Australia
Australia is both the largest Island and a Continent.
Australian Astronomical Information
Note: The Australian Antarctic Territory is not recognised by all countries as part of Australia but as I’m in Australia, it’s considered part of Australia.
States and Territories
Australia consists of 3 territories on the mainland, 7 external territories not on the mainland and 6 states (one state also not on the mainland)
3 x Mainland Territories: –
- Australian Capital Territory,
- Northern Territory,
- Jervis Bay Territory
7 x External Territories: –
- Ashmore & Carter Islands,
- Australian Antarctic Territory,
- Christmas Island,
- Cocos (Keeling) Islands,
- Coral Sea Islands,
- Heard & McDonald Islands,
- Norfolk Island
6 x States:-
- New South Wakes,
- Victoria,
- Queensland,
- South Australia,
- Western Australia,
- Tasmania (Tasmania being an Island and not part of the mainland)
Mountains
The definition for a mountain in the Australian Antarctic Territory is frequently debated as some areas are ice and other areas are high points.
The highest mountain on the Australian mainland is Mount Kosciuszko in NSW at 2228m.
One claim is that the Highest Mountain in Australia is Mawson’s Peak on Heard Island at 2745m. It is the summit of an active volcano called Big Ben.
The highest land point in Australia is Mt McClintock is 3490m and Mt Menzies is 3355m.
Elevations in excess of 4000 metres exist in the western sector of the Australian Antarctic Territory in the vicinity of 82E 56S, although these are ice domes and generally not considered mountains.
The Vinson Massif is 5140m but is not recognised as a mountain. (this compares with Mt Everest at 8848m)
The lowest point in Australia is Lake Eyre in SA at 15m below sea level
Reference:
Australia's Highest Mountains
Australian Dimensions
Australian Antarctic Territory