Australia is divided into six states and two territories. The six states are New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, and Western Australia. The two territories are the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory.
States
The states of Australia were originally separate British colonies before they federated to form the Commonwealth of Australia in 1901. Each state has its own government, with powers protected by the Australian Constitution. The head of state for each state is the Governor, who is appointed by the King on the advice of the state Premier.
New South Wales
New South Wales, commonly abbreviated as NSW, was the first colony established by the British. Sydney is the capital city of New South Wales and is the nation’s largest city. In December 2021, the population of New South Wales was over 8 million, making it Australia's most populous state. Just under two-thirds of the state's population, 5.3 million, live in the Greater Sydney area. The Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House are national icons.
Queensland
Queensland is the second largest state, with its capital city being Brisbane. The Torres Strait Islands lie to the north of the state and the world-famous Great Barrier Reef runs along its eastern coast. Queensland is known for its tropical climate and beautiful beaches, as well as its diverse geography, which includes tropical rainforests, rivers, coral reefs, mountain ranges, and sandy beaches in its tropical and sub-tropical coastal regions, as well as deserts and savanna in the semi-arid and desert climatic regions of its interior.
South Australia
South Australia is a state located in the south-central part of Australia. It occupies one of the driest, most barren parts of the continent, but its southern fringe consists of well-watered and fertile lands and is where most of the population is located. South Australia has a rugged coastline and many famous wine regions. Adelaide, the capital city, has many examples of fne colonial architecture. South Australia’s icons include the Barossa Valley and the Flinders Ranges.
Tasmania
Tasmania is the smallest state, separated from the mainland by the Bass Strait. Tasmania’s capital city is Hobart. Much of the island has unspoilt wilderness landscapes. Tasmanian icons include Cradle Mountain, Port Arthur, and the Bay of Fires.
Victoria
Victoria is the smallest of the mainland states. Victoria’s capital city is Melbourne. Many fne buildings in Victoria were built from the wealth created by the gold rush of the 1850s. Victoria’s icons include the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the 12 Apostles, and the Royal Exhibition Building.
Western Australia
Western Australia is the largest state. Perth is the capital city of Western Australia. The east of the state is mostly desert, while the south-west is a rich agricultural and wine-growing area. The state is home to many large mining projects. Western Australia’s icons include the Ningaloo Coast, Margaret River, and the Kimberley region.
Australian Capital Territory
The Australian Capital Territory is located between Sydney and Melbourne. It is home to the nation’s capital city, Canberra. Several national institutions are located in Canberra, including Parliament House and the High Court of Australia.
Northern Territory
The Northern Territory has a tropical environment in the north of the state and dry red desert in the south. Darwin is the capital city. Northern Territory icons include Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon.