Lexi Webster
Australia is divided into six states: New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, and Western Australia. There are also 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. Each state and internal territory has its own independent executive government, legislature, and judicial system. Australia is the sixth-largest country in the world and the smallest continent. It is the only one of the top six countries completely surrounded by water.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| State/Territory | Australian Capital Territory |
| Borders with | New South Wales |
| Border length | N/A |
| Border features | Runs through Coolangatta (Queensland) and Tweed Heads (New South Wales) and splits Gold Coast Airport |
| Capital | Canberra |
| Chief Minister | N/A |
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What You'll Learn
Tasmania is separated from mainland Australia by the Bass Strait
Tasmania is an island state of Australia, located 240 km south of the Australian mainland. It is separated from the mainland by the Bass Strait, a stretch of water approximately 250 km wide and 500 km long, with an average depth of 60 meters. The strait was named after George Bass, who, along with Matthew Flinders, sailed across it while circumnavigating Tasmania (then known as Van Diemen's Land) in 1798-99.
The existence of the strait had been proposed a year earlier by Bass, who set out from Sydney in December 1797 to explore the southeast coast of Australia. He returned to Sydney convinced of the existence of a strait and was instructed to return for conclusive proof. After successfully circumnavigating Tasmania, Bass and Flinders provided the evidence needed to confirm the presence of the Bass Strait.
The Bass Strait was formed around 8,000 years ago when rising sea levels flooded the Bassian Plain, a prehistoric land bridge connecting the southern Victorian coastline to the northern shores of Tasmania. This land bridge allowed Aboriginal Tasmanians to migrate to Tasmania around 40,000 years ago during the last glacial period. The end of the glacial period and the subsequent flooding of the Bassian Plain left them isolated from the mainland.
Tasmania, separated from mainland Australia by the Bass Strait, boasts dazzling beaches, rugged mountains, and winding rivers. Its stunning landscapes and vast wilderness make it a popular destination for breathtaking walks and hikes.
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The Northern Territory is home to Darwin, Australia's capital city
The Northern Territory is one of Australia's internal territories. It is situated at the top end of Australia and is home to Darwin, the capital city of the Northern Territory. Darwin is the smallest and most northerly of Australia's capital cities, with a population of around 150,000. The city is known for its tropical climate, with a wet and dry season, and its proximity to Southeast Asia, making it a key link between Australia and countries such as Indonesia and Timor-Leste. Darwin is also a popular bird-watching site, with locations such as the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens and East Point Reserve.
The Northern Territory has a rich history, having been transferred from New South Wales to South Australia in 1863. The city of Darwin was originally named Palmerston and was officially changed to Darwin in 1911 when the territory was handed over to the Commonwealth of Australia. Darwin has experienced both natural disasters and war bombings, with Cyclone Tracy in 1974 being a notable tragedy that claimed 24 lives.
Darwin is also known for its cultural significance, with a diverse range of languages spoken and a variety of religious denominations. The city has a thriving tourism industry, offering visitors a taste of quintessential Australia, including sublime landscapes, emblematic wildlife, and authentic Aboriginal culture. The region boasts some of the country's premier national parks, such as Kakadu National Park, King's Canyon, and Litchfield National Park.
The Northern Territory's chief minister is appointed by the administrator, and the territory operates indistinguishably from the states in terms of representation in the Parliament and Senate. The territory is a unique and special part of Australia, offering a mix of environments, cultures, and rhythms that attract tourists from all over the world.
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Queensland is nicknamed the 'Sunshine State'
Queensland, a state in northeastern Australia, is nicknamed the Sunshine State. It is Australia's second-largest state and the third most populous, 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. Queensland is bordered by the Northern Territory, South Australia, and New South Wales to the west, southwest, and south, respectively. To the east, it is bordered by the Coral Sea and the Pacific Ocean.
Queensland experiences more than 300 days of sunshine a year, earning it the nickname the Sunshine State. The state has a varied landscape, a warm climate, and an abundant natural environment, making tourism its leading tertiary industry. Queensland's natural environment includes tropical rainforests, rivers, coral reefs, mountain ranges, and white sandy beaches. The state also boasts more than 4,000 miles of stunning coastline, offering a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.
The Sunshine Coast, located just one 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. The Sunshine Coast includes Glass House Mountains Underwater World, the largest oceanarium in the Southern Hemisphere, and Noosa. Fraser Island, located just about 180 miles north of Brisbane, is one of the largest sand islands in the world, known for its beautiful white sand beaches, dense rainforests, and freshwater lakes.
Queensland is also home to the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef, the ancient Daintree Rainforest, and the beautiful Whitsunday Islands. The Daintree Rainforest is the largest rainforest in Australia, home to unparalleled biodiversity and exceptional natural beauty. Cape Tribulation, the most northern settlement in Queensland, is a beautiful, small village in the rainforest where the rainforest meets the reef.
Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, is a vibrant, coastal, and cosmopolitan city. It offers an abundance of outdoor activities, art galleries, museums, shopping, beaches, fine dining, and nightlife. South Bank, a community vibrant in arts and culture, is situated on 16 hectares of waterfront property. It features outdoor markets, cafes, restaurants, walkways, and bike paths. Brisbane also offers panoramic views of the city from the Story Bridge and the opportunity to participate in a welcoming ceremony of the Turrbal Aboriginal Tribe on the banks of the river.
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Western Australia is the largest state in Australia
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 home to approximately 630 species of birds and 11,358 native plant species, with some of the largest numbers of plant species in the world for its area found in the southwest region. The region also includes the sandstone gorges of the Kimberley on the northern coast, the Victoria Plains tropical savanna inland, and the semi-desert Pilbara shrublands to the southwest.
The capital of Western Australia is Perth, which is known for its serene, uncrowded beaches, parklands, and fresh seafood. The city is located on the southwestern coast and is home to over 80% of the state's population, with around 2 million residents as of 2024. Other cities in the state include Albany, Kalgoorlie-Boulder, and Bunbury.
The state's economy is largely driven by its mining sector, with significant iron ore, petroleum, and natural gas resources. Western Australia is the world's largest producer of iron ore and is a major producer of bauxite and gold. The state also has a strong primary industry sector, including agriculture in the Wheatbelt and southern coastal regions, pastoralism, forestry, and fishing.
With its vast size, Western Australia offers a range of attractions, from the dramatic Kimberley Region to the idyllic Rottnest Island and the premium wine and surf region of Margaret River. The state is also home to iconic natural sites such as Shark Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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The Australian Capital Territory is home to Canberra
The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) is home to Canberra, the capital city of Australia. Canberra is located at the northern end of the Australian Capital Territory, in the territory's north-east, and is the territory's primate city. It is situated in southeastern Australia, about 150 miles (240 km) southwest of Sydney. The city is part of the enclave surrounded by the state of New South Wales (NSW).
The Australian Capital Territory was established in 1909. Canberra has been the capital city of Australia since 1901, when the federation of the colonies of Australia was achieved. The area chosen for the capital had been inhabited by Aboriginal Australians for up to 21,000 years, by groups including the Ngunnawal and Ngambri.
Canberra is home to many important institutions, national monuments, museums, and parks. These include the Parliament of Australia, the High Court of Australia, the National Gallery of Australia, the Australian Defence Force Academy, the Australian War Memorial, the National Portrait Gallery, the National Library, the National Archives, the Australian Academy of Science, the National Film and Sound Archive, and the National Museum.
The city also boasts a flourishing restaurant scene, a wine region, and an impressive array of parks and gardens. Canberra has numerous sporting ovals, golf courses, skate parks, and swimming pools that are open to the public. The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) is located in the Canberra suburb of Bruce and has been operating since 1981.
The Australian Capital Territory Legislative Assembly performs the roles of both a city council for Canberra and a territory government for the rest of the Australian Capital Territory. The assembly consists of 25 members elected from five districts using proportional representation.
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Frequently asked questions
None of the Australian states border zero other states. However, the Northern Territory borders the most states, with New South Wales bordering the least.
The Northern Territory is known for its national parks, including Kakadu National Park, King's Canyon, and Litchfield National Park.
Australia is part of the smallest continent in the world, also known as the world's largest island.
The capital of the Northern Territory is Darwin.
The capital of Australia is Canberra, located in the Australian Capital Territory.
