Australian Capital Territory

For the Commonwealth of Australia, the ACT or the Australian Capital Territory is its capital territory. It is also considered as its self governing internal-territory. Thus, it is also situated in the actual bushland; through the inland-enclave of New South Wales.

During the 1800s, the ACT or the Australian Capital Territory was conceived through the consequent federation of conventions. This brought about the neutral location; which paved the means for a better National Capital. Thus, during the 1901 federation, The Australian direct constitution stated that land would then be ceded towards the new and revised Federal Government. It was in 1911 when New South Wales transferred the Territory towards the Commonwealth. This act led to the construction of their capital sometime 1913; which is now more known as Cranberra. The ACT’s floral emblem would be the so-called Royal Bluebell. The Gang-gang cockatoo, on the other hand, would be its faunal emblem.

Cranberra is more recognized as the central location for establishments; especial educational facilities in the Australian Capital Territory. In fact, the ACT’s system for public education is normally divided into phases. These would be:

•    Pre-school
•    Primary School (K-6)
•    High School (7-10)
•    College (11-12)
•    University or TAFE

In Cranberra, it is a requirement for kids to continue going to school until they reach 16 years of age. As of February 2004, it was estimated that there is a total of 140 non-governmental and public schools in the region. Out of these 140; 44 are being operated by non-government sectors and 96 are being operated by the government. For the approximate total there are:

•    30,995 students in primary school
•    19,211 students in high school
•    9,429 students in college
•    340 students in special schools

Hence, there are about 2 religious universities in Cranberra. This would be the Signadou, which is an actual campus of the renowned Australian Catholic University; and the St Mark’s Theological College, which is a campus of the famous Charles Sturt University.

If your kids are thinking about joining the military; the ADFA or Australian Defense Force Academy and the so-called RMC or Royal Military College, Duntroon may be the school you need. These are located in the inner-northeast portion of Cranberra; along Campbell’s suburbs. The ADFA provides the teaching facility for military postgraduates and undergraduates. It is also the University of New South Wales’ official campus. Duntroon, on the other hand, provides the training facilities for an Australian Army Officer. These 2 institutions provide the best military training imaginable.

If your kids are more into gaming and computers, the AIE or Academy of Interactive Entertainment provides the best courses for 3D animation and computer-game development.

As for employment in ACT or the Australian Capital Territory, it was estimated that the weekly income for those who are more than 15 years of age would be around $600 up to $699. For those of the same age group but living outside Cranberra, the stated national average would be around $400 up to $499.

Thus, in the Australian Capital Territory, the actual average level for their degree qualification is a bit higher than the actual national average. It was stated that about 4.5% of the ACT’s population was able to attain a good postgraduate degree; which is comparable to the 1.8% for the other parts of Australia. This would only prove that Cranberra provides the best area for educational facilities and the best educational system as well.

The population of the ACT or the Australian Capital Territory is estimated to have reached 333,667 last 2006. With this huge number, only 869 people are found outside of Cranberra in the ACT.  

Most of the tourist attractions in the Australian Capital Territory or Act are found in Cranberra. To name the attractions in Cranberra:

Acton Attractions

Green Machine Science Education Center
ScreenSound Australia
Telstra Tower

Braddon Attractions

Art Wares Gift Gallery
Festival of Contemporary Arts
Gorman House Markets

Chapman Attractions

Cranberra Equestrian Center

Dickson Attractions

Cranberra Bicycle Museum
Cranberra Observatory & Planetarium
Cranberra Planetarium

Forrest Attractions

Brochure Distribution Services

Gungahlin Attractions

National Dinosaur Museum

Kingston Attractions

Australian Capital Cruises
Umbrella Tours & Events

Mitchell Attractions

Capital Educational Tours Services
Summernats

Nicholls Attractions

Aboriginal Dreamings Gallery
Birdwalk the Federation Square
Cockington Green

Pialligo Attractions

Fairbairn Air Charter Training School

Tuggeranong Attractions

American eagle Motorcycle Tours

Weston Creek Attractions

National Zoo & Aquarium

Belconnen Attractions

Capital Motorcycle Tours
Glenloch Station William

Curtin Attractions

Dawn Driters Pty Ltd

Downer Attractions

Cranberra Observatory

Gilmore Attractions

Rose Cottage Gardens Rose Cottage Estate

Kambah Attractions

Apropos Everything

DirtTraks Bush Tours

Macquarie Attractions

Big Splash Waterpark

Mount Stromlo Attractions

Mt Stromlo Exploratory

Parkes Attractions

National Capital Exhibition Commonwealth Park
Old Parliament House

Scullin Attractions

David Judge

Watson Attractions

Australian Heritage Village

These are the other key attractions in the Australian Capital Territory or ACT:

•    Parliament House

This is built on the peak of Capital Hill. It is actually Cranberra’s most viewed attraction. You will know more about the events that lead to the democracy of Australia here; especially if the Parliament has an ongoing session.

•    The Australian War Memorial

This was built as a commemorative institution for the Australians who gave up their lives during the war. There is actual list of the people who supposedly died in the war, called the “Roll of Honour”; which consists of about 102,600 names. You will also see there an actual “Tomb of the Unknown Soldier” and a “Reflecting Pool”.

•    The National Gallery of Australia

This was opened last 1982. About 100,000 works of excellent art are being shown here. The pieces of art would have a diverse style and origin. You will even find here a section for Aboriginal Art.

•    The National Museum of Australian

It contains Australia’s actual heritage starting from the Aboriginal days to the actual European settlement days; and even up to now.

•    The Australian National Botanic Garden

It houses various native plants of Australia. There is an approximately 5,000 pieces that are being displayed but the total species would be about 90,000 already.

•    The Royal Australian Mint

Since 1965, this organization has already made about 8 billion coins. You can actually go there to watch the designers make these coins. Through this institution, you will know more about the currency of Australia. Thus, you can even have the opportunity to buy some commemorative coins.

•    Questacom

This is a National Science and Technology Center that has about 200 hands for exhibits. Learning Science is being set up in an entertaining and fun environment.

•    Namadgi National Park

This Park is located about 22 miles off the southern portion of Cranberra. It would cover 50% of the whole Australian Capital Territory. It is considered a popular area to go hiking; through its snowy mountains, rugged bush lands, valleys and rivers.

The Properties Market 

With regards to the properties market of the Australian Capital Territory or Act, there were supposed reports that there were theft cases in the area. Stolen properties were a bit rampant since 2002. It was stated that these thefts and burglaries can only be reduced by having the disposal of actual stolen properties very difficult. In fact, authorities are trying very hard to know the reason for these thefts; as well as what happens to these stolen properties.

The Australian Capital Authority’s Department of Justice and Community Safety also instructed the Australian Institute of Criminology to exhaust all effort to study these prevalent cases of property theft.

This is a good source to take into consideration. Before you buy a property in the Australian Capital Territory or Act, you need to make sure that the papers are legitimate and that you are transacting with the owner or authorized developer. It is best that you secure a photocopy of the papers and have it verified by the municipality it falls under. This is to make sure that the property being sold to you is not stolen. This will also assure you that you are dealing with the legitimate owner of the property.

With all the attractions in Cranberra, it is no doubt that it is a good community to invest in. Thus, even if land there would seem a bit pricey, it would still be reasonable enough. The yield of rental is considered to be very good also. This would also go with the guarantee for a return of investment.

Thus, once you find the perfect property for you in the ACT or Australian Capital Territory, make sure that you understand the terms as well as the regulations of the region. On no account should you sign papers that are still unclear to you. This will prevent any regrets on your part. You can check with the locals for a good realtor or developer in the area. Ask around if research would seem insufficient for you. It is best to know everything before you make the commitment. If it will help, you can also consider visiting the Australian Capital Territory.