territory, at the top end of Australia, showcases iconic destinations such as Kakadu National Park, King's Canyon, and the famous Uluru.
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The Northern Territory is home to Darwin
Australia is a large country that is often considered a continent in its own right, and it is made up of several unique and diverse regions. While there is some debate and variation in how Australia is divided, it is commonly recognised as having six states and two territories. These are New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, Western Australia, the Australian Capital Territory, and the Northern Territory. Each state and territory has its own capital city, and one of these is Darwin, the capital of the Northern Territory.
The Northern Territory is a federal Australian territory, occupying a vast expanse of the central and central-north regions of Australia. It is bordered by Western Australia to the west, South Australia to the south, and Queensland to the east. The Northern Territory covers a total area of 1,349,129 square kilometres, making it the third-largest Australian federal division, and it has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons. The territory is best known for its rugged Outback landscapes, iconic Uluru (Ayers Rock), and the vibrant, modern city of Darwin.
Darwin is the capital and largest city of the Northern Territory, situated on the Timor Sea. It is a modern, multicultural city with a population of over 150,000 people, and it is the smallest, northernmost, and most sparsely populated of the Australian capital cities. Darwin has a tropical climate, experiencing hot and humid weather for much of the year, and it is known for its vibrant outdoor lifestyle, diverse food scene, and Indigenous and multicultural influences.
Darwin is a unique and dynamic city with a rich history and culture. It has been rebuilt twice due to destruction from World War II air raids and Cyclone Tracy in 1974, and today it boasts a modern and vibrant atmosphere. The city is a gateway to some of Australia's most iconic natural attractions, including Kakadu National Park, Litchfield National Park, and the Tiwi Islands. Darwin is also known for its sunset markets, vibrant festivals, and as a base for exploring the nearby Outback and Indigenous rock art sites.
The Northern Territory and its capital, Darwin, offer a unique Australian experience with a blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and cultural diversity. From the rugged Outback to the modern cityscape, this region showcases the country's vast and varied landscape and its ancient Indigenous heritage alongside a vibrant, multicultural society. For those seeking an authentic and off-the-beaten-path Australian adventure, the Northern Territory is a must-visit destination.
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The Federal Capital Territory includes Canberra
Australia is divided into six states and ten federal territories, three of which are internal territories. The Federal Capital Territory, now known as the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), is one of the three internal territories. The territory includes Canberra, the capital city of Australia, and is located in southeastern Australia. Canberra is about 150 miles (240 km) southwest of Sydney.
The Federal Capital Territory was established in 1911 when the New South Wales government ceded the district to the federal government. The site was chosen following a long dispute over whether Sydney or Melbourne should be the national capital. As a compromise, it was agreed that the new capital would be built in New South Wales, provided that it was at least 100 miles (160 km) from Sydney, with Melbourne serving as the temporary seat of government during the construction of the new capital.
The specific site of the Federal Capital Territory was the subject of further debate, with several towns in New South Wales considered. Initially, Dalgety was chosen by the federal parliament, and the Seat of Government Act 1904 was passed, confirming Dalgety as the nation's capital. However, the New South Wales government refused to cede the territory as they did not accept the site. Eventually, in 1906, an agreement was reached to establish the capital in the Yass-Canberra region, as it was closer to Sydney. The Seat of Government Act 1908 was passed, specifying Canberra as the capital.
The design of the new capital was the subject of an international competition launched in 1911. The winning plan was submitted by American architect Walter Burley Griffin, and construction began in 1913 but was interrupted by World War I. Canberra officially became the capital in 1927 when the federal parliament moved from Melbourne to the new capital. Today, Canberra is home to the Parliament House, the High Court of Australia, and the head offices of many Australian Government agencies.
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Frequently asked questions
There are 6 states in Australia.
The 6 states of Australia are New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, and Western Australia.
There are 10 federal territories in Australia, 3 of which are internal territories.
The territories of Australia include the Australian Capital Territory, the Northern Territory, Norfolk Island, Jervis Bay Territory, and the Australian Antarctic Territory.
The majority of Australians (79%) live in the eastern coastal mainland states of New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, and the Australian Capital Territory.
