Overview

Overview : Half of the Australian Capital Territory consists of nature reserves and Namadgi National Park. Yet this would be more impressive if we did not consider the Territory's miniscule size by comparison to other Australian States. The Australian Capital Territory is 50 miles (80km) from north to south and about 20 miles (30km) wide, carved out of pre-existing land because of a diplomatic compromise. Canberra was chosen as Australia's capital city in 1908, resolving a long-running debate between the main rivals of Sydney and Melbourne, and the Australian Capital Territory is the land that was placed around it.

Yet the beauty of the countryside suggests that size is not everything. There are parks and hills to roam, bushland to frolic in, wineries and wildlife parks. The Snowy Mountains, jutting out of nearby New South Wales, are a brilliant border to the Territory's picture-perfect scene.

Despite the world-famous cities of Melbourne and Sydney in relatively close proximity, Canberra retains its own distinct atmosphere. The city was designed by the American architect Walter Burley Griffin and is a deliberately spacious city, from its large areas of parkland to the 11km- (7 mile-) lake to the circular layout around the Parliamentary Centre. It is the fitting hub of a delightful State, all the better to explore because of its compact size. 

    

      

	   Australian Capital Territory   
        

Information about Australian Capital Territory

 
        
        
        

More information aboutAustralian Capital Territory 


        
        
        



Important Cities in Australian Capital Territory