Mini guide to the Australian Capital Territory

ACT is home to the nation’s capital, Canberra, but it has a lot more to offer than just being the seat of political power. Unlike other states the Act is landlocked, which gives it a unique ambience and a slightly different feel to some of the other states.

But just because it doesn’t have the beachlife we often associate with Australia, doesn’t mean that it is dull, for ACT has much to offer.

With its relatively temperate climate, although it does have dry summers, it is a year round destination, particularly if you enjoy crisp winter days. One of the most interesting aspects of the ACT is that the area has almost 334,000 living in it, but less than 1000 live outside Canberra, the capital. This makes it a very unpopulated area and it is very easy to get far away from hustle and bustle here.

One of the things you really must do when in ACT is to take a trip to the Namadgi National Park. With its dramatic scenery, huge mountains and incredibly lush and thick forests, you will find yourself transported to another world. The wildlife is fabulous, with kangaroos, wombats and wallabies all seen on quite a regular basis. In addition, the park is home to many works of Aboriginal art, including the very famous Yankee Hat which is a picture of dingos, emus and kangaroos, as well as humans, which dates back at least 800 years, but some people think it is much older. The whole area is in fact a sacred site to the Aborigines and somehow it is very easy to see why. There is a very still and quiet ambience here, which is almost haunting and the spirits of the Aborigines never seem far away.

Another must do when in ACT is to spend a little time in Canberra. Sophisticated and elegant, this is the political heartland of Australia and where all the decisions are taken. The population here is very educated and the air is heavy with politics. But there are some great bars, restaurants and interesting nightlife, which makes it an ideal place to spend some time in and see just how it is a little different from other cities in Australia. Indeed, due to its large green spaces and close location to the country and being quite small, it is also very different to other capital cities, which makes it almost unique.

The uninhabited nature of much of ACT means that it is a great place to see just how some of the little settlements have evolved, sometimes in what feels like the middle of nowhere and this can be contrasted with the urban chic which is Canberra. So get out and about and see just how the rest of the territory is empty, apart from the sheep and the wildlife. It certainly makes you understand what rural life can be like.

So for a unique blend of both city and rural life, with its own special flavour and feel, spend time in ACT and enjoy its difference!