Lyla Lindsey
Australia is divided into six states and two territories, each with its own unique mix of environments, cultures, and identities. The six states are New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, and Western Australia. Western Australia is the largest state in the country, occupying an area of about 975,598 square miles, while Tasmania is the smallest. Queensland is the second-largest state, covering approximately 665,615 square miles, followed by Victoria, which is the smallest mainland state in terms of area.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Federated States | 6 |
| Largest State | Western Australia |
| Second Largest State | Queensland |
| Smallest State | Tasmania |
| Smallest Mainland State | Victoria |
| States | New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, Western Australia |
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What You'll Learn
Western Australia is the largest state
Western Australia (WA) is the largest state in the country, occupying the western 32.9% of Australia's land area, excluding external territories. WA is bounded by the Indian Ocean to the north and west, the Southern Ocean to the south, the Northern Territory to the northeast, and South Australia to the southeast. The state has a land area of 2,527,013 square kilometres (975,685 sq mi), making it the second-largest subdivision of any country on Earth, only surpassed by Russia's Sakha Republic.
Western Australia has a diverse range of climates, including tropical conditions in the Kimberley region, deserts in the interior, and a Mediterranean climate in the southwest and southern coastal areas. The state is also home to a variety of flora and fauna, with around 630 species of birds and 11,358 native vascular plant species. The Kimberley region, in particular, is known for its dramatic landscapes, including sandstone gorges and the Fitzroy and Ord rivers, which form the southern and eastern borders of the region.
The capital of Western Australia is Perth, which is famed for its serene, uncrowded beaches, parklands, and fresh seafood. The state has a population of approximately 2.965 million people as of June 2024, with over 90% living in the southwest corner and around 80% in Perth, leaving the rest of the state sparsely populated.
Western Australia has a strong economy, largely driven by its mining sector, which includes iron ore, petroleum, and natural gas resources. The state is also a major producer of agricultural goods, with wheat production averaging nearly 10 million tonnes between 2010 and 2019. WA's overseas exports accounted for 46% of the nation's total in 2019, with key export commodities including iron ore, gold, wheat, and lithium, among others.
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Queensland is the second-largest state
Queensland is bordered by the Northern Territory, South Australia, and New South Wales to the west, southwest, and south, respectively. To the east, Queensland is bordered by the Coral Sea and the Pacific Ocean, with the Torres Strait separating the Australian mainland from Papua New Guinea to the north and the Gulf of Carpentaria to the northwest. Due to its size and geographical location, Queensland has diverse climates and landscapes, including tropical rainforests, rivers, coral reefs, mountain ranges, and white sandy beaches in its tropical and subtropical coastal regions. The state also features deserts and savannas in its semi-arid and desert climatic regions.
Queensland is known as the "Sunshine State" for its sunny weather and attractive coastal regions, including the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef, the ancient Daintree Rainforest, and the beautiful Whitsunday Islands. The state has experienced rapid population growth through "sunbelt" migration to its coastal areas, with ten of Australia's thirty largest cities located in Queensland. The capital and largest city in the state is Brisbane, comprising half of the state's population and contributing to its status as the third-largest economy in Australia.
Queensland has a diverse economy, with major tertiary industries in retail, tourism, and international education. The state's natural wonders, such as the Great Barrier Reef, and its sandy surfing beaches, picturesque islands, and verdant estuaries, have contributed to the growth of tourism. Queensland's international education sector enrols a significant number of international students, with Brisbane, a global city, being a major hub. The state also has a strong primary sector, with bauxite, copper, and sugar cane processing, and a strong services sector, with mining, banking, insurance, transportation, information technology, and real estate industries.
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Tasmania is the smallest state
Australia is divided into six states and two territories. Western Australia is the largest state in the country, occupying an area of about 975,598 square miles. In contrast, Tasmania is the smallest state in Australia. It is an island state located 240 kilometres south of the Australian mainland, separated by the Bass Strait. Despite its small size, Tasmania has a significant impact on the country's identity, known for its breathtaking landscapes and thriving industries.
Tasmania, affectionately nicknamed "Tassie," offers a diverse range of attractions, from dazzling beaches to rugged mountains and winding rivers. The state boasts some of the most picturesque places on the planet, with vast wilderness areas that make for incredible hiking experiences. Almost half of Tasmania's land is protected within national parks and World Heritage Sites, showcasing its commitment to conservation. Among these protected areas are the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area and Freycinet National Park, known for their unique biodiversity and ecosystems distinct from those found on the mainland.
The state has a strong focus on sustainable industries, with fishing, particularly salmon and trout farming, playing a critical role in its economy. Forestry is also an important industry, although it is the subject of ongoing environmental debates. In addition to its natural resources, Tasmania is gaining recognition for its culinary scene, supported by organic farming and high-quality local produce.
Tasmania has a rich history, having been established as a separate colony named Van Diemen's Land in 1825 before becoming one of the founding states of the Commonwealth of Australia in 1901. Today, it continues to contribute to the nation's cultural identity, offering a microcosm of Australia's diverse attractions and natural wonders within its compact borders.
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New South Wales includes Lord Howe Island
Australia is divided into six states and two territories, each with its own unique mix of environments, cultures, and rhythms. New South Wales, one of the six federated states, includes Lord Howe Island, a dependency of the Colony of New South Wales. The island is about 600 km from the north coast of NSW and is known for its pristine waters, unique biodiversity, and World Heritage-listed natural surroundings. It offers activities such as snorkelling, diving, and hiking, with Mount Gower being a challenging day trek on the island's southern end.
Lord Howe Island has a rich history, with early records mentioning the island being visited by ships sailing between New South Wales and Norfolk Island. The island was also a popular site for whaling in the late 18th century. In 1847, Poole, Dawson, and Foulis abandoned their settlement efforts, but the island soon experienced an increase in trade with the discovery of gold on mainland Australia.
Today, Lord Howe Island is a popular tourist destination, with a range of accommodation options and dining experiences. The Lord Howe Island Board, established under the Lord Howe Island Act 1953, administers the island as part of New South Wales, ensuring the protection of its World Heritage values and sustainable tourism.
New South Wales itself offers a diverse range of experiences, from the bustling capital of Sydney to the Sapphire Coast, Central Coast, and Blue Mountains. The state is known for its pristine seaside villages, mountain wilderness, and indulgent wine regions. Overall, New South Wales, including Lord Howe Island, presents a unique blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and cultural experiences.
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Victoria is the smallest mainland state
Australia is divided into six states and two territories, with each state having its own unique mix of environments, cultures, and rhythms. Western Australia is the largest state in the country, occupying an area of about 975,598 square miles. On the other hand, Victoria, the southernmost state in mainland Australia, is the smallest of all the mainland states.
Victoria is renowned for its dynamic food scene, cutting-edge architecture, and vibrant arts and sports culture. Melbourne, the state's capital, is often regarded as the cultural epicentre of Australia. The region of Yarra Valley is well-known for its wineries, and the Great Ocean Road offers breathtaking views of the coastline, rainforests, and the Twelve Apostles limestone cliffs. Victoria's cooler climate compared to its neighbour, New South Wales, provides unique agricultural opportunities, making it a significant contributor to the country's food and wine industries.
In addition to its cultural and culinary offerings, Victoria stands out economically for its strengths in the education and healthcare sectors. The state is home to several top-ranked universities, including the University of Melbourne, which enjoys a global reputation for excellence. Victoria also hosts significant sporting events, such as the Australian Open tennis tournament and the Melbourne Cup horse race, attracting international attention and boosting the state's economy.
While Victoria is the smallest mainland state, Tasmania, an island state located 240 kilometres south of the Australian mainland, holds the distinction of being the smallest state overall in terms of area. Tasmania is known for its breathtaking wilderness areas, with nearly half of its land protected within national parks and World Heritage Sites, such as the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area and Freycinet National Park.
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Frequently asked questions
Western Australia is the largest state in Australia by land area, occupying an area of about 975,598 square miles.
Tasmania is the smallest state in Australia. It is renowned for its wilderness areas, with nearly half of the state protected as national parks and World Heritage Sites.
Queensland is the second-largest state in Australia, with a total area of approximately 665,615 square miles.
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