Australian Capital Territory

The capital of A.C.T. is Canberra, located in the northeast corner of the territory. The Australian constitution requires the establishment of such a territory and the site was chosen in 1908, construction began in 1911, and parliament moved from the temporary capital, Melbourne, into the first Parliament House in 1927.

Land

Bimberi Peak reaches a height of 6,279 and is the highest mountain in the southern and western parts of the territory. The rugged topography leaves only about 399 square miles suitable for urban development.

Flora and Fauna

Lower and flatter parts of the territory contain savanna grassland or savanna woodland. Very little of the forested area has a closed canopy and the Alpine snow gum and eucalypts dominate the mountains. Kangaroos, wallabies, and wombats are found in the forest areas. Many birds, including colorful parrots are common in Canberra.

Cultural

Includes a lively artistic life, fostered in part by the varied schools and high income and educational level of its residents. A number of authors have made Canberra their home.

New South Wales

Northern Territory

Queensland

South Australia

Tasmania

Victoria

Australian Capital Territory

Western Australia