Lyla Lindsey
Australia is divided into six states and two territories, each with its own unique environment, culture, and rhythm. While all Australian states have coastlines, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) is the only territory that does not have a coastline. Home to the nation's capital, Canberra, the ACT is known for its cosmopolitan vibe, thriving restaurant scene, and impressive array of parks and gardens.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Australian state that is not coastal | Australian Capital Territory (ACT) |
| Capital of ACT | Canberra |
| Institutions in ACT | National Gallery of Australia, National Museum of Australia, and Parliament House |
| External Territories administered by Australia | Ashmore and Cartier Islands, Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Jervis Bay Territory, Coral Sea Islands, Heard and McDonald Islands, Norfolk Island, and Australian Antarctic Territory |
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What You'll Learn
Western Australia has the longest coastline of all states
Australia is divided into six states and two territories, with each state offering its own unique mix of environments, cultures, and experiences. Western Australia, one of these six states, stands out for its impressive coastline, which stretches for almost 13,000 kilometres. This makes Western Australia the state with the longest coastline in the country.
The Western Australian coastline is a diverse and ecologically significant region. It boasts the greatest diversity of seagrasses globally, with vast meadows that are among the largest on Earth. The state is also home to the Ningaloo Reef, the longest fringing reef in the world, and the ancient stromatolites of Shark Bay, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The coastline encompasses a range of environments, from sandy temperate coastlines in the south to tropical reef ecosystems in the north.
The coastal regions of Western Australia are geographically diverse, featuring an array of beaches, cliffs, and unique geological formations. The Kimberley Coast, for instance, spans from the border of the Northern Territory to Broome, while the Gascoyne Coast stretches from west of the Ashburton River Mouth to the Kalbarri-Denham area. The West Coast runs from Kalbarri to Black Point east of Cape Leeuwin, and the South Coast continues from there to the border of South Australia.
Western Australia's coastline is not just a natural wonder but also a cultural one. The state's population is largely concentrated in the Perth metropolitan area, and West Australians have a strong connection to their coast. Local communities, conservation groups, academic institutions, and schools actively engage in protecting and enhancing this magnificent coastline. The state also has a dedicated coastal and marine program, along with strategies like the State Coastal Zone Strategy, to ensure the sustainable management of their coastal areas.
In summary, Western Australia's extensive coastline offers a wealth of natural beauty, ecological diversity, and cultural significance. With its pristine beaches, vibrant marine life, and community engagement, it is a treasured part of Australia's natural heritage and an essential component of the state's identity.
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Queensland is known as the 'Sunshine State'
Queensland is Australia's second-largest state and is commonly referred to as the "Sunshine State". It is known for its warm climate, tropical beaches, World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef, ancient Daintree Rainforest, and beautiful Whitsunday Islands. Queensland's capital, Brisbane, is Australia's third-largest city and is a popular tourist destination, offering a range of outdoor activities, art galleries, museums, shopping, dining, and nightlife. The city of Brisbane is also home to South Bank, a vibrant community of arts and culture situated on 16 hectares of waterfront property.
Queensland's geographical features and climates are diverse, ranging from tropical rainforests, rivers, coral reefs, and mountain ranges in its coastal regions to deserts and savannas in its interior. The state has a population of over 5.5 million, with most residents concentrated in South East Queensland, which includes Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and the Sunshine Coast. The Sunshine Coast, located just north of Brisbane, is known for its 100 kilometres of beaches and quaint villages, as well as the internationally renowned Australia Zoo.
The Great Barrier Reef, one of Queensland's most famous attractions, offers some of the best diving in the world, with hundreds of snorkel and dive tour options available. The state also boasts a portion of the Outback, as well as cosy beach communities and bustling cities. Queensland's varied landscapes, warm climate, and abundant natural environment make it a popular destination for tourists, with millions of interstate and international visitors each year. Tourism generates $8.8 billion annually for the state, accounting for 4.5% of Queensland's Gross State Product.
Queensland was established as a separate colony from New South Wales on 6 June 1859, becoming one of the founding states of Australia with Federation on 1 January 1901. The state has a strong economy, with key industries including mining, agriculture, transportation, international education, insurance, and banking. Queensland has also experienced a high level of internal migration from other states and territories, making it a popular destination for Australians as well as international visitors.
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Tasmania is an island state separated from mainland Australia
Tasmania, affectionately known as 'Tassie', is an island state of Australia. It is located about 150 miles (240 km) south of the Australian mainland, separated by the Bass Strait. Tasmania is the only Australian state that is not located on the mainland.
Tasmania is an archipelago of 334 islands, including the main island of Tasmania, which is the 26th-largest island in the world. The state also includes Bruny Island, King and Flinders Islands in the Bass Strait, and Macquarie Island, about 900 miles southeast of the mainland. Tasmania has a landmass of 68,401 square kilometres, making it the largest island in Australia.
The capital of Tasmania is Hobart, which is also the state's largest city. Hobart is a cosmopolitan city with a thriving food and wine scene, and plenty of family-friendly activities. The state's other major population centres include Launceston, Devonport, Burnie, and Ulverstone. Tasmania has a decentralised population, with the lowest proportion of residents living in its capital city compared to other Australian states.
Tasmania has a rich history, with evidence of Aboriginal people living on the island about 42,000 years ago. The island was known as Van Diemen's Land until 1856, named after the governor of the Dutch East Indies who sent Abel Tasman on his voyage of exploration in 1642. The name was changed to Tasmania in honour of its discoverer and to move away from its brutal reputation during the period of convict transportation.
Tasmania is known for its spectacular natural beauty, including its mountain, lake, and coastal scenery. The state has two major river systems, the Derwent in the southeast and the South Esk in the northeast, as well as over 4,000 lakes. Tasmania also boasts the tallest flowering trees in the world and abundant wildlife. The pace of life in Tasmania is slower and more peaceful than on the mainland, and locals take pride in their state's unique character.
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The Northern Territory is adjacent to coastal waters
Australia is divided into six states and two territories. The Northern Territory is one of the two territories and is not a coastal state. However, it is adjacent to coastal waters.
The concept of "coastal waters" in the context of Australian maritime law refers to a belt of water between the limits of the Australian states and the Northern Territory and a line 3 nautical miles seaward of the territorial sea baseline. This belt of water is under the jurisdiction of the adjacent state or territory, as if it were a part of that state or territory.
The territorial sea baseline (TSB) is a crucial reference point for understanding maritime boundaries. It refers to the line from which the seaward limits of Australia's Maritime Zones are measured. The TSB used to determine Coastal Waters does not include low tide elevations greater than 3 nautical miles from the coastline or islands.
The Offshore Constitutional Settlement (OCS) defines the arrangements for managing offshore resources such as fisheries and petroleum in these coastal waters. The Coastal Waters (Northern Territory Powers) Act 1980 and the Coastal Waters (Northern Territory Title) Act 1980 are part of the principal legislation implementing the OCS, which came into force in January 1982 and February 1983.
The Northern Territory, despite not being a coastal state, still has maritime boundaries and adjacent coastal waters. These waters are subject to the legislation and arrangements outlined by Australian maritime law, with jurisdiction vested in the Northern Territory as if it were a part of the territory itself.
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The Australian Capital Territory is home to the nation's capital, Canberra
Australia is divided into six states and two territories, one of which is the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). The nation's capital, Canberra, is situated within the ACT and is the territory's primate city. Canberra is located in southeastern Australia, about 150 miles (240 km) southwest of Sydney. It occupies part of the Australian Capital Territory, as an enclave surrounded by the state of New South Wales.
Canberra has a unique and well-regulated development history. The city's growth has been closely monitored by the government, with crown lease terms tightly limiting land use. Many suburbs are named after former Prime Ministers, famous Australians, early settlers, or use Aboriginal words for their titles. Street names also follow specific themes, such as the streets of Duffy, named after Australian dams and reservoirs, and the streets of Page, named after biologists and naturalists.
Canberra boasts a strong economy, with economic activity heavily concentrated around the city itself. The territory has enjoyed stable housing, steady employment, and rapid population growth in the 21st century, resulting in economic prosperity. In 2017-18, the ACT had the fastest growth rate in the nation due to its booming education sector and significant investments in housing and infrastructure.
Canberra is home to many national institutions and landmarks, including Parliament House, the High Court, the National Gallery of Australia, the National Museum of Australia, the Australian War Memorial, and Lake Burley Griffin. The city also has a flourishing restaurant scene, a thriving wine region, and an array of parks and gardens.
The territory is also known for its sports teams, such as the ACT Brumbies (Rugby Union), Canberra United (Soccer), and the Canberra Capitals (Basketball). Canberra has a lot to offer in terms of culture, nature, and a cosmopolitan atmosphere, making it a unique and vibrant capital city.
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Frequently asked questions
None! Australia is an island and is therefore surrounded by water.
Western Australia has the longest coastline of all Australian states, reaching almost 13,000 km in length.
The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) is home to the nation's capital, Canberra, but it is not known for its coastline as it does not have a coast.
Queensland is known as the 'Sunshine State' and is home to the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef, the ancient Daintree Rainforest, and the beautiful Whitsunday Islands.
