Australian Capital Territory Travel Guide

The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) was created to house the nation's capital, Canberra. With both the Parliament House and Old Parliament House, monuments and museums, ACT is filled with rich history—and bushland. In fact, over half of the territory is classified as a national park or nature reserve.

Get our Ultimate Viewers' complete ACT itinerary. 

To help you plan which of these stunning sites to see, follow Tourism Australia's destination guide featuring the best attractions Australian Capital Territory and its surrounding areas have to offer.

First up: Explore Canberra

 Canberra

Soak up Australia's history, culture and character in the many museums and galleries. Contrast Australia's political past with our modern democratic government at Old Parliament House and Parliament House. See Australia through the eyes of our artists at the National Gallery of Australia and celebrate Australia's proud sporting achievements at the Australian Institute of Sport. When you've finished with the national attractions, get into the great outdoors. Walk or cycle the lake, parklands and native bushland surrounds. This planned, modern city sits amidst green open space and wears the decorations of four distinct seasons, from golden autumn leaves to glorious spring blooms. Beneath the foliage lie great restaurants, nightlife and a non-stop calendar of festivals and events.

 South Coast

Walk pearly white beaches and see dolphins frolic in the sparkling waters of Jervis Bay. Spot whales from Eden on the Sapphire Coast, see native and exotic animals at Mogo Zoo and explore the wildlife haven of Montague Island, near Narooma. Kayak through the Kangaroo Valley and cruise down the pristine Clyde River in Bateman's Bay. Taste oysters in Merimbula and award-winning cheeses in Bega. Bushwalk past freshwater lakes and magnificent beaches in Bournda National Park and through the undisturbed wilderness of Wadbilliga National Park. The South Coast has 30 national parks, marine parks and reserves, as well as gorgeous beaches and rich Aboriginal history for you to explore.

Next: See where to find glacial lakes, Australia's highest skip slopes, rain forest gullies and country gardens

 Snowy Mountains

See glacial lakes, snowgum woodlands and colorful alpine meadows on the climb to Mount Kosciuszko, Australia's tallest peak. At the top you'll find a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with 20 species of plants found nowhere else in the world. In winter, hit Australia's highest ski slopes at Charlotte Pass or take in the mountains at Thredbo and Perisher Blue. In the summer, hike, bike or horse ride past fields of wildflowers or soak up the scenery by going caving, rafting, kayaking and four-wheeling. Fish for trout from the clear streams around historic Cooma or throw your line in Lake Jindabyne. Don't miss the show of autumnal leaves around Tumut, also the place to explore the huge stalactites and thermal pool of the Yarrangobilly Caves.

 Capital Country

Meander past churches, old-time pubs, galleries and antique stores in historic Braidwood and charming Bungendore. Trek past the waterfalls, wildflowers, rain forest gullies and sandstone cliffs of Fitzroy Falls and Moreton National Park, near Bundadoon. Explore English-style country gardens and art and craft shops in the highland getaway of Bowral and 1830s Georgian-English architecture in Berrima. Stay on a working farm at Yass, visit wineries in the Hilltops district and buy fresh produce in Young, Australia's cherry capital. Learn about the life of Australia's best cricketer at the Bradman Museum in Bowral and see world-renowned glass works in Bowning.

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Get our Ultimate Viewers' complete ACT itinerary.