The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) was established in 1911 to create a capital for the newly federated country of Australia. Some 2330 square kilometres (900 square miles) was set aside, 53 per cent of which today remains nature park or reserve. Canberra, the urban centre of the ACT, is a modern city with stylish restaurants, bars, boutique shopping and a calendar of events and festivals. Surrounding rural areas and stretches of natural bushland are home to charming townships such as Tharwa and Hall, award-winning wineries, and nature parks. Much renowned Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve and Namadgi National Park are situated just about 45 minutes' drive from the city. The Indigenous rock art and Aboriginal shelters are easily accessible.

Canberra

Located on the ancient lands of the Indigenous Ngunnawal people, Canberra's name is thought to mean 'meeting place', derived from the Aboriginal name Kamberra. Canberra, Australia's national capital is a relaxed modern city of 320,000 people famous for its national monuments and galleries, as well as its lake, parklands and open spaces. Canberra is one of the world's few planned cities, a city in a park, with golden autumn leaves and glorious spring blooms. Surrounded by native bushland, Canberra is perfect for getting back to nature. But hidden beneath the leafy surrounds is a thriving modern city with world class galleries and museums, stylish restaurants, hip bars, boutique shopping, fun for the kids and a busy calendar of events and festivals. The nation’s capital is home to many of Australia’s most important public buildings, art works and institutions. Canberra's art showpiece is the National Gallery of Australia.

The surrounding region offers more than 30 wineries, historic townships, beautiful coastlines and the famous Snowy Mountains. Canberra is often called the Bush Capital because of nearby Canberra Nature Park and Namadgi National Park. Almost half of the Australian Capital Territory is parkland or bushland, making Canberra a natural spot for an escape into the Great Outdoors. Sightseeing can be done through organised tours, or it is easy to hire a car and explore for yourself. Surrounding rural areas and stretches of natural bushland are home to charming townships such as Tharwa and Hall, award-winning wineries, and nature parks. Just 45 minutes drive from the city is Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve offers walking trails, Australian animals in their natural habitat, delightful wildflowers during spring and rich Indigenous and pioneer heritage. Namadgi National Park, also 45 minutes' drive from the city at the northern end of the Australian Alps, has numerous marked trails, enjoy spectacular wildflowers in spring. The Indigenous rock art and Aboriginal shelters are easily accessible. Camping is possible in with fishing and horse riding permitted in designated areas.

Visit Parliament House, a spectacular, modern building and marvel at the 81 metre flagpole. The flag is larger than a London double-decker bus. Rise above the national capital in a hot-air balloon to see Canberra's beautifully planned layout from the air.
s, Nattai, Kanangra Boyd, Thirlmere Lakes and Jenolan Caves Karst Reserve.day

And lot more……

• Cycle around the foreshores of Lake Burley Griffin, taking in the sights. Canberra has approximately 1,500 kilometres of cycleways in and around the city.

• Tour the Australian Institute of Sport with an elite athlete to see the institute from the inside, and test your athletic skills in the Sportex exhibition.

• Discover the fascinating National Museum of Australia, and wander the Garden of Australian Dreams outside.

• Discover the magic of the gardens at Floriade, Australia's largest floral festival, in Commonwealth Park (mid September- mid October every year).

• Hand feed a tiger or let a bear lick honey from your hand at the National Zoo and Aquarium. • Visit the multi award winning Australian War Memorial, which commemorates the commitment and camaraderie of Australians in war.

• Take a ranger-guided walk in Namadgi National Park or enjoy a picnic with the emus.

• Take a tour to some of the 33 cool climate wineries around Canberra. Many are within thirty minutes' drive of the city, and you might just get to meet the winemaker at the cellar door.

• Drive around the diplomatic missions in Yarralumla, many built in a style representative of their country.

• Take a boat cruise on Lake Burley Griffin to see Canberra from a different angle.