Australia – Capital Territory, travel and discover

Australian Capital Territory is a state in the south east of the country, enclosed within the larger state of New South Wales. It has one city, the Australian capital of Canberra. This is a thriving city with a population of almost 400,000 people and is one of the world’s few planned cities. ACT is often described as being half way between the ski slopes and the beaches, and it has an abundance of parks and reserves. There is also a wealth of indigenous art and Aboriginal shelters in the mountains surrounding Canberra, which have been occupied by humans for over 20,000 years. That means it has been a destination for travellers for longer than the Great Pyramids!

The cosmopolitan city of Canberra is known as a ‘city within a park’ and is the country’s capital and political centre. It has accommodation suited to all tastes and budgets, from 5-star hotels to serviced apartments and camping options. The local people are renowned for their easygoing, friendly attitude and are very welcoming to visitors. There are stylish restaurants, bars and shops, as well as extensive cycle paths, world-class mountain biking and city walking trails. In addition to the vibrant buzz of Canberra, there are adventure holiday options in the Snowy Mountains. In winter, you can choose from top ski resorts such as Thredbo, Perisher Blue and Mt Selwyn. In Spring and Summer, the alpine streams provide superb fishing and Yarrangobilly Caves provide a journey into the earth. There’s never a bad time of year to visit ACT.

Visit Canberra’s bustling streets and explore the workings of the political centre of Australian life. The city has a wealth of cultural options, including the National Gallery of Australia, as well as city walking trails and excellent theatres. The surrounding mountains provide stunning skiing in Winter and excellent fishing and sailing in Spring and Summer. There is something to do during every season in ACT.

Australian Capital Territory is the home of the capital city of Canberra and is the political heartland of the country. This vibrant city was designed by the famous American architect Walter Burley Griffin and is one of the few planned cities in the world. The indigenous people have lived in the area for over 20,000 years and the site of Canberra was decided by a Parliamentary ballot in 1908.

The city is a fantastic base from which to explore the surrounding peaks of Mt Ainslie, Black Mountain and Red Hill, in addition to the Snowy Mountains. Due to Canberra’s location, it is one of the few Australian cities to have four distinct seasons. This makes the Snowy Mountains incredibly popular and home to several excellent ski resorts like Perisher Blue, Thredbo and the family-friendly Mt Selwyn resorts. There are also excellent mountain biking trails throughout the region, both downhill and cross country. The fun needn’t stop in Spring however, as the streams and lakes in the Snowy Mountains provide excellent fishing, boating and sailing. The Yarrangobilly Caves offer stunning limestone caves, underground pools and frozen waterfalls; a journey into the earth that should not be missed.

When you’ve experienced all the mountains have to offer, Canberra is waiting to provide a wealth of culture and entertainment. It has a wide range of accommodation options for every budget, from luxury hotels to guesthouses and camping. The city is designed to be explored on foot and there are city trails to help you do this. When you want to rest your weary feet, there are many pubs and restaurants to explore both in the city and the suburbs. Culture vultures can feast on the National Gallery of Australia, the National Portrait Gallery Australia and The National Library. You can even turn your hand to glassmaking at The Canberra Glassworks!

Best of Capital Territory

What are the best places to visit in Capital Territory ?

Every season has something new to offer visitors to Canberra. In summer, enjoy long evenings dining al fresco at one of Canberra’s world-class restaurants. Fine diners will not be disappointed by Waters Edge overlooking Lake Burley Griffin, or the innovative Sage Restaurant. For something more casual dig into an infamous Brodburger – just make sure you bring your appetite. For a refreshing beverage after dinner wander into the Wig & Pen, a microbrewery in the middle of the city, before checking out the Civic nightclubs.

Canberra is Australia’s gateway to the snowy mountains and temperatures can drop below zero in winter. The slopes of Perisher, Thredbo and Mt Selwyn are an easy drive from Canberra. Stop into Cooma on the way for the best-value ski hire. If skiing doesn’t interest you why not escape the cold by spending the day exploring the Australian War Memorial – one of Canberra’s best tourist attractions.

In spring Canberra really comes alive. Floriade is one of Canberra’s most iconic events and showcases over one million flowers over 30 days in September and October in Commonwealth Park. Be amazed at the beautiful floral displays, watch cooking demonstrations from some of Australia’s best chefs and enjoy the fashion shows. The best part of all – it’s completely free!

The Parliamentary Triangle is the heart of Canberra: the National Treasures Gallery, Australian Mint, National Museum of Australia, the High Court of Australia, National Library and National Gallery are all located here as well as Old and New Parliament House. These national icons are all open to the public and most at no cost at all! The Parliamentary Triangle can easily be explored by foot or, if you are looking for a tour with a difference, why not take part in a guided segue tour which leave from the shore of Lake Burley Griffin.

The young and the young at heart will be amazed at the wide variety of animals at the National Zoo & Aquarium; Australia’s only combined zoo and aquarium. See native Australian animals as well as cheetahs, brown bears and sharks. If you are still looking for something to do after the zoo, why not finish your day star gazing at one of Mt Stromlo’s public observation nights.

Where is Canberra ?

Canberra is the capital of Australia and visitors will be spoilt for choice when trying to decide how to spend their days. The Parliamentary Triangle boasts some of Australia’s best cultural attractions including Old Parliament House, Questacon (the national science centre) and The National Gallery.

Enjoy the fresh air at the recently refurbished National Arboretum, strolling around the stunning Lake Burley Griffin or walking to the top of Mt Ainslie for a million dollar view over the city. If you are looking for a more indulgent day, explore the award-winning Murrumbatemen wineries and restaurants.

Where to stay in Canberra ?

Despite being the nation’s capital Canberra, is a compact city so it is hard to go wrong when deciding where to stay. Those wanting to be close to the city’s nightlife should choose a hotel in Civic. A hotel in the suburbs of New Acton, Barton or Kingston will still ensure you are close to the best attractions and great restaurants, but with a more residential feel