Australia Has Six States – There Is No "Sixth State"

Australia's Six States and Two Territories

Australia comprises six states and two mainland territories – there is no "sixth state" beyond the six.

The Six States (Original Colonies)

1. New South Wales (NSW) – Capital: Sydney (oldest, 1788)
2. Victoria (VIC) – Capital: Melbourne (separated 1851)
3. Queensland (QLD) – Capital: Brisbane (separated 1859)
4. South Australia (SA) – Capital: Adelaide (free settlement 1836)
5. Western Australia (WA) – Capital: Perth (largest area, 1829)
6. Tasmania (TAS) – Capital: Hobart (island state, 1825)

The Two Mainland Territories

• Australian Capital Territory (ACT) – Canberra (federal capital, 1911)
• Northern Territory (NT) – Darwin (self-government 1978)

Key Differences: States vs. Territories

External Territories (7)

Norfolk Island, Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Ashmore & Cartier, Coral Sea Islands, Heard & McDonald, Australian Antarctic Territory – not states.