The nation’s history hub

Nestled inside New South Wales, the landlocked Australian Capital Territory is a place where Australia’s government meets the nation’s military history, and its rich selection of contemporary arts and culture.

Sitting at just over 2,000 square kilometres, the ACT is overflowing with green spaces and forestry, making it a magnetic destination for anyone seeking to hike, boat or just generally explore the great outdoors.

The largest city in the ACT is Australia’s capital, Canberra, established in the early twentieth century in the middle of Australia’s two largest cities. The reasons for its positioning are clear: when the government at the time were selecting a capital city, they wanted to avoid tensions between Sydney and Melbourne, and so settled on a compromise in the geographical middle.

Now, the capital is a relatively quiet city in comparison to Australia’s other major cities. Its inhabitants are famous for flocking to the city’s high-class bars and restaurants and fine dining establishments on a nightly basis, ready to create an enjoyable time out. What’s more, the area is packed full of the art galleries and museums that make Canberra so famous - and provide an endless array of options to explore.

Visit Parliament House and the Australian War Memorial, then set your sights on the National Gallery of Australia and National Portrait Gallery for local and international work alike.