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About 2,358 square kilometers of land, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) is home to a little over 300,000. The total area of the territory is a fraction over 2,400 square kilometres; small by Australian standards. The Australian Capital Territory is surrounded by New South Wales, with the capital Canberra surrounding Lake Burley Griffin, which is man made.
The Australian Capital Territory stretches 88km from north to south and only 30km from west to east. The landscape around Canberra is made up of rugged plains, hills and mountains, as well as plenty of trees. This countryside leads into New South Wales from all directions, with most of the landscape being National Parks.
The ACT is made up of the Namadgi National Park, although the ACT is also home to the Kosciusko National Park. There are plenty of walking trails around Canberra, and some beautiful barbecue areas where you can stop along your journey.
The Murrumbridge River runs from south east to north west and offers some great swimming spots. These include the Black Mountain, Casuarina Sands, Cotter Dam, Gibraltar Falls, Kambah Pool Reserve, Point Hill Crossing, Pine Island and Uriarra Crossing. About 30km north of Canberra is Bywong, a replica of an old mining town and settlement.
30km south is the Lanyon Homestead, where the buildings and landscape are truly beautiful. You can also visit the Nolan Gallery, which displays a collection of artwork by Sidney Nolan.
There are several pretty towns around Canberra and ACT which are worth visiting en route, including Braidwood, Bungendore, Gold Creek, Queanbeyan and Tharwa.
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