Geography of Australia: Landscapes and Territories

Published on April 24, 2026 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Located in the Southern Hemisphere, Australia is a fascinating country-continent distinguished by its impressive geographical diversity. Spanning nearly 7.7 million square kilometers, it offers a wide range of landscapes, from the famous arid deserts of the Outback to the lush tropical rainforests of the north.

This vast land is also home to the Great Barrier Reef, one of the world’s most spectacular natural treasures. With dynamic coastal cities like Sydney and Melbourne, surrounded by picturesque beaches and majestic mountains, Australia continues to captivate visitors and geographers who explore its many contrasts and natural riches.

Location and Borders of Australia

Australia is a continent and a country located in the Southern Hemisphere, in Oceania. It is surrounded by the Indian Ocean to the west, the Pacific Ocean to the east, and, for Australians, the Southern Ocean to the south. This positioning gives it great climatic and environmental diversity.

Approximate Geographic Coordinates:

• Latitude: from 10° to 39° south
• Longitude: from 113° to 153° east

Major Coastal Cities and Their Geographic Importance:

• Sydney: largest city, major port on the east coast, economic and cultural center.
• Melbourne: second-largest city, located on Port Phillip Bay, industrial and artistic center.
• Brisbane: capital of Queensland, important for maritime trade and links with Asia.
• Perth: located on the west coast, main gateway to the Indian Ocean.
• Adelaide: administrative and commercial center of the south.
• Darwin: in the north, strategic point towards Asia.
• Hobart: capital of Tasmania, on the Bass Strait, important for access to the south of the country.

Summary Table of Major Coastal Cities:

City	Coast	Geographic Importance
Sydney	East	Major port, economic center
Melbourne	Southeast	Industry, culture, sheltered bay
Brisbane	East	Maritime trade, proximity to Asia
Perth	West	Access to Indian Ocean, relative isolation
Adelaide	South	Administrative center
Darwin	North	Gateway to Asia
Hobart	South (Tasmania)	Access to Antarctica, regional port

The Australian continental shelf is vast and shallow, particularly in the north and west. It extends far out to sea, notably towards the Great Barrier Reef, allowing Australia to claim a large maritime area before reaching international waters. The demarcation of the continental shelf defines the rights to exploit underwater resources.

Australia shares no land borders with any other country. The only notable insular exception is Tasmania, a large island located southeast of the mainland, separated by the Bass Strait. Tasmania is an integral part of Australian territory but is not connected by land.

List of Borders and Associated Islands:

• Land border: None
• Main associated island: Tasmania (southeast, separated by the Bass Strait)
• Other islands: Lord Howe, Macquarie, etc.

Australia’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) covers approximately 8,148,250 km², making it one of the largest in the world. This zone allows Australia to exercise exclusive rights over marine resources (fishing, hydrocarbons, minerals) up to 200 nautical miles from the coast, and sometimes beyond where the continental shelf extends. The extent of the EEZ determines maritime boundaries with neighboring countries and reinforces Australian sovereignty over its maritime spaces.

Key Takeaways:

• Australia is an island continent, bordered by the Indian, Pacific, and Southern Oceans.
• It has no land borders, with Tasmania separated from the mainland.
• The Australian EEZ shapes its maritime boundaries and resource management.

Major Geographic Regions

Western Australia

• Climate: Mostly arid and semi-arid, Mediterranean climate on the southwest coast, tropical in the north.
• Landscapes: Deserts (Great Sandy, Gibson, Great Victoria), cliffs and gorges of the Kimberley, Nullarbor Plains, jarrah forests near Perth.
• Fauna and Flora: Many endemic species in the southwest; kangaroos, wallabies, rare birds, drought-adapted flora.
• Major Cities: Perth (capital), Broome, Albany.
• Attractions: Karijini National Park, Pinnacles Desert, Ningaloo Coast, Kimberley.
• Economy: Mining (iron, gold, gas), grain farming, fishing, tourism.
• Demographics: Approximately 2.7 million inhabitants, population concentrated in Perth.
• History: British colonization from 1829, strong mining and port identity.

Northern Territory

• Climate: Tropical in the north (wet/dry season), desert in the south (Alice Springs).
• Landscapes: Savanna, bush, deserts, rock formations (Uluru, Kata Tjuta).
• Fauna and Flora: Crocodiles, kangaroos, dingoes, eucalyptus, baobabs.
• Major Cities: Darwin (capital), Alice Springs.
• Attractions: Uluru/Ayers Rock, Kakadu National Park, Litchfield National Park.
• Economy: Mining (uranium), tourism, cattle ranching.
• Demographics: Low density (approx. 250,000 inhabitants), significant Aboriginal population.
• History: Millennia-old Aboriginal culture, pioneer routes, bombing of Darwin in 1942.

Queensland

• Climate: Tropical in the north, subtropical in the south, arid in the west.
• Landscapes: Rainforests (Daintree), beaches, Great Barrier Reef, savannas, farmland.
• Fauna and Flora: Koalas, crocodiles, cassowaries, corals, mangroves.
• Major Cities: Brisbane (capital), Cairns, Gold Coast, Townsville.
• Attractions: Great Barrier Reef, Whitsunday Islands, Daintree Rainforest, Sunshine Coast.
• Economy: Tourism, agriculture (sugarcane, tropical fruits), mining.
• Demographics: Over 5 million inhabitants, strong urban growth.
• History: British colonization, agricultural development, surf and tropical culture.

New South Wales

• Climate: Temperate on the coast, continental inland.
• Landscapes: Beaches, mountains (Blue Mountains, Snowy Mountains), agricultural plains.
• Fauna and Flora: Wallabies, koalas, eucalyptus, endemic birds.
• Major Cities: Sydney (capital), Newcastle, Wollongong.
• Attractions: Sydney Opera House, Blue Mountains, Hunter Valley, Bondi Beach.
• Economy: Services, finance, agriculture, tourism, industry.
• Demographics: Approximately 8 million inhabitants, Sydney = largest city in the country.
• History: First British colony (1788), cultural diversity, national economic center.

South Australia

• Climate: Mediterranean in the south, semi-arid inland.
• Landscapes: Vineyards (Barossa Valley), plains, deserts, rugged coasts.
• Fauna and Flora: Kangaroos, emus, koalas, Mediterranean flora.
• Major Cities: Adelaide (capital), Port Augusta.
• Attractions: Kangaroo Island, Barossa Valley, Flinders Ranges.
• Economy: Agriculture, viticulture, industry, tourism.
• Demographics: 1.8 million inhabitants, majority urban in Adelaide.
• History: Free (non-penal) colonization, wine and artistic heritage.

Victoria

• Climate: Temperate, distinct seasons, snow in the Alps.
• Landscapes: Mountains (Victorian Alps), coasts (Great Ocean Road), forests, agricultural plains.
• Fauna and Flora: Koalas, wombats, lyrebirds, temperate forests.
• Major Cities: Melbourne (capital), Geelong, Ballarat.
• Attractions: Great Ocean Road, Grampians, Yarra Valley, Phillip Island.
• Economy: Industry, services, agriculture, arts, tourism.
• Demographics: Approximately 6.7 million inhabitants, Melbourne = cultural and artistic center.
• History: Gold rush (1850s), mass immigration, rich cultural life.

Tasmania

• Climate: Temperate oceanic, abundant rainfall.
• Landscapes: Mountains, dense forests, rugged coasts, lakes.
• Fauna and Flora: Tasmanian devil, wallabies, southern beech forests, endemic plants.
• Major Cities: Hobart (capital), Launceston.
• Attractions: Cradle Mountain, Freycinet, Port Arthur, national parks.
• Economy: Agriculture, fishing, tourism, hydroelectric power.
• Demographics: Approximately 570,000 inhabitants, low density.
• History: Penal colonization, preserved natural heritage, strong island identity.

Region	Climate	Landscapes	Major Cities	Major Attractions	Dominant Economy	Demographics	Historical Elements
Western Australia	Arid, Medit.	Deserts, gorges, forests	Perth, Broome	Kimberley, Pinnacles, Ningaloo	Mining, agriculture, fishing	~2.7 M	Mining colonization
Northern Territory	Tropical, desert	Savanna, desert, rocks	Darwin, Alice Springs	Uluru, Kakadu, Litchfield	Mining, tourism, ranching	~250,000	Aboriginal culture
Queensland	Tropical, arid	Forests, beaches, coral	Brisbane, Cairns	Great Barrier Reef, Daintree	Tourism, agriculture	~5 M	Agricultural colonization
New South Wales	Temperate	Beaches, mountains, plains	Sydney, Newcastle	Opera House, Blue Mountains, Hunter Val.	Services, agriculture	~8 M	First colony
South Australia	Mediterranean	Vineyards, deserts, plains	Adelaide, Augusta	Kangaroo Island, Barossa, Flinders	Agriculture, viticulture	~1.8 M	Free colonization
Victoria	Temperate	Mountains, coasts, plains	Melbourne, Geelong	Great Ocean Road, Grampians	Industry, services	~6.7 M	Gold rush
Tasmania	Oceanic	Mountains, forests, lakes	Hobart, Launceston	Cradle Mountain, Freycinet	Agriculture, tourism	~570,000	Penal colony

Australia’s Must-See Cities

City	Population (approx.)	Geographic Position	Major Attractions	Cultural and Economic Characteristics	National and International Importance	Historical Overview and Contribution to Australian Diversity
Sydney	5.3 million	Southeast, New South Wales	Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Bondi Beach, Darling Harbour, The Rocks, Manly, Blue Mountains	Most populous city, financial center, major port, rich cultural life, international festivals	Economic capital, symbol of Australia, tourist hub	Founded in 1788, first British colony. Blend of colonial history, modernity, and cultural diversity. Port city opening Australia to the world.
Melbourne	5.1 million	Southeast, Victoria	Federation Square, lively laneways, street art (Hosier Lane), St Kilda, Brighton Beach, museums, MCG	Cultural and sporting capital, renowned for arts, cafes, gastronomy, international sporting events	Center for fashion, arts, and sports. World reputation for quality of life and creativity.	Founded in 1835. Rapid development due to the gold rush. Marked cultural diversity and Victorian architectural heritage.
Brisbane	2.6 million	East, Queensland	South Bank Parklands, Brisbane River, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Moreton Island, Kangaroo Point	Subtropical climate, emerging arts scene, technology and education center	Third-largest city in the country, gateway to the Gold Coast and Great Barrier Reef	Established in 1824. Rapid growth since the 1980s. Expanding city, blend of modern urbanism and nature.
Perth	2.2 million	West coast, Western Australia	Kings Park, Swan River, beaches (Cottesloe, Scarborough), Fremantle, Rottnest Island, Elizabeth Quay	Most isolated city, economy based on mining resources, relaxed atmosphere, multiculturalism	Economic center for mining, gateway to Asia and Africa.	Founded in 1829. City that developed due to the mining boom. Geographic and cultural uniqueness.
Adelaide	1.4 million	South, South Australia	Barossa Valley, Glenelg Beach, museums, North Terrace, festivals (Adelaide Festival, WOMADelaide), Central Market	Reputation for quality of life, festival capital, top wine and food destination	Global wine production center, recognized for its festivals and architectural heritage	Founded in 1836, planned without a penal colony. Identity marked by social openness, culture, and agriculture.

Sydney

• Cosmopolitan city, true emblem of Australia.
• Combines modernity and historical heritage, economic dynamism and multiculturalism.
• Its natural harbor and iconic infrastructure give it global recognition.
• Strong Asian and European influence, hub of innovation and the arts.

Melbourne

• Capital recognized for its European ambiance, lively neighborhoods, and love of sports.
• Avant-garde center for fashion, design, theater, and music.
• Host to numerous international events (Australian Open, F1 Grand Prix).
• City of immigration, mosaic of communities and cultural influences.

Brisbane

• Sunny and laid-back metropolis, rapidly growing.
• Technological boom, research hubs, and renowned universities.
• Privileged access to beaches and national parks, appreciated lifestyle.
• Strategic transit point for travelers heading north.

Perth

• Geographic uniqueness: the most isolated major city in the world.
• Economy oriented towards natural resource exports.
• Burgeoning cultural scene, Oceanian and Asian influence.
• Gateway to Western Australia, diversity of landscapes and coastal lifestyle.

Adelaide

• Planned city, known for its green spaces and relaxed lifestyle.
• Capital of festivals and Australian wine.
• Crossroads between the outback, beaches, and wine regions.
• Historical role in social progress and civil rights in Australia.

Each city contributes to Australia’s geographic and cultural richness:

• Sydney and Melbourne embody urban dynamism and international diversity.
• Brisbane offers unique access to subtropical nature and innovation.
• Perth, through its isolation and openness to the Indian Ocean, illustrates Australian originality.
• Adelaide values traditions, gastronomy, and the art of living, while being a driver of social progress.

These five metropolises, through their history, position, and unique identity, reflect the cultural, economic, and geographic mosaic that makes Australia unique.