The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) was created through a simple compromise. Sydney and Melbourne each wanted to be Australia's capital, so the decision was made to build a new city between them and give it its own territory. Today the ACT is a compact corner of southeastern New South Wales, a region of rolling hills, forests and fresh mountain air. Sydney is about 180 miles (290km) to the northeast, yet the ACT has a quieter atmosphere and a strong sense of its own identity.

Canberra, the capital city, sits in the northeast of the territory and is one of the world's few fully planned capitals. At its centre is Lake Burley Griffin, a long, calm stretch of water surrounded by national museums, galleries and open green spaces. South of the lake are the Parliament buildings and other major institutions. To the north lies Civic, the central business district, with its mix of cafes, restaurants, shops and the Australian National University. Canberra has a calm, easy rhythm, and exploring on foot or by bike often leads to unexpected finds, from excellent small museums to lively markets and great places to eat.

Even though it's the national capital, Canberra is often overlooked by international visitors. Most travellers find that two or three days is enough to enjoy the main sights, such as the National Gallery, the National Museum and the moving Australian War Memorial. There are also lovely lakeside walks and hilltop viewpoints where visitors can take in wide, open views of the surrounding landscape. Beyond the city, the territory offers even more to see.

To the southwest lies Namadgi National Park, a large protected area that covers nearly half the ACT. It's a place of dramatic rock formations, alpine meadows and dense forests, home to a rich variety of wildlife and significant Indigenous heritage sites. Walking tracks range from short, gentle trails to longer, more challenging hikes, and the clear night skies make it an excellent spot for stargazing. Canberra and the ACT are popular weekend escapes for Australians, especially those coming from Sydney, as the drive is easy but still feels like a proper getaway.

Small, welcoming and quietly beautiful, the ACT combines culture, nature and a relaxed pace that often surprises first-time visitors. Those who take the time to explore it usually discover far more than they expected.