The Australian Capital Territory
The Australian Capital Territory, or ACT as it is commonly known, is located within a southeastern region of New South Wales. The city of Canberra, within the ACT, is the nation's Federal Capital. The city and Territory were formed for the express purpose of providing a site for Australia’s capital. It is therefore an architecturally designed city, with many impressive buildings housing government and national centres.
Parliment House. Photograph supplied courtesy of Tourism New South Wales.
Parliment House. Photograph supplied courtesy of Tourism New South Wales.
Parliament House, built on the rise of Capital Hill, is a focal point of the entire cityscape. It is open for viewing by the public so you can appreciate the Australian art which is featured throughout, and take advantage of the opportunity to observe Australian politics in action.
As well as containing all the major government departments, Canberra is also home to significant cultural resource centres. These include, the National Gallery which houses the largest collection of modern art in the southern hemisphere, the National Library and the National Australian Film and Television Archives featuring the history of Australia's film, television and recorded sound and radio, dating from 1890. Another interesting place to visit is Questacon – the National Science and Technology Centre. Its aim is to make science more understandable and accessible to children and adults alike, and always has interesting hands on exhibitions.
Photograph supplied courtesy of Tourism New South Wales
Canberra also offers vibrant inner city nightlife at Garema Place and nearby City Walk and in the historic Sydney and Melbourne Buildings. There are plenty of bars in the fashionable inner city suburbs of Kingston and Manuka, and in Dickson’s Chinatown area. Many Canberra bars and nightspots offer live music, ranging from cover bands to DJs. While you are living in Canberra, catch a first class performance at the School of Music or see great local and international acts performing at large venues such as the AIS Arena and the Royal Theatre, part of the National Convention Centre.
Canberra offers a host of significant attractions to visit, ensuring that your stay will be stimulating and enjoyable. The city landscape is leafy and scenic, offering pleasant surroundings and a laid back atmosphere in which to reside and pursue outdoor activities.
Natural attractions are also close by with the Snowy Mountains being located within two hours drive offering a range of skiing, hiking, mountain biking, snowboarding and horse riding activities. The beautiful coastline of New South Wales is also an easy drive away, along with the bigger city bustle of Sydney.