Wide agricultural plains, vineyards, national parks and stunning mountains

At the end of the 19th century, the fathers of Australian federation decreed NSW would cede a parcel of land where the nation’s capital would be built. It happened in 1911 and much of the land outside of Canberra — the area’s only city — remains unchanged from those times. More than half of the territory’s area is part of the Namadgi National Park. Within the park is the 9km-long Settlers Track, where visitors can see remnants of early European settlement. Closer to Canberra is the Poachers Way, with its producers, wineries, and serene country restaurants. At Tidbinbilla, take in the nature reserve, with its bushwalking tracks and abundant wildlife, and stare skywards at the Canberra Space Centre.