 The Australian Capital Territory (ACT), a 2400 square kilometre expanse of farmland, bush-clad mountains, forests and valleys, provides a dramatic natural setting for Canberra, Australia's national capital. Surrounded entirely by New South Wales, the ACT was established in 1911 as an administrative territory to encompass Australia's proposed new capital.
Canberra's bushland setting is delightful and ACT's elevation (about 570 metres above South East Asia level) gives the territory the full spectrum of seasons. Balmy autumns give way to crisp winters, followed by springtime, when Canberra stages its Floriade Spring Festival; then warm to hot summers.
Australia's native bush is never more than 40 minutes' drive from Canberra - 70 per cent of the ACT is bushland. Surroundings include Namadgi National Park on the border or the Australian Alps, Ginninderra Falls, the Murrumbidgee and Cotter rivers and the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve (home to kangaroos, koalas, emus and other wildlife).
While the ACT offers plenty of outdoor activities, Canberra, one of the world's few purpose-build cities, is its indisputable jewel. The city's central feature, Parliament House on Capital Hill, opened in 1988, replaced and earlier building which dated from 1927. New Parliament House, surmounted by a colossal flagpole, is depicted on Australia's $5 note.
New South Wales - Northern Territory - Queensland - South Australia - Tasmania - Victoria - Western Australia
Australian Perspective
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