1. New South Wales: New South Wales is the oldest and most populous state, located in the southeastern part of Australia. It is the home of Sydney, Australia's largest city.
2. Victoria: Victoria is the second-most populous state and is located in southeastern Australia. It is the home of Melbourne, Australia's second-largest city.
3. Queensland: Queensland is the third-most populous state and is located in northeastern Australia. It is the home of Brisbane, Australia's third-largest city.
4. South Australia: South Australia is the fourth-most populous state and is located in southern Australia. It is the home of Adelaide, Australia's fifth-largest city.
5. Western Australia: Western Australia is the largest state in terms of land area and is located in western Australia. It is the home of Perth, Australia's fourth-largest city.
6. Tasmania: Tasmania is an island state that is located south of the mainland. It is the least populous state and is the home of Hobart, Australia's sixth-largest city.
7. Northern Territory: Northern Territory is located in the central part of Australia and is the second-largest state in terms of land area. It is the home of Darwin, Australia's seventh-largest city.