Each state of Australia has its own government, lifestyle quirks, breathtaking sights and (of course) sporting allegiances, which all contribute to Australia’s rich social tapestry. Knowing your way around the states is thus important to your move to Australia. Below we’ll share some info on Australia’s States and Territories.
New South Wales (NSW) — The First State
NSW has the largest population of all the Australian states. It has numerous mountains, beaches, national parks and the biggest city and financial centre, Sydney. Mount Kosciuszko, the highest mountain in Australia, standing 2,228 metres tall, is in NSW.
Quick Facts:
- Population: 7.2 million
- Capital: Sydney
- Climate: Arid to semi-arid, with snow in the south-east of the state in winter
- Time Zone: GMT + 10 (winter), GMT + 11 (summer)
Queensland (QLD) — The Sunshine State
“Ahh, Queensland – beautiful one day, perfect the next” the old tourism slogan goes and is still proudly proclaimed by the state’s residents.
Queensland is Australia’s home of surf and fun, with endless opportunities for fishing, diving and snorkelling (Great Barrier Reef anyone?). The Gold Coast, Cairns and Brisbane are the popular hubs for international travellers but more and more Aussies make the permanent move there every year.
Quick Facts:
- Population: 4.5 million
- Capital: Brisbane
- Climate: Sub-tropical in the south to tropical in the north, with warm temperatures and minimal rainfall in winter and a summer period of humid conditions and intense rainfall. The west of the state can be characterised as the Outback and is dry and arid.
- Time Zone: GMT + 10 (winter and summer)
Victoria (Vic) — The Garden State
Victoria is the most diverse state and referred to as the ‘cultural, sporting and culinary capital’ of Australia. Melbourne was recently named as the World’s Most Liveable City in the Economist’s Intelligence Unit Liveability Poll for the last two years.
The Twelve Apostles National Park is one of the state’s most popular tourist attractions.
Quick Facts:
- Population: 5.5 million
- Capital: Melbourne
- Climate: Mild to cold and wet winters, warm to hot, dry summers
- Time Zone: GMT + 10 (winter), GMT + 11 (summer)
Tasmania (Tas) — Island of Inspiration
Green and lush, the island state of Tasmania is the 26th largest island in the world, with 37% of its area comprising reserves, parks and heritage sites.
Hobart is Australia’s least-populous capital with only 214,705 people.
Quick Facts:
- Population: 507,626
- Capital: Hobart
- Climate: Cool and temperate, with four distinct seasons
- Time Zone: GMT + 10 (winter), GMT + 11 (summer)
Western Australia (WA) — The Golden State
Occupying one third of the country, WA is the biggest of all six states in Australia and Perth is geographically the most isolated city on the globe.
The Western Australian economy is driven by rich mineral and petroleum resources, making the state the third-largest iron ore producer in the world.
Quick Facts:
- Population: 2.3 million
- Capital: Perth
- Climate: Semi-arid or desert conditions with minimal rainfall, even in winter
- Time Zone: GMT + 8 (winter), GMT + 9 (summer)
South Australia (SA) — The Festival State
Australia’s first free state; wines, beaches and national parks make South Australia a popular destination, with the Barossa and Clare Valleys in particular attracting numerous tourists.
South Australia shares borders with all of the mainland states as well as the Northern Territory.
Quick Facts:
- Population: 1.6 million
- Capital: Adelaide
- Climate: Generally Mediterranean, but also home to some of the most arid areas of Australia
- Time Zone: GMT + 9.5 (winter), GMT + 10.5 (summer)
Australian Capital Territory (ACT) — The Nation’s Heart
Located within New South Wales, the ACT is a self-governing inland territory, created specifically to be Australia’s administrative capital.
Canberra, an entirely planned city comprising most of the ACT, was selected as Australia’s capital in 1913 after a compromise was reached between Sydney and Melbourne.
Quick Facts:
- Population: 358,222
- Capital: Canberra
- Climate: Dry continental climate with warm to hot summers and cold winters
- Time Zone: GMT + 10 (winter), GMT + 11 (summer)
Northern Territory (NT) — The Top End
The Northern Territory is the least-populous of all of Australia’s states and territories, with the famous five million acre World Heritage Kakadu National Park well-known for its Aboriginal art and fabulous natural beauty.
Quick Facts:
- Population: 229,675
- Capital: Darwin
- Climate: Tropical in the north, with wet, humid summers and dry winters, and semi-arid desert conditions in the centre and south
- Time Zone: GMT + 9.5 (winter and summer)
- If you’re exploring these regions or making the big move, don’t forget to preserve your journey in a beautiful keepsake like Mixbook photo books — perfect for turning your Aussie adventure into a lasting memory.
We hope that you’ve found this article on Australia’s states and territories insightful!
