Australian Capital Territory
Although relatively compact, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) wields enormous power as the country’s political engine room. It’s here that you’ll find the nation’s meticulously planned capital, Canberra, its name aptly derived from the local Ngunnawal word for ‘meeting place’.
The city claims many of Australia’s most important political and cultural institutions, among them Parliament House, the National Gallery of Australia and the Australian War Memorial.
Canberra lies 290km southwest of Sydney and 670km northeast of Melbourne.
Air: Canberra Airport services numerous airlines, including Qantas, Virgin Australia, Jetstar and Rex, with connections to other Australian capital cities and some regional cities.
Bus: Greyhound Australia and Murrays run to Sydney, with seasonal services to the New South Wales snow fields. Greyhound also runs to Melbourne.
Train: NSW TrainLink trains connect Canberra to Sydney. From Melbourne, V/Line trains runs to Wodonga, from where a connecting bus continues to Canberra.
Car: From Sydney, take the Hume Hwy (M31) and switch to the Federal Hwy (M23) after Goulburn. From Melbourne, take the Hume Hwy (M31) and switch to the Barton Hwy (A25) after Yass.