Australian Capital Territory – ACT

The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) is surrounded on all sides by New South Wales and is the smallest of the Australian states, being only state that has no connection with the ocean. With arch rivals Sydney and Melbourne vying for the title of Australia's capital, a decision was made to create a separate state to rule over the country. The land for the ACT was purchased for the sole purpose of designing and building the countries capital. The spot was chosen half way between Australia's two largest cites in an attempt to nullify any protests. The capital was then built and named Canberra.

The states climate is one that you would expect from a state that is based inland. Temperatures in the summer are extremely high making life somewhat uncomfortable, while winter months tend to be the opposite with extremely cold days and nights making life almost unbearable. However spring and autumn months draw visitors in their droves to get a look at the nation’s capital city and surrounding areas.

Although the Australian Capital Territory is tiny compared to the rest of the countries states, there is actually a lot to do. Canberra itself is the main destination of the state, and this isn’t surprising considering it was founded for the sole purpose of housing the countries capital city. Canberra was designed from scratch and therefore has an ordered feel to it and boasts some of Australia's most modern, and spectacular architecture. The rest of the state also holds a few treasures, with some fabulous walking and lazy days spent on the rivers that cross the state.

Being the nations capital state the ACT is packed with attractions for the visitor. Don’t pass up the chance to see the stunning Australian parliament building, or visit one of the numerous museums that are dotted around the capital. An evening stroll around Lake Burley Griffin is also not to be missed.

Canberra is a busy city and you won’t have trouble finding a Canberra backpacker hostel. This can’t be said for the rest of the state where ACT youth hostels are few and far between, but the probability is with the state being so small you’ll be based in Canberra anyway.