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Australia is divided into six states and two territories, each with its own unique mix of environments, cultures, and rhythms. The six states are New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, and Tasmania. The two territories are the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory, which contains Canberra, the nation's capital. In addition to these eight states and territories, Australia also administers several external territories, including Norfolk Island, the Australian Antarctic Territory, and the Heard and McDonald Islands.
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What You'll Learn
- New South Wales: includes Lord Howe Island, Sydney and the Blue Mountains
- Queensland: the 'Sunshine State', home to the Great Barrier Reef
- South Australia: a laid-back destination, renowned for its wine and festivals
- Tasmania: an island state, separated from mainland Australia, with rugged mountains
- Victoria: home to Melbourne, Australia's second-largest capital city
New South Wales: includes Lord Howe Island, Sydney and the Blue Mountains
New South Wales is a state on the east coast of Australia. It includes Lord Howe Island, Sydney, and the Blue Mountains. Sydney is the capital city of New South Wales and is also Australia's most populous city. The state's population was over 8.5 million in December 2024, with about 66% of the population living in the Greater Sydney area. Sydney is a metropolis that extends about 80 km from the Pacific Ocean in the east to the Blue Mountains in the west. The foothills of the Blue Mountains are an easy one-hour drive west of Sydney, with the central towns of Katoomba and Leura a further 30 minutes west. The Blue Mountains are known for their soaring sandstone ridges blanketed in native bushland, as well as their charming mountain towns, ancient Aboriginal rock art, and the tourist attraction of Scenic World.
Lord Howe Island is a two-hour flight from Australia's east coast. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognised for its beauty and biodiversity. The island is home to 14 species of seabirds and is a popular destination for bird watching. It offers a range of activities such as snorkelling, diving, stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, and hiking.
Sydney was founded as a British penal colony in 1788 by Arthur Phillip, who arrived with the First Fleet of convicts. The traditional custodians of the land on which modern Sydney stands are the clans of the Darug, Dharawal, and Eora. There is evidence of Aboriginal Australians inhabiting the region dating back at least 30,000 years, and their engravings and cultural sites are still present. After World War II, Sydney experienced mass migration, and by 2021, over 40% of the population was born overseas. The discovery of gold in New South Wales in 1851 caused economic disruption and increased immigration, leading to the development of Sydney's characteristic features and growth in housing, consumer goods, services, and urban amenities.
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Queensland: the 'Sunshine State', home to the Great Barrier Reef
Queensland, affectionately known as the Sunshine State, is one of Australia's six federated states. It is a subtropical stretch of land in the northeast of the country, and its capital, Brisbane (or Brissie), enjoys a warm, sub-tropical climate. Queensland is home to some of the country's most iconic natural wonders, including the ancient Daintree Rainforest, the beautiful Whitsunday Islands, and the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef, the largest coral reef system in the world.
The Great Barrier Reef is one of the most remarkable natural wonders on the planet. Stretching over 2,300 kilometres, it is the world's largest coral reef system, comprising thousands of individual reefs and islands. The reef is home to an incredibly diverse array of marine life, including coral, fish, molluscs, dolphins, turtles, and sharks. It is also a vital habitat for endangered species such as the dugong, a marine mammal similar to a manatee. The Great Barrier Reef is a haven for nature lovers, offering snorkelling, diving, and boating opportunities to explore its breathtaking underwater world.
Queensland's natural beauty extends beyond the Great Barrier Reef. The state is also home to lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and picturesque islands. The Daintree Rainforest, for example, is a prehistoric ecosystem with unique flora and fauna found nowhere else on Earth. The Whitsunday Islands, located in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, offer white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush, green hills. Other notable natural attractions in Queensland include the Noosa National Park, the Glass House Mountains, and the Springbrook National Park, known for its impressive waterfalls and lush rainforest walks.
Queensland also boasts vibrant cities and towns, offering a unique blend of culture, history, and modern attractions. Brisbane, the state's capital, is a thriving metropolis with a lively atmosphere, renowned for its outdoor lifestyle and friendly locals. The city hosts a variety of cultural events and festivals throughout the year, including the Brisbane Festival, a major international arts festival. Brisbane also offers a diverse culinary scene, with everything from trendy rooftop bars and restaurants to quaint cafes and food markets.
In addition to its natural and cultural attractions, Queensland offers a range of outdoor activities for adventure seekers. From surfing and swimming at world-famous beaches like the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, to hiking in national parks, there are endless opportunities to explore the state's diverse landscapes. For those seeking a more relaxed pace, Queensland also offers wine regions, quaint coastal villages, and charming country towns. With its diverse offerings and year-round sunshine, Queensland truly lives up to its nickname as the Sunshine State.
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South Australia: a laid-back destination, renowned for its wine and festivals
Australia is divided into six states and two territories, each with its own unique mix of environments, cultures and rhythms. South Australia, officially abbreviated to SA, is one of the most laid-back destinations in the country, making it perfect for a relaxing getaway. The capital, Adelaide, is a great base for exploring the Barossa Valley wineries, the Flinders Ranges and Kangaroo Island.
Adelaide is surrounded by some of the country's most famous wine regions, including Barossa, Clare Valley, McLaren Vale, Adelaide Hills, Coonawarra, and Eden Valley. The city is just a 40-minute drive from McLaren Vale, a region known for its rich shiraz and premium grenache. The Adelaide Hills, just 15 minutes from the city, is well-known for its award-winning cool-climate wines. The region is also home to historic European-influenced towns, including Hahndorf, Australia's oldest German settlement.
South Australia is a very important wine-producing state, responsible for almost 50% of Australia's annual production. It is home to some of the most famous wine regions, historic estates, and the oldest vines in the country. The venerable old vines in the Barossa Valley, for example, survived the phylloxera plagues that wiped out the vines of North America and Europe. The state boasts a multitude of different soil types and local influences, such as altitude and cooling ocean breezes, allowing for a wide range of wine styles and qualities.
The state is also known for its thriving arts scene and is dubbed the 'Festival State', with over 500 events and festivals taking place each year. South Australia truly has something for every wine lover, nature enthusiast, and culture seeker.
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Tasmania: an island state, separated from mainland Australia, with rugged mountains
Australia is divided into six states and two territories. The six states are New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, and Western Australia. Tasmania is an island state, separated from mainland Australia by the Bass Strait. It is Australia's smallest state in terms of both area and population. The state capital and largest city is Hobart, with around 40% of the population living in the Greater Hobart area. Tasmania is also one of the poorest states in Australia, with a steadily decreasing share of the country's population.
Tasmania is a mountainous island, with Mount Ossa being its tallest mountain at 1,617 m (5,305 ft). The western half of the state is older and more rugged, featuring buttongrass plains, temperate rainforests, and quartzite ranges, notably Federation Peak and Frenchmans Cap. The presence of these mountain ranges creates a rain shadow effect, where the western half receives most of the rainfall, influencing the types of vegetation that can grow. Tasmania has a great number of rivers, many of which have been dammed to provide hydroelectricity.
Tasmania's natural landscapes include beautiful beaches, rugged mountains, and ancient rainforests. The island offers a unique blend of wilderness and history, with opportunities for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. From hiking through the iconic Cradle Mountain to exploring charming colonial towns like Hobart and Launceston, Tasmania has something for everyone. The island also boasts diverse landscapes that are easily accessible, allowing visitors the freedom to explore at their own pace.
Tasmania has a rich cultural heritage and is home to many indigenous communities. The island was first inhabited by Aboriginal peoples, who today generally identify as Palawa or Pakana. Rising sea levels are believed to have cut Tasmania off from mainland Australia about 10,000-11,700 years ago, leading to the isolation of Aboriginal Tasmanians from mainland groups.
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Victoria: home to Melbourne, Australia's second-largest capital city
Australia is divided into six states and two territories. The eight states and territories are:
- New South Wales (NSW)
- Queensland (QLD)
- South Australia (SA)
- Tasmania (TAS)
- Victoria
- Western Australia
- Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
- Northern Territory (NT)
Victoria, commonly abbreviated as Vic, is a state in southeastern Australia. It is the second-smallest state, with a land area of 227,444 square kilometres. It is the second-most-populated state, with a population of over 7 million, and it is the most densely populated state in Australia. Victoria's economy is the second-largest among Australian states and is highly diversified, with service sectors predominating.
The state capital of Victoria is Melbourne, which is also Australia's second-largest city. Melbourne is located at the head of Port Phillip Bay, on the southeastern coast. The central city is home to about 136,000 people and is the core of an extensive metropolitan area. Melbourne is Australia's primary financial centre. The city is culturally diverse, with 35.1% of inhabitants being immigrants.
Victoria has a rich variety of landscapes, including both alpine plateaus in the northeast and sandy deserts in the west. The state encompasses 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. Victoria is home to numerous Aboriginal groups, including the Boonwurrung, the Bratauolung, the Djadjawurrung, the Gunai, the Gunditjmara, the Taungurung, the Wathaurong, the Wurundjeri, and the Yorta Yorta.
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Frequently asked questions
Australia is divided into six states and two territories. The six states are New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria, Western Australia, and Tasmania. The two territories are the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT).
The capital of Australia is Canberra, located in the Australian Capital Territory.
Australia administers six external territories: Norfolk Island, Coral Sea Islands, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Christmas Island, Ashmore and Cartier Islands, and Heard Island and McDonald Islands. Additionally, Australia claims the right to administer a portion of Antarctica, called the Australian Antarctic Territory.
