States and territories
Australia has six states and two mainland territories, and Canberra in the ACT is the national capital. This is the biggest topic in the question bank, so learn every capital city and which states are the largest and smallest.
What to remember
- 6 states and 2 mainland territories. National capital: Canberra (ACT).
- NSW–Sydney, Vic–Melbourne, Qld–Brisbane, WA–Perth, SA–Adelaide, Tas–Hobart, ACT–Canberra, NT–Darwin.
- Largest state: WA. Second largest: Qld. Smallest: Tasmania. Smallest mainland state: Victoria.
- NSW was the first colony; Sydney is the largest city.
Sample questions
How many states and mainland territories does Australia have?Show answer
- Five states and three territories
- Seven states and one territory
- Six states and two mainland territories
Six states and two mainland territories. The Commonwealth of Australia is a federation of six states and two mainland territories, and each has its own capital city.
What is the capital city of Australia?Show answer
- Sydney
- Melbourne
- Canberra
Canberra. Canberra is Australia's capital city. It is in the Australian Capital Territory and home to Parliament House and the High Court.
What is the capital city of Queensland?Show answer
- Brisbane
- Adelaide
- Darwin
Brisbane. Queensland's capital city is Brisbane.
Source: Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond, pp. 10–11. Read the full booklet on the Home Affairs website.