Australian Capital Territory

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 thriving modern city of 325,000 people.  The surrounding rural areas and stretches of natural bushland are home to charming rural townships such as Tharwa and Hall, award-winning wineries, and stunning nature parks.