What is the smallest state in Australia?
Tasmania is the smallest state in Australia, covering about 68,400 square kilometres including its offshore islands. It is also the only island state, separated from the mainland by Bass Strait.
Tasmania is roughly the size of Ireland or Sri Lanka. Despite its small size compared with other states, it has a remarkable variety of landscapes, from rugged mountains and alpine lakes to beaches and farmland.
Victoria is the smallest mainland state, at about 227,000 square kilometres.
Smaller territories
The Australian Capital Territory, which surrounds Canberra, is smaller than Tasmania at about 2,400 square kilometres, but it is a territory rather than a state. The Jervis Bay Territory, on the New South Wales coast, is smaller still.
Tasmania has a population of a little over half a million people. Its capital is Hobart, and other major towns include Launceston, Devonport and Burnie.
Tasmania joined the federation in 1901 along with the other five colonies. Its compact size means visitors can drive from Hobart to Launceston in under three hours.
Did You Know?
Tasmania includes more than 300 offshore islands, such as Bruny Island and Flinders Island.