The Australian Capital Territory.

The Australian Capital Territory, (ACT), is, believe it or not, the capital territory of the Commonwealth of Australia and its smallest self-governing territory.

It is an inland enclave in New South Wales and is surrounded by bushland.

Canberra, the capital of the Australian Capital Territory, is surrounded by hills and green land, making it a great place for bushwalking, cycling and skiing.
In addition, there is a wide range of national parks within the Canberra region that are worth visiting.

Discover some of Canberra's more popular attractions: Government House, Parliament House, Old Parliament House, The National Gallery of Australia and The Australian National Botanic Gardens are just some of the interesting places to visit.

As well as offering a full range of culture and history, the city also offers a lively entertainment scene, including theatres and cinemas.

Whether your taste runs to grand opera, chamber music, the thump of a heavy beat at a dance club or a relaxed evening trying your luck on the pokies, Canberra knows how to entertain you after dark and when it comes to eating out, the nation's capital offers a truly international selection.

Canberra is home to a wide range of restaurants and cafes to suit all palates.

The majority of restaurants and cafes can be found on Bougainville, Fourneaux and Franklin streets as well as on Flinders Way.

For a slightly more up market range, head towards Manuka. Kingston offers a range of reasonably priced restaurants and cafes; alternatively Dickson offers a complete range of restaurants at varying prices.

To find the best places to eat, drink and be merry try here.

The Australian War Memorial commemorates the sacrifice of Australian men and women who have served in war.

The Memorial is internationally recognised and its exhibitions present stories of Australians at war, in armed conflict and during peacekeeping activities.

Parliament House marks the place where Australian law begins, where the elected leaders take part in fiery debate and solemn deliberation ( ? ) and where the drama of democratic government is played out, day by day.

A visit to Parliament House is a must, as is a visit to the National Gallery of Australia.

In addition to housing the nation's art collection of more than 100,000 pieces, the National Gallery of Australia is home to an ever-changing series of exhibitions, including regular 'blockbusters' from overseas.

Set in lovingly manicured gardens, Cockington Green is a fascinating collection of miniature buildings from all parts of Great Britain, all constructed down to the finest detail and in perfect scale.

From tiny townsfolk going about their daily business, to cottages, animals and vehicles, everything has been recreated.

A great place to escape the city, relax and capture the true feeling of life in a British village.

Most people visit Telstra Tower for the view from the public gallery; it is spectacular, day or night.

The tower rises 195m above the summit of Black Mountain, providing 360-degree views of Canberra and the countryside around it.

Tidbinbilla is a locality to the south-west of Canberra that features the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve and the Canberra Deep Space Communications Complex operated by the United States' National Aeronautics and Space Administration as part of its Deep Space Network.

There is a large range of mountains, rivers and creeks in the Namadgi National Park including the Naas and Murrumbidgee Rivers.

Because of its elevation and distance from the coast, the Australian Capital Territory experiences four distinct seasons, unlike many other Australian cities whose climates are moderated by the sea.

Canberra is notorious for hot, dry summers, and cold winters with heavy fog and frequent frosts.

Many of the higher mountains in the Australian Capital Territory's south-east are snow covered for at least part of the winter.

Thunderstorms can occur between October and March, and annual rainfall is 623 mm, with rainfall maximums in spring and summer and minimum in winter.

Apart from the city of Canberra, the Australian Capital Territory also contains agricultural land (sheep, dairy cattle, vineyards and small amounts of crops), and a large area of national park (Namadgi National Park), much of it mountainous and forested.

Small townships and communities located within the ACT include Williamsdale, Naas, Uriarra, Tharwa and Hall.

Is it full of hot air? You'll have to judge for yourself.

Go and visit and, as always.................... enjoy.