With a population of almost 300,000 and covering an area around 2366 square kilometres, the Australian Capital Territory is diplomatically situated between Sydney and Melbourne.

In 1911 the Commonwealth government bought land for the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and in 1913 decided to call the capital Canberra, believed to be an Aboriginal term for “meeting place”.

Canberra is a well planned and orderly city which holds some of the best architecture and exhibitions in Australia.  It has a unique, stimulating atmosphere and a beautiful setting, surrounded by hills and close to good skiing and bushwalking country.

It is also a place of government with few local industries but true national life.  Canberra boasts the exciting National Gallery, the splendid new Parliament House and the scenic National Botanic Gardens.  It also offers a whole host of exciting attractions to enjoy such as the Australian War Memorial, the High Court and the Embassies of other foreign diplomats.

Scenically, the tranquillity of Lake Burley Griffin and the spectacular views over the city from Mount Ainslie are hard to beat.