The states and territories of Australia

Australia has six states and two territories: South Australia, Western Australia, Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, Northern Territory and Australian Capital Territory. Each state and territory has a capital city.

Sydney is a capital of New South Wales. Leading industrial city. Population: 3,200,000 people. Sydney enjoys a relaxed outdoor and beach lifestyle, combined with arts and culture, nature and cosmopolitan shopping and nightlife.

In the city centre, historic arcades such as the Queen Victoria Building and The Strand are packed with designer fashion stores. In Newtown, find vintage fashion and quirky boutiques; while Mosman and Double Bay have more upmarket boutiques and cafes. Sydney is bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the east, the Blue Mountains to the west, the Hawkesbury River to the north and the Royal National Park in the south.

Melbourne is a capital of Victoria. The world’s most livable city. Population: 3.200.000. To the north lies alpine country. South you’ll find the watery playgrounds of the Mornington Peninsula and the Great Ocean Road.

Brisbane is a capital of Queensland. It is a year-round vocation place. Population is about 1,400,000 people. The warm tropical days and nights are perfect for enjoying Brisbane’s many attractions. Wander through the gardens at South Bank Parklands, Roma Street, Brisbane Forest Park and Portside Wharf. Admire the historic sandstone buildings; stroll along the shores of the Brisbane River at South Bank and swim in the sandy lagoon, unique in a city centre.

Popular activities include the Story Bridge adventure climb and rock climbing at the Kangaroo Point cliffs; or cycle one of the many bicycle pathways that skirt the city. East of the city are some of the world’s largest sand islands and excellent beaches. In the south are the surf beaches of the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast.

Adelaide is a capital of South Australia. A pretty and industrial city. Population: 1,100,000 people. Adelaide is a neat, flat city surrounded by superb gardens, overlooking the banks of the River Torrens. Stroll along the wide boulevards and historic buildings of North Terrace and Rundle Mall for boutiques showcasing high-end fashion. Adelaide is highly regarded for its fine food and quality restaurants.

Perth is a capital of Western Australia. One of the best climates in Australia. Population: 1.200.000 people. More than 80 kilometres of clean, uncrowded beaches make Perth's coast ideal for swimming and surfing, and to experience Perth’s beach side suburban lifestyle.

Hobart is a capital of island-state Tasmania. Winters are very cold. Population of about 200,000. Hobart is a city of natural beauty and cultural heritage characterised by warm sandstone buildings, bright sails on the water and fishing boats at the docks. Throughout this small, walkable city you’ll find 19th-century waterfront warehouses and many sites showcasing Australia’s convict history. Around Sullivan’s Cove, where the famous Sydney to Hobart yacht race finishes, there are good restaurants and unique shopping.

The capital of Australia

Canberra is the capital city of Australia and with a population of over 332,000, is Australia's largest inland city. The city is located at the northern end of the Australian Capital Territory, 280 kilometres southwest of Sydney, and 650 kilometres north-east of Melbourne. The site of Canberra was selected for the location of the nation's capital in 1908 as a compromise between Sydney and Melbourne, the two largest cities. It is unusual among Australian cities as an entirely purpose-built, planned city. Following an international contest for the city's design, a design by Chicago architects Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahony Griffin was selected and construction commenced in 1913. The city's design was heavily influenced by the garden city movement and incorporates significant areas of natural vegetation that have earned Canberra the title "bush capital". Although the growth and development of Canberra were hindered by the World Wars and the Great Depression, it emerged as a thriving city after World War II.

As the seat of the government of Australia, Canberra is the site of Parliament House, the High Court of Australia and numerous government departments and agencies. It is also the location of many social and cultural institutions of national significance. The federal government contributes the largest percentage of Gross State Product and is the largest single employer in Canberra (although it is no longer the employer of the majority of working Canberrans, as was once the case). Canberra is also a popular destination for domestic and international tourists.