Leslie Massey
Australia is officially known as the Commonwealth of Australia and is located in the southern hemisphere. It is surrounded by the Indian Ocean to the west and the South Pacific Ocean to the east. The country is made up of six states: New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, and Western Australia. Tasmania, the largest state, is located south of the eastern part of the mainland and is known for its rugged terrain and diverse wildlife. It is home to the southernmost point of Australia, South East Cape, which is part of Tasmania's isolated southern coastline.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of federated states | 6 |
| Number of federal territories | 10 |
| Number of internal territories | 3 |
| Number of external territories | 7 |
| States | New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, Western Australia |
| Internal Territories | Australian Capital Territory, Jervis Bay Territory, Northern Territory |
| External Territories | Ashmore and Cartier Islands, Australian Antarctic Territory, Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Coral Sea Islands, Heard Island and McDonald Islands, Norfolk Island |
| Capital | Canberra |
| Most populous city | Sydney |
| Second most populous city | Melbourne |
| Third most populous city | Brisbane |
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What You'll Learn
New South Wales
The history of New South Wales dates back to the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788, establishing the colony as a British penal colony. Initially, the colony encompassed much of the Australian mainland, as well as islands such as Lord Howe Island, Norfolk Island, and Van Diemen's Land (now Tasmania). Over time, various territories were separated from New South Wales to form other colonies, eventually leading to the creation of the different states and territories of Australia.
The state has a rich Aboriginal history, with tribes such as the Wiradjuri, Gamilaray, Yuin, Ngarigo, Gweagal, and Ngiyampaa peoples inhabiting the region for thousands of years. The original custodians of the land, the Wodi Wodi people, spoke a variant of the Dharawal language and occupied an area south of Sydney.
The state has a population of over 8.5 million people as of December 2024, making it the most populous state in Australia. The Greater Sydney area is home to almost two-thirds of the state's population, with 5.3 million residents. New South Wales is a popular tourist destination and is well-connected, offering various transport options for visitors exploring the region.
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Queensland
The state has a rich history, with early settlers in the 19th century primarily from Britain and Europe, including England, Ireland, Scotland, and Germany. Following the Second World War, Queensland experienced a wave of immigration from southern and eastern Europe, particularly Italy. The state also has a significant Indigenous history, with a notable event being the formation of the Australian Labor Party in 1891 after the shearer's strikes of 1890-1891. Additionally, the Qantas airline (Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Services) was established in Longreach, Queensland, in 1920.
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South Australia
The colonial origins of South Australia are unique in Australia as it was a freely settled, planned British province, rather than a convict settlement. Colonial government commenced on 28 December 1836, when the members of the council were sworn in near the Old Gum Tree. The South Australian Company established a temporary settlement at Kingscote, Kangaroo Island, on 26 July 1836, five months before Adelaide was founded. The goal was to establish the province as a centre of civilisation for free immigrants, promising civil liberties and religious tolerance. The state's economy is dominated by the agricultural, manufacturing, and mining industries.
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Tasmania
The geography of Tasmania can be divided into several distinct regions, including the West Coast, the Central Plateau, the Midlands, the East Coast, and the Southeast. The Central Highlands area is the most mountainous region, covering most of the central western parts of the state. The Midlands, located in the central east, is fairly flat and is predominantly used for agriculture. The West Coast of Tasmania is particularly rugged and mountainous, characterised by dense rainforests and steep terrain. The state's highest point is Mount Ossa, which rises to an elevation of 1,617 metres. Tasmania generally enjoys a moist, equable climate, with mild to warm summers and mild winters in most settled areas. However, the southwest experiences rugged weather, and the southeast can suffer from droughts.
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Victoria
The state of Victoria has a rich history, with Aboriginal Australian nations having occupied the land for tens of thousands of years before European settlement. During the 19th century, Victoria experienced a Gold Rush, which led to the development of grand nineteenth-century architecture and elegant gardens. The state also has a diverse economy, with service sectors predominating, and a strong agricultural sector. Victoria is also a major source of natural gas and petroleum for the country.
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Frequently asked questions
The Northern Territory is the planimetric centre of gravity for continental Australia.
Tasmania is the southernmost point of Australia.
Western Australia is the largest state and is situated on the west coast of the country.
