States and Territories

Territory: Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

Capital City: Canberra
Canberra, Australia's capital, was purpose-built in a location selected for its central position between Sydney and Melbourne. The first parliamentary meeting in the new capital city was held in 1927.

State: New South Wales (NSW)

Capital City: Sydney
New South Wales is the most populated and industrialised state in Australia. Its capital city Sydney is Australia's most popular tourist destination and our oldest and largest city. Sydney is renowned for its beaches and diverse cultural calendar.

State: Victoria (VIC)

Capital City: Melbourne
Victoria is Australia's second smallest state and is home to 26 per cent of the population. Melbourne is recognised worldwide for its cultural and artistic diversity and is often compared with Europe for its architecture and style.

State: Queensland (QLD)

Capital City: Brisbane
Queensland is the second largest state and its capital city Brisbane is the third largest city in Australia. Known for its fabulous weather, Queensland is a major tourist destination for both Australians and international visitors. The world-renowned and World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef lies directly off the coast.

State: Western Australia (WA)

Capital City: Perth
Western Australia is the largest state (an amazing 2.52 million square kilometres or twice the size of western Europe!), yet accounts for only 8 per cent of Australia's population. Its abundant mineral wealth contributes 25 per cent of the gross domestic product (GDP).

State: South Australia (SA)

Capital City: Adelaide
South Australia, blessed with a Mediterranean climate, has unspoiled beaches and a landscape as diverse as it is beautiful. North of Adelaide lie the fertile vineyards of the Barossa Valley which produce 30 per cent of Australia's wine.

Territory: Northern Territory (NT)

Capital City: Darwin
The Northern Territory covers nearly 20 per cent of Australia and is home to Uluru (Ayers Rock), the town of Alice Springs, and the remarkable World Heritage listed Kakadu National Park. Darwin is the NT's capital.

State: Tasmania (TAS)

Capital: Hobart
The island of Tasmania lies south of the Australian mainland and is surrounded by several smaller islands. With what has been said to be the cleanest air in the world, Hobart, Tasmania's capital city and Australia's second oldest city, was once a dreaded penal colony.

Other Territories

In addition, the Federal government manages the territories of Christmas, Norfolk and Ashmore and Cartier Islands, as well as the Cocos (Keeling) and Coral Sea Islands. It also manages the sub-arctic territories of Heard and McDonald Islands and the Australian Antarctic Territory.

Geography
The Australian environment is unique. From unspoilt beaches, tropical rainforest, rugged mountain ranges and vast tracts of desert, Australia is a country of contrast. Home to an amazing 14 World Heritage listed wilderness areas, Australia's diversity is yours to enjoy.

Climate
With the reverse seasons of the northern hemisphere, Australia enjoys a largely temperate climate. Most of Australia receives more than 3,000 hours of sunshine a year, or an amazing 70 per cent of the total possible hours. Grab a hat and sunscreen and enjoy our delightful climate!

Landmarks
Australia has many world famous landmarks. Beside the Opera House and Harbour Bridge (both conveniently close to one another!), there is a host of other landmarks in the midst of beautiful cities, dramatic cliffs, tranquil bays and the richness of the Australian desert.

Time zones
There are three time zones in Australia: Eastern Standard Time (EST), which includes New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory; Central Standard Time (CST), which includes South Australia and the Northern Territory; and Western Standard Time (WST) - Western Australia. CST is one half hour behind EST, while WST is two hours behind EST.