Leslie Massey
Australia is a union of six states and two territories. The six states are New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, and Western Australia. The two territories are the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). In addition, Australia also has several minor territories, including the inhabited external territories of Norfolk Island, Christmas Island, and Cocos (Keeling) Islands.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of states | Six |
| States | New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania |
| Number of territories | Two internal territories and six external territories |
| Internal territories | Northern Territory, Australian Capital Territory |
| External territories | Norfolk Island, Coral Sea Islands, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Christmas Island, Ashmore and Cartier Islands, Heard Island and McDonald Islands |
Explore related products
![Land-Grant Railway Across Central Australia. The Northern Territory of the State of South Australia as a Field for Enterprise and Capital. Boundless Resources: Pastoral, 1902 [Leather Bound]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/617DLHXyzlL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
What You'll Learn
Australia's six states
Australia is made up of six states and two territories. The six states are New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, and Tasmania. Each state has its own unique mix of environments, cultures, and attractions.
New South Wales, the most populous state, is known for its indulgent wine regions, pristine seaside villages, and mountain wilderness. Its capital, Sydney, is home to iconic landmarks such as Sydney Harbour, the Sydney Opera House, and Bondi Beach. Victoria, with its capital Melbourne, is considered the cultural heart of Australia. Melbourne has been named the 'Most Liveable City in the World' multiple times due to its cultural diversity, modern cityscape, and friendly atmosphere.
Queensland, known as the 'Sunshine State', boasts a subtropical climate and attractions such as the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree Rainforest, and the Whitsunday Islands. Western Australia, the largest state, offers a diverse range of experiences, from the Kimberley Region to the idyllic Rottnest Island and the Margaret River wine and surf region. Its capital, Perth, is known for its serene beaches and fresh seafood.
South Australia, with its capital Adelaide, is another state renowned for its wine regions, while Tasmania, a picturesque island state, offers stunning landscapes, rugged mountains, and breathtaking walks and hikes. Its capital, Hobart, provides a cosmopolitan atmosphere with nearby regional towns, food and wine trails, and family-friendly activities.
In addition to these six states, Australia also includes two internal territories: the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), which contains Canberra.
Dental Assistant: A Good Career Move in Australia?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![Australia [Region 2]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51AW8466zIL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
![Australian Rules [Region 4]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71A7of9rAiL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
Two internal territories
Australia is divided into six states and two internal territories. The two internal territories are the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT).
The Northern Territory is a must-visit for those seeking to experience quintessential Australia, including breathtaking landscapes, iconic wildlife, and authentic Aboriginal culture. It boasts some of the country's most famous national parks, including Kakadu National Park, King's Canyon, and Litchfield National Park, as well as the renowned Uluru.
The Australian Capital Territory, home to the nation's capital, Canberra, offers a blend of nature and culture. It is known for its cosmopolitan atmosphere and cultural institutions, including the National Gallery of Australia, the National Museum of Australia, and Parliament House.
Each of the internal territories has its own government structure. The Northern Territory's government is led by a "chief minister," who is typically the leader of the legislative assembly's controlling party and is appointed by the administrator. On the other hand, the Australian Capital Territory's legislative assembly is unique in that it has responsibility for both territory and local government functions.
In addition to the two internal territories, Australia also administers several external territories, including Norfolk Island, Ashmore and Cartier Islands, Christmas Island, and Cocos (Keeling) Islands, among others.
Australian Property Ownership: Legal Framework Explained
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Six external territories
Australia has six states and two internal territories. In addition, Australia administers six external territories:
- Norfolk Island: This territory is known for its indigenous pine species, Araucaria excelsa. Norfolk Island possessed a degree of self-government from 1979 until 2015.
- Coral Sea Islands: These islands were once a part of Queensland and are scattered over 400,000 square miles (1,000,000 square kilometres).
- Cocos (Keeling) Islands: Consisting of 27 islands in two atolls, these islands are known for their relaxing beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and the fascinating Cocos Malay culture. The islands voted for integration in 1984 and are now part of the Australian Indian Ocean Territories.
- Christmas Island: Christmas Island, a part of the Australian Indian Ocean Territories, is known for its unique attractions, including some of the world's best diving spots and an annual crab migration.
- Ashmore and Cartier Islands: These islands are located in the Indian Ocean and were accepted by Australia in 1934.
- Heard Island and McDonald Islands: Although uninhabited, these islands are considered constitutionally part of Australia. They were transferred from Britain to Australia in 1947 and are governed by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.
In addition to these six external territories, Australia also claims the right to administer a portion of Antarctica, called the Australian Antarctic Territory.
Caring for Geckos: An Australian Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$30.75 $32.99
![National Geographic Road Atlas 2026: Adventure Edition [United States, Canada, Mexico]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81rRihqWqgL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
![National Geographic Road Atlas 2026: Scenic Drives Edition [United States, Canada, Mexico]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/814R4OsGtCL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
Jervis Bay Territory
Australia is made up of six states and two internal territories. The Jervis Bay Territory is an internal territory of Australia, which was established in 1915. The laws of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) apply to the Jervis Bay Territory, and its residents are represented in the Parliament of Australia as part of the Electoral Division of Fenner. The Jervis Bay Territory is administered by various federal government departments, including the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts.
The Jervis Bay Territory has a population of 391, with a median age of 32, according to the 2016 Census. 52.4% of the population is Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, and the majority work in defence. The territory includes the settlements of Greenpatch, Hyams Beach, and Bowen Island, and is known for its recreational fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, and scuba diving. It is also home to the Royal Australian Naval College (HMAS Creswell).
The Jervis Bay Territory is unique in that it is a completely separate territory, administered by a combination of ACT government agencies, NSW government agencies, Shoalhaven City Council, and commercial contractors. The territory has a rich history, with Aboriginal Australian people living in the area for thousands of years. The area underwent significant change 18,000 to 7,500 years ago when rising sea levels displaced coastal inhabitants, resulting in population redistribution.
The Jervis Bay Territory is also known for its natural beauty, including the exquisitely beautiful and ecologically important Booderee National Park, which makes up around three-quarters of the territory. The park is one of only three in Australia owned and managed by traditional owners, the local Wreck Bay Community. The Jervis Bay Territory is a popular tourist destination, with its stunning white sand beaches and safe haven for rare and endangered species.
Australia's Big Dry: Climate Change Impact
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Australian Antarctic Territory
Australia comprises six states and two internal territories. In addition, Australia administers six external territories and a large portion of Antarctica, known as the Australian Antarctic Territory (AAT).
The AAT covers nearly 5.9 million square kilometres, which is about 42% of Antarctica. This area is nearly 80% of the size of Australia itself. The territory includes all islands and territories south of 60°S, between 44°38'E and 160°E, except for Adelie Land, which divides the territory into Western AAT and Eastern AAT. The AAT is bounded by Queen Maud Land to the west and the Ross Dependency to the east.
The Australian Antarctic Division, through the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, administers the AAT by maintaining three year-round stations: Mawson, Davis, and Casey. These stations support various research projects. Australia has maintained a continuous scientific presence in the region since the establishment of the Mawson base on the coast of Mac. Robertson Land in 1954.
The AAT has been the subject of controversy regarding whaling in its territorial waters. Anti-whaling protest groups, such as the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, have actively opposed Japanese ships that claim to be on research expeditions, arguing that they are engaging in banned commercial whaling. While Australia has passed anti-whaling legislation, its sovereignty over the AAT is only recognised by the United Kingdom, New Zealand, France, and Norway.
Cone Shells: Australia's Coastal Treasures
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Australia is made up of six states and two major mainland territories, with several other minor territories.
The six states are New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, and Western Australia.
The two major mainland territories are the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT).
