Ruqayyah Snyder
Australia is the world's smallest continent and largest island, stretching 3700 kilometres from north to south and 4000 kilometres from east to west. Covering a total area of 7.69 million square kilometres, the continent offers a diverse range of environments and attractions. The country is divided into states and territories, with the states being New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, and the island state of Tasmania. The two main territories are the Northern Territory and Australian Capital Territory. New South Wales has the longest land border of all the states and territories, with a total length of 4635 kilometres.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| State with the longest border | New South Wales |
| Length of the longest border | 4,635 km |
| States/territories that the longest border adjoins | Queensland, South Australia, Victoria, Australian Capital Territory, and Jervis Bay Territory |
| Shortest land border | Jervis Bay Territory and New South Wales |
| Length of the shortest border | 32 km |
| State with the smallest land border | Tasmania |
| Length of Tasmania's land border | 85 m |
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What You'll Learn
New South Wales has the longest land border
New South Wales, a southeastern Australian state, boasts the distinction of possessing the longest land border among all the states in the country. The state's border spans an impressive distance, forming an integral part of its geographical identity. With a total length of 4,635 kilometers (2,880 miles), the border of New South Wales encompasses a diverse range of landscapes and terrains, reflecting the state's vast and varied geography. This lengthy border not only defines the state's physical boundaries but also plays a significant role in shaping its cultural, economic, and social characteristics.
The border of New South Wales shares boundaries with multiple states and territories, contributing to its extensive length. To the north, it borders Queensland, a neighboring state known for its tropical climate and vibrant coastal communities. This shared border stretches across a distance of approximately 872 kilometers (541 miles), forming a significant portion of the northern boundary of New South Wales. The border between these two states is not only long but also historically significant, with various towns and communities along its path contributing to the unique cultural fabric of the region.
To the west, New South Wales shares a substantial border with South Australia, a state renowned for its rugged outback landscapes. This western border extends for roughly 560 kilometers (348 miles), carving a path through some of the most remote and sparsely populated regions in the country. The border here is often characterized by its proximity to the famous Outback, where vast expanses of desert, iconic red-earth landscapes, and isolated natural wonders dominate the scenery.
Additionally, New South Wales shares a border with Victoria to the south. This border, stretching for about 267 kilometers (166 miles), is marked by the majestic Murray River, which serves as a natural boundary between the two states. The river not only defines the geographical divide but also holds ecological and recreational significance for the regions it flows through. The border along the Murray River is known for its picturesque landscapes, attracting visitors seeking outdoor adventures and nature-based exploration.
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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. The state's geographical features and climates are diverse due to its size. Queensland's landscapes include tropical rainforests, rivers, coral reefs, mountain ranges, white sandy beaches, deserts, and savannas.
The capital of Queensland is Brisbane, located on the state's southeastern coast. Brisbane is among the Asia-Pacific cities with the largest GDPs and is a hub for industries such as mining, banking, insurance, transportation, information technology, real estate, and food. Queensland's population is over 5.5 million, with nearly three-quarters concentrated in the southeast region.
Queensland has experienced rapid population growth through "sunbelt" migration to its attractive coastal regions. The state has the highest interstate net migration in Australia, with 24.2% of its population born overseas. Queensland's international students primarily come from Asia, with 134,312 enrolled in the state in 2018.
Queensland is Australia's ""Sunshine State," known for its sandy beaches, estuaries, picturesque islands, and the Great Barrier Reef, which extends for 2,000 kilometres along its coastline. The state's diverse economy is the third-largest in Australia, after New South Wales and Victoria.
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Tasmania is the only island state
The main island is called Tasmania, with Bruny Island nestled close to the southeastern coast of the main island. The state also includes King and Flinders islands in Bass Strait, numerous smaller islands off the coast of the main island, and the subantarctic Macquarie Island, about 900 miles (1,450 km) to the southeast. The main island is roughly heart-shaped, with a maximum length and width of about 200 miles (320 km). Its latitude and climate are similar to those of northern California and northwestern Spain.
Tasmania has a population of around 550,000 to 570,000 people. The state offers spectacular mountain, lake, and coastal scenery, with much of its land protected in national parks, reserves, and World Heritage sites. Forty per cent of Tasmania is conserved in this way. The state also produces a significant portion of Australia's hydroelectric power, with several artificial reservoirs created for this purpose. Tasmania's climate is generally mild to warm in the summer and mild in the winter, with rain throughout the year. However, the southwest experiences rugged weather, and the southeast is susceptible to droughts.
Tasmania is a popular tourist destination, renowned for its mind-blowing landscapes, excellent hiking, and incredible local produce, including wines, cheeses, and oysters. Hobart, the state's capital, offers a range of accommodation options for all budgets, from hotels to hostels. Visitors can enjoy the famous Wineglass Bay, take in the views from the lookout, and swim in the clear waters surrounded by dramatic hills and mountains. The east of Tasmania also boasts impressive beaches with crystal-clear blue water and orange-coloured rocks.
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The Northern Territory has a shorter mainland coastline
A quick Google search reveals that the Australian state with the longest border is Queensland, with a total border length of approximately 9322 km. However, when considering the mainland coastline, the Northern Territory has a shorter coastline compared to other states.
The Northern Territory is a federal Australian territory, occupying much of the country's central and central northern regions. It is bordered by Western Australia to the west (approximately 1,862 km of border), South Australia to the south (approximately 2,766 km of border), and Queensland to the east (approximately 1,056 km of border). While the territory does have a coastline on the Timor Sea, it is relatively shorter compared to other Australian states with more extensive coastlines.
The mainland coastline of the Northern Territory spans approximately 6,377 kilometers, which is considerably shorter than that of other states. For example, Queensland, the state with the longest border, boasts a substantial mainland coastline of approximately 9,300 kilometers, benefiting from its position along the Coral Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Similarly, Western Australia, the largest state in the country, boasts an impressive coastline of roughly 12,889 kilometers, owing to its vast expanse along the Indian Ocean.
In contrast, the Northern Territory's coastline is primarily confined to the northern reaches of the territory, along the Timor Sea and the Arafura Sea. This coastline is characterized by a mix of rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and mangrove-lined shores. While it may be shorter in length compared to other states, the Northern Territory's coastline is known for its natural beauty and cultural significance, offering access to diverse marine environments and indigenous cultural sites.
The shorter mainland coastline of the Northern Territory can be attributed to its geographic location and the territory's inland focus. The territory is dominated by vast desert landscapes, such as the famous Outback, and its population centers are largely inland, including the capital city of Darwin, which is situated on the Timor Sea coastline. As a result, the Northern Territory's border lengths are more heavily influenced by its vast land borders with neighboring states, rather than an extensive coastal perimeter.
Despite its shorter mainland coastline, the Northern Territory boasts a range of unique coastal attractions and ecosystems. These include the Kakadu National Park, a World Heritage-listed site known for its natural beauty and indigenous cultural importance, and the Tiwi Islands, located off the territory's northern coast, renowned for their pristine beaches and unique local arts and crafts.
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Victoria is the smallest mainland state
Victoria, abbreviated as Vic, is a state in southeastern Australia. Covering an area of 227,444 square kilometres, it is the smallest of all the mainland states. Victoria is bordered by New South Wales to the north and South Australia to the west. It is also bounded by the Bass Strait to the south, the Southern Ocean to the southwest, and the Tasman Sea to the southeast. Victoria's land border is 2,541 kilometres long, and its coastline is 2,512 kilometres long, making it the smallest among the Australian states.
Victoria is the second-most populated state in Australia, with over 7 million residents. It is also the most urbanised and densely populated state, with nearly 90% of its population living in cities and towns. The majority of Victoria's population is concentrated in the central-south area surrounding Port Phillip, particularly within the metropolitan area of Greater Melbourne, the state's capital and largest city. Melbourne is also Australia's second-largest city, with over three-quarters of its culturally diverse population being immigrants. Other major cities in Victoria include Geelong, Ballarat, and Bendigo.
Victoria's economy is the second-largest among the Australian states and is highly diversified, with service sectors being the most prominent. The state experiences 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.
In terms of land borders, New South Wales has the longest border among all the states and territories in Australia. The state with the longest coastline is Western Australia, which accounts for 33% of the Australian continent and is the biggest state in the country.
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Frequently asked questions
New South Wales has the longest land border of all the states and territories in Australia, with a total length of 4,635 kilometres.
The shortest border in Australia is between Tasmania and Victoria, with a length of 85 metres.
The Australian Capital Territory is the smallest state or territory in Australia, with a total area of 2,400 km2.
Queensland has the longest coastline in Australia, with a length of 13,347 kilometres.
Western Australia is the biggest state in Australia, covering an area of 2,529,875 km2.
