The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) is a federal territory of Australia. Canberra, the capital city of Australia, is situated within the territory.
It is located in southeastern Australian mainland as an enclave completely within the state of New South Wales. Founded after Federation as the seat of government for the new nation, the territory hosts the headquarters of all important institutions of the Australian Government.
A locally elected legislative assembly has governed the territory since 1988. However, the Commonwealth maintains authority over the territory and may overturn local laws. It still maintains control over the area known as the Parliamentary Triangle through the National Capital Authority. Residents of the territory elect three members of the House of Representatives and two senators.
With 453,324 residents, the Australian Capital Territory is the second smallest mainland state or territory by population.
The city of Canberra covers most of the territory and effectively, once you leave the city, you are back in New South Wales. Unlike Australia’s other states and territoties the ACTÂ does not have seperate geographical regions and so we have launched straight into showing you are latest ACT adventures below.
