The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) was created in 1910 to house Australia’s then newly-created capital city, Canberra. Although still the hub of political life in Australia and home to many international embassies, Canberra is not just about politics. Its orderly, peaceful streets are home to galleries and museums, and surrounded by landscaped parklands, while the bushland around the city offers great mountain-biking and walking trails. Lake Burley Griffin is a must for water sport enthusiasts, while the ski fields of the Snowy Mountains are only two hours away.

• Visit Canberra website