
Australia is divided into six states: New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, and Western Australia. In addition to these states, 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 the Australian Antarctic Territory, which covers 42% of the Antarctic continent. Each state and territory has its own unique mix of environments, cultures, and attractions, from rolling deserts and quaint capitals to lush rainforests and vibrant cities.
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What You'll Learn

New South Wales, including Lord Howe Island, is the most populous state
New South Wales has a lot to offer in terms of natural beauty and attractions. The state boasts indulgent wine regions, pristine seaside villages, and mountain wilderness. The famous Blue Mountains are located west of Sydney, while the Sapphire Coast and the Central Coast can be found to the south and north, respectively. The state is also home to the Lord Howe Island Group, which is legally regarded as an unincorporated area administered by the Lord Howe Island Board.
Lord Howe Island is a crescent-shaped volcanic remnant in the Tasman Sea between Australia and New Zealand. It is about 600 km (370 mi) east of mainland Port Macquarie and covers an area of 14.55 km2 (3,600 acres). The island is known for its diverse landscapes, including forested hills, a sandy semi-enclosed coral reef lagoon, and Mount Gower, the highest point on the island at 875 m (2,871 ft). The island has a rich historical and cultural heritage, with early European and American whaler settlers, and their descendants, having lived on the island for over six generations.
The island is also recognised for its natural significance, with UNESCO listing it as a World Heritage Site. Most of the island remains untouched forest, and the surrounding waters are protected as the Lord Howe Island Marine Park. The Lord Howe Island Act 1981 established a "Permanent Park Preserve" covering about 70% of the island, ensuring the conservation of its unique ecosystems.
In addition to its natural attractions, New South Wales also has a thriving cultural scene. Sydney, the state capital, is home to renowned institutions such as the National Gallery of Australia and the National Museum of Australia. The city is also known for its flourishing restaurant scene and impressive array of parks and gardens. New South Wales truly is a state that combines breathtaking natural wonders with a vibrant cultural offering.
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Queensland, the 'Sunshine State', is Australia's holiday state
Queensland, affectionately known as the Sunshine State, is a northeastern Australian state known for its sunny climate and beaches. It is the second-largest state in Australia and is home to Brisbane, the country's third-largest city. Queensland boasts a range of attractions, from its tropical beaches and warm climate to its World Heritage-listed sites, making it a popular holiday destination for both locals and international travellers.
Queensland offers an array of outdoor activities, art galleries, museums, shopping, fine dining, and nightlife. The state is home to the Queensland Art Gallery, the Queensland Museum, the Gallery of Modern Art, and the Performing Arts Centre, making it a haven for art enthusiasts. For those seeking outdoor adventures, Queensland delivers with its famous Great Barrier Reef, the ancient Daintree Rainforest, the Whitsunday Islands, and the Story Bridge. The state also boasts dozens of sandy islands in the sheltered blue waters of Moreton Bay, where visitors can feed wild dolphins or hike up to the summit of Mount Tempest.
The Gold Coast, a popular holiday destination for Australians, offers 70 kilometres of sandy beaches, theme parks, restaurants, and shopping. It is known for its vibrant nightlife, with Surfers Paradise being one of its most famous beaches. For nature lovers, the Gold Coast also boasts some of Australia's best national parks and rainforests. Cape Tribulation, a small village nestled in the rainforest, offers a unique experience where the rainforest meets the reef. The Daintree Rainforest, Australia's largest and oldest rainforest, features hiking trails, camp sites, and an abundance of plant and animal life.
Queensland's capital, Brisbane, is a vibrant city with a diverse range of attractions. South Bank, a cultural hub located on 16 hectares of waterfront property, offers outdoor markets, cafes, restaurants, and walkways. For those seeking a respite from the sun, Streets Beach provides a swimming lagoon to cool off in. Brisbane also offers an abundance of outdoor activities, including water sports, and is known for its art galleries, museums, shopping, beaches, and fine dining. With its subtropical climate, Queensland enjoys more winter sunshine and warmth than most other parts of the country, making it the perfect destination for a sunny Australian holiday.
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South Australia is the 'Festival State'
Australia is divided into six states and two territories. The six states are New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, and Western Australia. South Australia, also known as the 'Festival State', is located at the bottom of central Australia. Its capital, Adelaide, is a great base for exploring the Barossa Valley wineries, the Flinders Ranges, and Kangaroo Island.
Adelaide is considered the wine and festival capital of Australia. The city has a dry Mediterranean-like climate and a population of 1,129,300. Adelaide Oval is a great place to watch sporting events and experience the electric atmosphere. The city also has a thriving arts scene, with more than 500 events and festivals taking place each year.
One of the most well-known festivals in Adelaide is the National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant, which is the largest public parade in the Southern Hemisphere. The parade marks the countdown to Christmas Day on December 25th and features colourful clowns, fairytale characters, and floats. Another notable festival is the Adelaide Fringe, a massive festival of art, sports, and more.
South Australia also hosts the Adelaide International, LIV Golf Adelaide, Adelaide Festival, WOMADelaide, Tasting Australia, Adelaide Equestrian Festival, and Illuminate Adelaide. The state is known for its food and wine, with events such as the Norwood Food & Wine Festival showcasing the best of local produce.
With its diverse range of festivals and events, South Australia truly earns its title as the 'Festival State'.
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Tasmania, an island state, is known as the 'Apple Isle'
Australia is divided into six states and two territories. One of the six states is Tasmania, which is an island state located 240 kilometres (150 miles) south of mainland Australia. Tasmania is separated from the Australian mainland by the Bass Strait.
Tasmania is known as the Apple Isle due to its historical prominence in apple production. The state's apple industry has inspired various works of literature, music, and popular culture. The term "Apple Isle" has been used in advertising, featured on car license plates, and referenced by contemporary businesses.
Tasmania has a rich history and was first inhabited by Aboriginal peoples, who today generally identify as Palawa or Pakana. The island was initially part of the Colony of New South Wales under British rule but became a separate colony in 1825. In 1855, the present Constitution of Tasmania was enacted, and the colony formally changed its name to Tasmania in 1856.
Tasmania is known for its stunning landscapes and vast wilderness, offering some of the most breathtaking walks and hikes in the world. The capital, Hobart, is a cosmopolitan city with a thriving food and wine scene and plenty of family-friendly activities.
Today, Tasmania has the second-smallest economy of the Australian states and territories, with its economy centred around tourism, agriculture, aquaculture, education, and healthcare. The state has a population of 573,479 residents as of June 2023, making it Australia's smallest and least populous state.
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Victoria is the smallest mainland state and the most densely populated
Australia is divided into six states and two territories. The four states are:
- New South Wales (including Lord Howe Island)
- Queensland
- South Australia
- Victoria
Victoria is the smallest mainland state in Australia. It is bordered by New South Wales to the north, South Australia to the west, and Tasmania on Boundary Islet to the south. It has a land area of 227,444 square kilometres (87,817 square miles).
Victoria is also the most densely populated state in Australia, with a population of over 7 million. Its population density is 30.6 people per square kilometre. Almost 75% of Victorians live in Melbourne, the state capital and largest city. Melbourne has been named the 'Most Liveable City in the World' multiple times due to its cultural diversity, modern cityscape, and friendly atmosphere.
Victoria has a highly diversified economy, with service sectors predominating. The state boasts a range of climates and geographical features, from its temperate coastal and central regions to the Victorian Alps in the northeast and the semi-arid northwest.
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Frequently asked questions
Australia has six states, not four: New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, and Tasmania. Victoria is the smallest mainland state.
The capital cities of the states are Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, and Hobart, respectively.
Australia has two internal territories: the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory. It also has several external territories, including Norfolk Island, the Coral Sea Islands, and the Australian Antarctic Territory.
New South Wales is the most populous state, with more than 60% of its residents living in the greater Sydney area. Queensland is known as the "Sunshine State" and the holiday state, famous for its beaches and the Great Barrier Reef. South Australia is known for its laid-back culture and thriving arts scene, hosting over 500 festivals annually. Tasmania is an island state, known for its breathtaking natural landscapes, offering some of the most picturesque walks and hikes in the country.



















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