Lyla Lindsey
Australia is a geographically large country with a relatively small population, so it has been divided into states and territories to help with administration. Australia is a federation of six states: New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, and Western Australia. Australia also has two internal territories: the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory, which contains Canberra, the nation's capital. In addition, Australia administers six external territories, including Norfolk Island and the Coral Sea Islands. Each state and territory has its own unique mix of environments, cultures, and rhythms, from rolling deserts and quaint capitals to lush rainforests and sun-soaked cities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of states and territories | 8 (6 states and 2 internal territories) |
| States | New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, Western Australia |
| Territories | Northern Territory, Australian Capital Territory |
| Federal territories | 10 3 internal territories and 6 external territories |
| Internal territories | Australian Capital Territory, Jervis Bay Territory |
| External territories | Norfolk Island, Coral Sea Islands, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Christmas Island, Ashmore and Cartier Islands, Heard Island and McDonald Islands |
| Capitals of states and territories | Perth, Darwin, Adelaide, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Hobart, Canberra |
| Most populous city | Sydney |
| Second most populous city | Melbourne |
| Capital of Australia | Canberra |
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What You'll Learn
- New South Wales, including Sydney, the most populated city in Australia
- Queensland, home to Brisbane, the Sunshine State
- Victoria, the smallest mainland state, with Melbourne, the second most populated city
- Western Australia, the largest state, with Perth, the only major city on the west coast
- Australian Capital Territory, including Canberra, the nation's capital
New South Wales, including Sydney, the most populated city in Australia
New South Wales is a state in Australia, located on the east coast of the country. It is bordered by Queensland to the north, Victoria and South Australia to the south and west, and the Tasman Sea to the east. New South Wales has the highest population of any state in Australia, with 8,153,000 residents as of 2022, and the majority of its residents live in the Greater Sydney region. The state also has the fastest-growing population in Australia, increasing by approximately 59,000 people each year.
Sydney, the capital of New South Wales, is the most populous city in Australia. It is located on the shores of Port Jackson and is known for its iconic landmarks, such as Sydney Harbour, the Sydney Opera House, and Bondi Beach. Sydney has a population of over 4 million people and is renowned for its cultural diversity, modern cityscape, and friendly atmosphere. The city has a warm temperate climate and offers a wide range of attractions, from its bustling metropolis to the nearby Blue Mountains and pristine seaside villages.
In addition to Sydney, New South Wales is home to other significant cities such as Newcastle, Central Coast, and Wollongong. The state is culturally diverse, with residents from over 300 cultural backgrounds and more than 275 languages spoken. It also has the largest population of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia, making up 3.4% of the state's population.
New South Wales boasts a strong economy, with a focus on agricultural production, biosecurity, natural resources, and emergency management. The state offers a diverse range of environments, from the arid Western Plains to the lush coastal regions. It is a popular destination for tourists, with something for everyone, including wine regions, mountain ranges, and sun-soaked beaches.
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Queensland, home to Brisbane, the Sunshine State
Queensland, affectionately known as the Sunshine State, is a subtropical stretch of land in the northeast of Australia. It is the second-largest state in the country, with a population of over 5.5 million. The capital and largest city in the state is Brisbane, which is also Australia's third-largest city. The city enjoys a subtropical climate and has the fastest-growing population of all Australian cities. It is a popular holiday destination, offering abundant outdoor activities, art galleries, museums, shopping, beaches, fine dining, and nightlife.
Queensland has a strong economy, with key sectors including mining, agriculture, transportation, international education, insurance, and banking. The state is home to several universities, including the University of Queensland, which was established in 1909 and frequently ranks among the world's top 50. International education is an important industry, with 134,312 international students enrolled in the state in 2018, many of whom are from Asia.
Queensland has a varied landscape, featuring tropical beaches, World Heritage-listed rainforests, a portion of the Outback, the Great Barrier Reef, and cozy beach communities. The Daintree Rainforest, located in Queensland, is the largest rainforest in Australia and is over 135 million years old. It boasts the largest and most diverse range of plants and animals on Earth. The state also boasts the Whitsunday Islands and Fraser Island, which is one of the largest sand islands in the world, known for its beautiful white sand beaches, dense rainforests, and freshwater lakes.
Queensland is a popular tourist destination, with millions of interstate and international visitors each year. The industry generates $8.8 billion annually, accounting for 4.5% of Queensland's Gross State Product. Popular tourist destinations in Queensland include Brisbane, the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast, Cairns, Port Douglas, and the Whitsunday Islands. The Sunshine Coast, located just an hour north of Brisbane, is known for its 100 kilometers of gorgeous beaches and quaint villages. It is also home to the internationally renowned Australia Zoo.
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Victoria, the smallest mainland state, with Melbourne, the second most populated city
Victoria is the smallest mainland state in Australia, with a total land area of 91,761 square miles. It is bordered by New South Wales to the north, South Australia to the west, the Bass Strait to the south, and the Tasman Sea to the southeast. Victoria is home to a diverse range of climates and geographical features, from its temperate coastal regions to the Victorian Alps in the northeast and the semi-arid northwest. The state is also home to numerous Aboriginal groups, including the Boonwurrung, the Bratauolung, and the Wurundjeri, among others.
The capital of Victoria is Melbourne, which is also the state's largest city and the second-largest city in Australia. Melbourne is the most populous city in Victoria, with a population of 4,725,316 as of 2016. The city is known for its cultural diversity, modern cityscape, and friendly atmosphere, having been named the "Most Liveable City in the World" on multiple occasions. Melbourne is home to some of Australia's best cafes and restaurants, and it attracts people from all over the world with its vibrant food scene and cultural offerings.
Melbourne's population consists of a mix of Australian-born residents and foreign-born inhabitants. According to the 2016 census, about 63.3% of Melbourne's residents are Australian-born, while the United Kingdom accounts for 3.4%, India for 2.7%, and China-born inhabitants at 2.3%. The city's cultural diversity is one of its defining characteristics, with a wide range of cuisines, languages, and cultural traditions represented.
In addition to Melbourne, Victoria is home to several other major cities, including Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, and Mildura. Geelong, located on Corio Bay, is the second-largest city in Victoria and is known for its urban area and vibrant suburbs. Ballarat, situated in the Central Highlands, is the third most populous city in the state and has experienced significant population growth in recent years. Bendigo, located near the geographic centre of Victoria in Mandurang, is also a significant urban centre in the state.
Victoria has a lot to offer visitors and residents alike. The state boasts incredible museums and galleries, the majestic Grampians National Park, and the Heritage-listed Great Ocean Road. Melbourne, as the cultural and economic centre of Victoria, plays a significant role in shaping the state's economy, media, and cultural landscape. With its rich history, diverse population, and vibrant cities, Victoria is a dynamic and captivating state in Australia.
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Western Australia, the largest state, with Perth, the only major city on the west coast
Western Australia is the largest state in Australia, situated on the west coast of the country. It is home to the city of Perth, the only major city on the west coast of Australia. The capital of Western Australia, Perth is famed for its serene, uncrowded beaches, parklands, fresh seafood, and vibrant cultural centres. The city has been the recipient of the ''Most Liveable City in the World' title multiple times, owing to its cultural diversity, modern cityscape, and friendly atmosphere.
Perth is divided into 30 local government areas, comprising over 350 suburbs. The metropolitan contours span 125 kilometres (78 mi) from Two Rocks in the north to Singleton in the south, and 45 kilometres (28 mi) from the west coast to Sawyers Valley in the east. The city is served by Fremantle Harbour and Perth Airport, which is located just 12km (7.5 mi) from the city centre. Cycling is the most popular mode of transport for residents, but the city also offers an efficient and affordable public transport system.
Perth enjoys a Mediterranean-style climate, with a hot, dry summer between December and February, and a mild winter between June and August. From September to November, the weather is dry and warm, and it is the perfect time to spot whales migrating along the coast as females with newborn calves make their way back from the nursery grounds. The metropolitan area is home to around 1,477,800 people, while the greater Perth area has a population of over 2 million.
Western Australia itself offers a unique mix of environments, cultures, and rhythms. The state features dramatic landscapes such as the Kimberley Region, the idyllic Rottnest Island, and the premium wine and surf region of Margaret River. The state also boasts five universities, all based in Perth. The city of Perth stands on the ancient country of the Whadjuk Noongar people, one of the 14 clans of the Noongar nation, who have been the Traditional Owners of the southwest of Western Australia for at least 45,000 years.
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Australian Capital Territory, including Canberra, the nation's capital
The Australian Capital Territory (ACT), previously known as the Federal Capital Territory until 1938, is an internal territory of Australia. Canberra, the capital city of Australia, is situated within the territory, and is the territory's primate city. It is located in southeastern Australian mainland as an enclave surrounded by the state of New South Wales (NSW). The territory was transferred to the federal government by New South Wales in 1911, two years prior to the capital city being founded and formally named as Canberra in 1913.
Canberra is located in the northeastern corner of the territory, about 185 miles (300 km) southwest of Sydney, 290 miles (465 km) northeast of Melbourne, and 95 miles (150 km) from the coast. The entire territory lies between latitudes 35° and 36° S and extends some 53 miles (85 km) north to south and 33 miles (53 km) east to west. The western boundary of the territory follows the watershed of the Brindabella Range, a northern extension of the Snowy Mountains. The territory’s southern and western parts are mountainous, reaching a maximum height of 6,279 feet (1,914 metres) at Bimberi Peak. The area is drained by the Murrumbidgee River, which flows from the Snowy Mountains northward through the territory. The boundaries of the territory were drawn in part to provide Canberra with its own water supply.
Canberra is the seat of Federal Parliament and is home to Australia’s national institutions, including the Parliament of Australia, the High Court of Australia, the National Gallery of Australia, and the Australian Defence Force Academy. It also hosts the majority of foreign embassies in Australia, as well as regional headquarters of many international organisations, not-for-profit groups, lobbying groups and professional associations. The city has been the recipient of the ‘Most Liveable City in the World’ title multiple times, owing to its cultural diversity, modern cityscape and friendly atmosphere. Canberra is also known for its world-class concerts, exhibitions, festivals, and sporting events, as well as its range of world-class galleries and museums.
The ACT was the first mainland Australian jurisdiction to achieve 100% renewable energy supply and is on track to achieve zero net emissions by 2045. The Territory also has the highest number of electric vehicles and charge stations in Australia (per capita).
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Frequently asked questions
Australia has six states and two internal territories. There are also six external territories, making a total of eight states and territories.
The six states of Australia are New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, and Tasmania.
The two internal territories of Australia are the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory (Canberra).
Some of the major cities in Australia are Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, and Hobart. Canberra is the capital city.
The six external territories of Australia are Norfolk Island, Coral Sea Islands, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Christmas Island, Ashmore and Cartier Islands, and Heard Island and McDonald Islands.
