Australian States, Territories and Capital Cities: A Simple Guide
Learn Australia's six states, two mainland territories and their capital cities, plus why Canberra is the national capital. Easy notes for the test.
Australia is a federation of six states and two major mainland territories. Knowing them — and their capital cities — is basic knowledge for every future citizen, and a regular part of the citizenship test.
The Six States and Their Capitals
- New South Wales (NSW) — capital: Sydney. The oldest colony, founded in 1788, and the most populous state.
- Victoria (VIC) — capital: Melbourne. The smallest mainland state, known for culture, sport and food.
- Queensland (QLD) — capital: Brisbane. Home to much of the Great Barrier Reef and tropical regions in the north.
- Western Australia (WA) — capital: Perth. The largest state by area, with a major mining industry.
- South Australia (SA) — capital: Adelaide. Known for wine regions and festivals.
- Tasmania (TAS) — capital: Hobart. An island state south of the mainland, known for its wilderness areas.
The Two Mainland Territories and Their Capitals
- Australian Capital Territory (ACT) — capital: Canberra. Canberra is also the national capital.
- Northern Territory (NT) — capital: Darwin. Home to Uluru and Kakadu National Park, and to many Aboriginal communities.
Australia also has several smaller territories, such as the Jervis Bay Territory and external territories including Norfolk Island, Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands.
What Is the Difference Between a State and a Territory?
The states were the original British colonies that joined together at Federation in 1901. Each state has its own constitution and its powers are protected by the Australian Constitution.
Territories are areas that are not states. The ACT and the Northern Territory have their own elected parliaments and make laws on many matters, but the Commonwealth Parliament can make laws for the territories — and, in some circumstances, override territory laws.
Who Leads Each State and Territory?
- The leader of a state government is the Premier
- The leader of a territory government is the Chief Minister
- The King is represented in each state by a Governor
Why Is Canberra the National Capital?
When the colonies federated, both Sydney and Melbourne wanted to be the capital. As a compromise, the Constitution required the national capital to be in New South Wales, but at least 100 miles from Sydney. The site of Canberra was chosen, and the city was purpose-built. Parliament met in Melbourne until it moved to Canberra in 1927. Today, Canberra is home to Parliament House, the High Court, and many national institutions.
Memory Tips
- Six states, two territories — five states on the mainland, plus the island state of Tasmania, and two mainland territories
- Match the capitals by coast: east — Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne; south — Adelaide, Hobart; west — Perth; north — Darwin; inland — Canberra
- Look at a map of Australia while you study — seeing the shapes helps you remember
Sample Test-Style Questions
- What is the capital city of Australia? (Canberra)
- How many states does Australia have? (Six)
- Which city is the capital of Western Australia? (Perth)
Practise Geography Questions
Geography questions are among the easiest marks on the test once you have learned the basics. CitiZen AU's "Australia and its people" practice questions help you lock in the states, territories and capitals, in English and Vietnamese.