Australian Capital Territory, ACT

About the ACT

At just 2,358 km², this region is Australia's smallest, but also one of its most important. It is home to the nation's capital, Canberra, and with it, Australia's federal government. 

The public sector is of course the ACT's lifeblood, but the region also has a lot more going for it. It's a bustling hub of intellectual activity, boasting multiple internationally-recognized universities, the lauded CSIRO and countless government agencies. Australia's defence industry also calls the ACT home, and the key defence institutions of Duntroon and ADFA can be found in Canberra. 

With the nation's lowest rate of employment, a local economy that is outpacing national rates of growth and a charming combination of city life and rural surrounds, the ACT is a region with great potential. 

The Ngunnawal people are the traditional custodians of the land on which the ACT now stands. 

Climate information

The ACT has a variable climate. In the summer, average daily temperatures range from 20-22 °C in the northern parts of the ACT, around Canberra, but sit at around 12–14 °C in higher altitudes of the Australian Alps. In winter, the north enjoys chilly temperatures of 6-8 °C, while the Alps into the freezing temperatures, as cold as 0-2 °C at the higher elevations.

Rainfall in the ACT is also variable, ranging from over 1200 mm annually in the Alps to 400–800 mm in the area around Canberra and 800-1200 mm in the central and western areas 

Population

The estimated population of the ACT is reported as 418,440 as of 2020.

Education

There are numerous outstanding kindergartens, pre-schools, primary schools and secondary schools in the ACT, both public and private, religious and secular. Parents will have no difficulty finding the perfect fit for their children. 

The ACT is also a great place to be a student in higher education. The Australian Catholic University (ACU), Australian National University (ANU), Charles Sturt University, University of New South Wales and University of Canberra all have campuses in the area. For those with special interests, there is also the Academy of Interactive Entertainment (which teaches computer abimation) and the Royal Miltary College, in addition to a TAFE, the Canberra Institute of Technology. 

Employment and local businesses

The ACT has a Gross State Product of $71.3 billion, and is home to 227,461 jobs. The region's top five industries by number of people employed are public administration & safety, healthcare & social assistance, education, professional, scientific & technical services, and retail. 

The Australian Commonwealth Government is the backbone of the ACT's economy. It is the single largest employer in the region and also makes the greatest contribution to GSP. 

Housing

The median house price for the ACT was $760,500 as of October 2020, well above the Australian average. The ACT had a median weekly house rental (for a 3-bedroom home) of $540.

Events

• Floriade 

Where: Canberra, ACT

When: Annually, in September and October 

What: No one celebrates the return of spring like the residents of chilly Canberra. Flowers and bulbs are meticulously crafted into magnificent sculptures and take over the city's Commonwealth Park, where spectators can marvel at them free of charge. The festival also features cultural celebrations, music, food and wine from some of the city's best producers and artists. 

• Enlighten Festival 

Where: Canberra, ACT

When: Annually, in February and March

What: The Enlighten Festival is a smorgasbord of the very best autumn cultural events Canberra has to offer. The highlight of the festival is, of course, the way it changes the visual landscape of Canberra — from thought-provoking artistic projections on some of the city's most iconic buildings, to beautiful hot air balloons floating sedately through the mornings. However, there are also films to be watched and performances by the likes of the Canberra Symphony Orchestra to be appreciated; Enlighten has something for everyone.

• Canberra Truffle Festival

Where: Canberra, ACT

When: Annually, in June

What: This winter festival runs through the entire truffle season to celebrate the seasonality of this special delicacy. Visitors can sample delightful truffle creations at local eateries, take part in a truffle hunt and admire the skill of specially-trained truffle dogs as they root out the valuable gems, and take cooking classes with accomplished chefs.