Plan Book Travel Australia

The Australian Capital Territory has more to offer than just an insight into the political workings of the country, although it does this well.

It's a place where Australia's history comes face-to-face with architectural modernity. You can discover the scientific workings of the universe, pay your respects to the soldiers who fought and died in the wars, venture back in time to the dinosaurs, create your own dollar coin or catch a close-up view of the fittest bodies on the continent.

You can see artworks from all over the world, cycle around or sail on a large man-made lake, rise above it all in a hot-air balloon, visit Australia's only zooquarium, or stroll through the Australian National Botanic Gardens. The Australian Capital Territory has a diverse range of attractions and sights to suit everyones' taste.

Located on perhaps some of the best sheep and cattle grazing land in Australia, the national capital is bordered by farmland, bushland, national parks and the Boboyan, Tidbinbilla and Booth ranges. It is completely surrounded by New South Wales and was selected as the site of the national capital in 1909, eight years after Federation. Located inland, the creation of the Australian Capital Territory was a compromise to appease bitter interstate rivalry between New South Wales and Victoria.

The Australian Capital Territory encompasses only 0.03% of the entire continent, yet it is the political centre of the nation - rich with history and fine examples of modern architecture, art and culture. The capital city, Canberra, occupies around 15% of the Australian Capital Territory - a large percentage relative to the other capital cities of Australia. In addition to being Australia's only planned modern capital city, Canberra also has the distinction of being the only Australian capital city located inland.