States of Australia: How Many Are There and Which Is Oldest?

Australia is a federation of six states and two mainland territories, but many people mistakenly count it as seven or eight states. This guide clarifies the correct number, lists capitals and governing differences, and explains how the federation shaped the country.

Number of states: 6 | Number of territories: 10 | Largest state by area: Western Australia | Smallest state by area: Tasmania | Capital city of Australia: Canberra | Oldest state: New South Wales

Are there 6 or 7 States in Australia?

Australia has exactly six states. The confusion often arises because the two internal territories—the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and the Northern Territory (NT)—are sometimes mistaken for states. However, territories do not have the same constitutional standing as states.

What is the correct number of states?

The six states are New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, and Tasmania. This is confirmed by Britannica Kids and the official tourism site Tourism Australia.

Why do some people think there are 7 or 8?

The misconception stems from counting the ACT and NT as states. In casual conversation, people sometimes say “seven states” because they mentally include the Northern Territory. Others mistakenly add the ACT as an eighth. But legally, only the six original colonies are states.

“Australia has six states and two internal territories.” — Tourism Australia

The implication: any claim of seven or eight states reflects a misunderstanding of the territory‑state distinction.

Which Australian state is the oldest?

New South Wales is the oldest state, established in 1788 as the first British colony in Australia. The other states were founded later, as shown in the timeline.

When was New South Wales founded?

New South Wales was founded on 26 January 1788 when the First Fleet arrived at Sydney Cove. This is documented by the National Capital Authority and historical records.

History of other states’ founding

• Tasmania (Van Diemen’s Land) settled in 1803.
• South Australia founded in 1836.
• Victoria separated from New South Wales in 1851.
• Queensland separated from New South Wales in 1859.
• Western Australia granted self‑government in 1890.

“New South Wales established 1788” — National Capital Authority

What are the main cities in Australia?

Each state and internal territory has a capital city that serves as its administrative centre. The national capital is Canberra, located in the Australian Capital Territory.

State capitals

• New South Wales – Sydney
• Victoria – Melbourne
• Queensland – Brisbane
• South Australia – Adelaide
• Western Australia – Perth
• Tasmania – Hobart
• Australian Capital Territory – Canberra
• Northern Territory – Darwin

Other major cities include Gold Coast, Newcastle, and Wollongong.

“Australia’s national capital is Canberra.” — Tourism Australia

The pattern: each capital reflects the state’s colonial and economic history, with Canberra deliberately placed as a compromise between Sydney and Melbourne.

What territories does Australia have?

Australia administers two internal territories and seven external territories. The internal territories are the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory. The external territories include Norfolk Island, Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Coral Sea Islands, Ashmore and Cartier Islands, Heard Island and McDonald Islands, and the Australian Antarctic Territory.

Mainland territories: Australian Capital Territory and Northern Territory

The Australian Capital Territory was created in 1911 as the seat of federal government. The Northern Territory was also established in 1911, after separating from South Australia. Both have self‑government but remain subject to federal override.

External territories

Seven external territories are listed by Britannica Kids: Norfolk Island, Coral Sea Islands, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Christmas Island, Ashmore and Cartier Islands, Heard Island and McDonald Islands, and the Australian Antarctic Territory. Under the Antarctic Treaty, territorial claims in Antarctica are set aside.

How do states and territories differ?

States have their own constitutions and full legislative powers. Territories are under federal authority, though some have self‑government.

Legislative powers

Each state has its own parliament and can make laws on any matter not exclusively given to the Commonwealth. Territories, by contrast, derive their powers from federal legislation.

Self‑government

The Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory have self‑government, but the federal parliament retains the power to override their laws. This distinction is key to understanding why territories are not states.

Timeline of State and Territory Establishment

• 1788: New South Wales established as first state.
• 1803: Tasmania (Van Diemen’s Land) settled.
• 1836: South Australia founded.
• 1851: Victoria separated from NSW.
• 1859: Queensland separated from NSW.
• 1890: Western Australia granted self‑government.
• 1901: Federation of Australia – states unite.
• 1911: Australian Capital Territory and Northern Territory created.
• 1978: Northern Territory granted self‑government.

For a detailed breakdown of Australias six states, see the guide that explains the distinction between states and territories.

FAQ

Related reading: Flights Melbourne to Sydney: Travel Modes Compared (Cost & Time) and Australian Curriculum v9: Guide to Key Changes and Timeline.