The population of Australian Capital Territory (ACT) is a little over 305,000. The total area of the territory is a fraction over 2,400 square kilometres; tiny by Australian standards.
The Capital Territory is surrounded by New South Wales, with the capital Canberra surrounding Lake Burley Griffin, which is man made.
The Australian Capital Territory stretches 88km from north to south and only 30km from west to east. The landscape around Canberra is made up of rugged plains, hills and mountains, as well as plenty of trees. This countryside leads into New South Wales from all directions, with most of the landscape being National Parks.
The Capital Territory is surrounded by New South Wales, with the capital Canberra surrounding Lake Burley Griffin, which is man made.
The Australian Capital Territory stretches 88km from north to south and only 30km from west to east. The landscape around Canberra is made up of rugged plains, hills and mountains, as well as plenty of trees. This countryside leads into New South Wales from all directions, with most of the landscape being National Parks.
40% of ACT is made up of the Namadgi National Park, although the ACT is also home to the Kosciusko National Park. There are plenty of walking trails around Canberra, and some beautiful barbecue areas where you can stop along your journey.
The Murrumbridge River runs from south east to north west and offers some great swimming spots. These include the Black Mountain, Casuarina Sands, Cotter Dam, Gibraltar Falls, Kambah Pool Reserve, Point Hill Crossing, Pine Island and Uriarra Crossing. About 30km north of Canberra is Bywong, a replica of an old mining town and settlement.
30km south is the Lanyon Homestead, where the buildings and landscape are truly beautiful. You can also visit the Nolan Gallery, which displays a collection of artwork by Sidney Nolan.
A LITTLE HISTORY
In 1901 a decision was made to develop a national capital. The move was as a direct result of the federation of colonies in Australia. However, it wasn't until 1908 that the location of the capital had been decided.
The location was a compromise between the two rivals Melbourne and Sydney. This explains why the capital is roughly between the two states; although slightly closer to Sydney.
Who was to design the city, was decided by way of an international competion which was won by an American architect named, Walter Burley Griffin.
Canberra was the name given to the new capital which is rumoured to be a translation of 'meeting place' in aboriginal. Slow progress was made, and until 1927 decisions were still made in Melbourne until parliament was convened in Canberra.
The depression put a further dampener on the developments. It fact things didn't really start happening until well after the second world war.
The Australian National University opened in 1946 followed by the Canberra School of Music in 1965 and is home to the National War Memorial.
AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY FACTS
Australia is divided into 6 States and 2 Territories:
Territories:
Australian Capital Territory (ACT), National capital --- Canberra
Northern Territory (NT), Territory capital --- Darwin
States:
New South Wales (NSW), State capital --- Sydney
Victoria (VIC), State capital --- Melbourne
Tasmania (TAS), State capital --- Hobart
South Australia (SA), State capital --- Adelaide
Western Australia (WA), State capital --- Perth
Queensland (QLD), State capital --- Brisbane
