Part 1 · Sub-section 4 of 8
Australia's States & Territories
The Commonwealth of Australia is a federation of states and territories. There are six states and two mainland territories. Canberra is Australia's national capital city, and each state and mainland territory has its own capital city.
Key Fact: Australia has 6 states and 2 territories. The national capital is Canberra, located in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), between Sydney and Melbourne.
States & Capitals at a Glance
| State | Abbr. | Capital City |
|---|---|---|
| New South Wales | NSW | Sydney |
| Victoria | Vic. | Melbourne |
| Queensland | Qld | Brisbane |
| Western Australia | WA | Perth |
| South Australia | SA | Adelaide |
| Tasmania | Tas. | Hobart |
| Territory | Abbr. | Capital City |
| Australian Capital Territory | ACT | Canberra |
| Northern Territory | NT | Darwin |
The Six States
NSW
New South Wales
Sydney
First British colony. Sydney is the nation's largest city. Home to the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House — national icons.
VIC
Victoria
Melbourne
Smallest mainland state. Many fine buildings were built from gold rush wealth (1850s). Icons: MCG, 12 Apostles, Royal Exhibition Building.
QLD
Queensland
Brisbane
Second largest state. Torres Strait Islands lie to the north. The world-famous Great Barrier Reef runs along its eastern coast.
WA
Western Australia
Perth
Largest state. Mostly desert in the east; rich agricultural and wine-growing south-west. Home to many large mining projects.
SA
South Australia
Adelaide
Rugged coastline and famous wine regions. Fine colonial architecture in Adelaide. Icons: Barossa Valley, Flinders Ranges.
TAS
Tasmania
Hobart
Smallest state. Separated from the mainland by the Bass Strait. Known for unspoilt wilderness. Icons: Cradle Mountain, Port Arthur, Bay of Fires.
Remember: New South Wales was the first colony. Western Australia is the largest state. Tasmania is the smallest state. Victoria is the smallest mainland state.
The Two Territories
Australia also has two mainland territories. Unlike states, territories have their powers granted by the Commonwealth (federal) parliament rather than their own constitutions.
ACT
Australian Capital Territory
Canberra
Located between Sydney and Melbourne. Home to Australia's national capital, Canberra. Key institutions: Parliament House and the High Court of Australia.
NT
Northern Territory
Darwin
Tropical environment in the north; dry red desert in the south. Icons: Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon.
Key Points to Remember
- Australia has 6 states and 2 territories (8 total)
- The national capital is Canberra (in the ACT)
- NSW (Sydney) — first colony, nation's largest city
- Victoria (Melbourne) — smallest mainland state
- Queensland (Brisbane) — Great Barrier Reef on east coast; Torres Strait Islands to the north
- Western Australia (Perth) — largest state; major mining
- South Australia (Adelaide) — wine regions; Barossa Valley
- Tasmania (Hobart) — smallest state; separated from mainland by Bass Strait
- ACT (Canberra) — Parliament House; High Court of Australia
- NT (Darwin) — Uluru; Kata Tjuta; Kings Canyon
Quick Check
Score: 0/5
Question 1 of 5
How many states does Australia have?
Why it matters: Australia has 6 states and 2 territories (8 total). The distinction between states and territories is important — territories have powers granted by the Commonwealth parliament.
Question 2 of 5
What is Australia's national capital city?
Why it matters: Canberra is Australia's capital city. It's in the ACT, located between Sydney and Melbourne. Parliament House and the High Court are located there. Sydney is the largest city but NOT the capital.
Question 3 of 5
Which is the largest state in Australia?
Why it matters: Western Australia is the largest state. Its east is mostly desert, while the south-west is rich in agriculture and wine. It's also home to many large mining projects.
Question 4 of 5
The world-famous Great Barrier Reef runs along the eastern coast of which state?
Why it matters: The Great Barrier Reef runs along Queensland's eastern coast. The Torres Strait Islands also lie to the north of Queensland. Brisbane is the state's capital city.
Question 5 of 5
Which state is the smallest and is separated from the Australian mainland by the Bass Strait?
Why it matters: Tasmania is the smallest state, an island separated from the mainland by the Bass Strait. Its capital is Hobart, and it is known for unspoilt wilderness including Cradle Mountain and Port Arthur.