Lexi Webster
Australia is divided into six states and two territories, each with its own unique mix of environments, cultures, and rhythms. The definition of a city varies between these states, with some states including multiple local government areas within their boundaries. New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria are the states with the most populous cities. Sydney, the largest city in Australia, is located in New South Wales.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of cities with more than a million people | 5 |
| Number of cities with between 100,000 and 1 million people | 14 |
| Number of cities with between 10,000 and 100,000 people | 375 |
| State with the most cities | New South Wales |
| Number of states | 6 |
| Number of territories | 3 |
| State with the largest city, Sydney | New South Wales |
| State with the second-largest city, Melbourne | Victoria |
| State with the fourth-largest city, Perth | Western Australia |
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What You'll Learn
- New South Wales: Sydney, the nation's biggest city, is located here
- Queensland: The Sunshine State, home to Brisbane and the Great Barrier Reef
- Victoria: Includes Melbourne, the cultural capital of Australia
- Western Australia: The largest state, with Perth as its capital
- Tasmania: An island state with the capital Hobart
New South Wales: Sydney, the nation's biggest city, is located here
New South Wales is a state on the east coast of Australia, with a population of over 8.5 million as of December 2024, making it the country's most populous state. The state capital, Sydney, is also Australia's most populous city, with a population of 4,321,535 as of the 2016 census. It is projected that Sydney's population will reach around 8.9 million by 2061. Sydney is Australia's largest city in terms of area, covering 4,775.2 square miles.
Sydney is home to several cultural institutions of national importance, including the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Australia's busiest and largest orchestra, and Opera Australia, the country's largest opera company. Both organisations perform at the iconic Sydney Opera House. Sydney is also home to Australia's first university, the University of Sydney, founded in 1850. The city's other cultural attractions include the Australian Museum, the Powerhouse Museum, the Museum of Sydney, the Art Gallery of New South Wales, and the Museum of Contemporary Art.
Sydney is located on the shores of Port Jackson and is surrounded by picturesque seaside villages, wine regions, and mountain wilderness. The city's metropolitan area includes the Central Coast to the north, the Sapphire Coast to the south, and the Blue Mountains to the west. The original inhabitants of New South Wales, including the Sydney region, were Aboriginal tribes who arrived in Australia about 40,000 to 60,000 years ago. Before European settlement, there were an estimated 250,000 Aboriginal people in the region.
New South Wales has a total of 1066 cities, including major urban centres such as Newcastle, Wollongong, and Penrith. The state can be geographically divided into four areas, with its three largest cities, Sydney, Newcastle, and Wollongong, lying near the centre of a narrow coastal strip extending from cool temperate areas on the far south coast to subtropical areas near the Queensland border.
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Queensland: The Sunshine State, home to Brisbane and the Great Barrier Reef
Queensland, affectionately known as the Sunshine State, is a subtropical stretch of land in northeast Australia. It is home to Brisbane, the state capital, and the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef. Queensland boasts a diverse landscape, from ancient rainforests to sun-soaked beaches, making it a traveller's paradise.
Brisbane, also known as Brissie by the locals, is a vibrant city that enjoys an abundance of winter sunshine and warmth. It is the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts and water lovers. The city's proximity to the coast and its pleasant climate make it an ideal base for exploring the natural wonders of Queensland.
The Great Barrier Reef, one of Australia's most remarkable natural gifts, is a must-visit destination. Spanning over 2,300 kilometres (1,430 miles) along Australia's eastern coastline, it is the world's largest coral reef system. With over 1,600 species of fish, rare whales, and six of the seven marine turtle species, it offers an unparalleled underwater experience. The reef also boasts over 100 islands, including the famous Whitsundays, providing a range of coastal experiences for visitors.
Queensland's unique sense of individuality is reflected in its coastal capital cities. Towns like Cairns, Townsville, Rockhampton, Mackay, Bundaberg, and Maryborough are independent centres that do not rely on Brisbane. Each of these towns has its own distinct character and attractions, contributing to the diverse experiences Queensland has to offer.
In addition to its coastal capitals and the Great Barrier Reef, Queensland is also home to the ancient Daintree Rainforest and the beautiful Whitsunday Islands. The state's combination of natural wonders, vibrant cities, and subtropical climate make it a sought-after destination for those seeking sun, sea, and a touch of adventure.
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Victoria: Includes Melbourne, the cultural capital of Australia
Australia is divided into six states and two territories, each with its own unique mix of environments, cultures, and rhythms. The state of Victoria is a thriving hub of culture, centred around its capital, Melbourne. Melbourne has been dubbed the cultural capital of Australia and has received the title of the "Most Liveable City in the World" multiple times.
Melbourne's rich cultural tapestry is woven from its artistic, culinary, literary, musical, political, and social elements. The city boasts numerous theatres, opera houses, galleries, museums, and beautiful Victorian buildings from the 18th century. Federation Square, built in 2002, is one of the city's main cultural hubs, accommodating countless cultural facilities, restaurants, cafes, and bars. Melbourne's literary publishing sector is the largest in Australia, and the city presents two of the country's most significant literary awards.
The city is also a culinary capital, with approximately 5000 cafes and restaurants, offering a diverse range of cuisines. Melbourne's reputation as a foodie destination is celebrated at the annual Melbourne Food and Wine Festival. The city also has some of Australia's best shopping strips, including the famous Chapel Street and heritage arcades like the Block and the Royal Arcade.
Melbourne's multicultural population is another defining feature, with people from over 230 nations speaking more than 180 languages and dialects. This cultural diversity, combined with a modern cityscape and a friendly atmosphere, makes Melbourne a popular destination for tourists and event planners alike. The city is compact and convenient, with a unique event infrastructure that provides opportunities to meet, stay, and play within its heart.
Beyond Melbourne, Victoria has much to offer visitors, including incredible museums and galleries, the Grampians National Park, and the Heritage-listed Great Ocean Road. Victoria is an excellent destination for those seeking a mix of cultural experiences, natural wonders, and outdoor adventures.
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Western Australia: The largest state, with Perth as its capital
Australia is divided into six states and two territories, each with its own unique mix of environments, cultures, and rhythms. From rolling deserts to quaint capitals, lush rainforests, and sun-soaked cities, Australia has something for everyone.
Western Australia (WA) is the largest state, situated on the west coast of the country. It 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. With a land area of 2,527,013 square kilometres (975,685 sq mi), it is also the second-largest subdivision of any country on Earth.
Western Australia has a diverse range of climates, including tropical conditions in the Kimberley, deserts in the interior (including the Great Sandy Desert, Little Sandy Desert, Gibson Desert, and Great Victoria Desert) and a Mediterranean climate in the southwest and southern coastal areas. The state has a population of 2.965 million people as of June 2024, with over 90% living in the southwest corner and around 80% in the state capital, Perth.
Perth is the capital of Western Australia and is located along the country's Indian Ocean coastline. It is the only city along the western coastline with more than 1 million people and is Australia's fourth-largest metropolitan area by population. The city is divided by the Swan and Canning rivers, with the metropolitan area overlying the river basin and stretching along the riverbanks toward Fremantle Harbour. Perth is known for its serene, uncrowded beaches, parklands, and fresh seafood.
The city has a variety of parkland areas and nature reserves, including Kings Park and Botanic Garden, one of the world's largest inner-city parks. Other popular natural features include Cottesloe Beach and Rottnest Island. Notable heritage buildings and cultural sites include the Perth Mint, WA Museum Boola Bardip, and the World Heritage-listed Fremantle Prison. Perth is also home to the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts at Edith Cowan University, which has launched the careers of many actors and broadcasters.
Perth is the economic centre of Western Australia, despite the major mining, petroleum, and agricultural export industries being located elsewhere in the state. The city's function as the state capital and its population have created development opportunities for businesses serving local and diversified markets. Perth Airport is one of the busiest airports in the country and is a hub for both passenger and air freight transit.
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Tasmania: An island state with the capital Hobart
Tasmania, an island state in Australia, is known for its natural beauty and diverse landscapes. Separated from the mainland by the Bass Strait, Tasmania offers a unique mix of dazzling beaches, rugged mountains, and winding rivers. The state is renowned for its stunning landscapes and vast wilderness, making it a popular destination for hiking and outdoor activities.
The capital of Tasmania is Hobart, a cosmopolitan city that blends urban sophistication with easy access to regional charm. Hobart is known for its vibrant food and wine scene, as well as its abundance of family-friendly activities. The city is conveniently located within close proximity to quaint towns, picturesque trails, and natural attractions.
Tasmania boasts a range of natural wonders and unique experiences. The state is home to breathtaking walks and hikes that showcase its pristine environment. From majestic mountains to pristine rivers, Tasmania is a nature lover's paradise. The state also offers a variety of regional towns, each with its distinct character and charm.
Hobart, as the capital, serves as a cultural and economic hub for Tasmania. The city has developed a reputation for its exquisite cuisine and wine trails, showcasing the region's culinary delights. For families, Hobart provides a range of entertainment options, ensuring that visitors of all ages can find enjoyable activities.
Tasmania's capital, Hobart, acts as a gateway to the state's natural wonders and cultural offerings. With its blend of cosmopolitan vibes and small-town charm, Hobart embodies the unique character of Tasmania. Whether it's exploring the city's vibrant food and art scenes or venturing out to discover the surrounding regional towns, Hobart serves as the perfect starting point for exploring Tasmania and all that it has to offer.
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Frequently asked questions
Australia is divided into six states and two territories. The definition of a city varies between the states. New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria are the states with the most populous cities.
Sydney, Wollongong and Newcastle are among the most populous cities in New South Wales.
Brisbane is the state's capital and one of the most populous cities in Queensland.
Melbourne is the capital of Victoria and the second-largest city in Australia.
