What is the Capital of Australia? Know About It

Australia is a beautiful and diverse country known for its beaches, wildlife, and vibrant cities. It has a rich culture and a strong political system that guides the nation. Every country has a central city that serves as its administrative and political hub, where key government offices and decisions are located — Australia is no different.

What is the Capital of Australia?

The capital city of Australia is Canberra, which lies in the southeastern part of the country. It is located within the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), roughly 240 kilometers southwest of Sydney and 660 kilometers northeast of Melbourne.

Canberra’s location was carefully chosen to sit between Sydney and Melbourne, ending a long debate about which major city should be the nation’s capital.

How Canberra Became the Capital?

In the early 1900s, there was a rivalry between Sydney and Melbourne—both wanted to be named Australia’s capital. To solve the dispute, leaders decided to create a new city between the two.

After much discussion, Canberra was officially named the capital in 1913. The city’s design was created by American architects Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahony Griffin, who planned it as a modern and well-organized city surrounded by nature.

Growth and Population of Canberra

Canberra has grown steadily over the years. According to official data, the city’s population was around 482,000 in December 2024 and is expected to reach nearly 700,000 by 2050.

This continuous growth shows Canberra’s increasing importance as the political and cultural heart of Australia.

Why Canberra was Chosen?

Canberra was chosen mainly for geographic neutrality—it’s located between the two largest cities, Sydney and Melbourne, and doesn’t belong to any state. This made it a fair and balanced choice.

The city’s design reflects its purpose: wide roads, planned suburbs, and green spaces that represent peace, order, and unity.

Since becoming the capital, Canberra has been the center of national decision-making, parliamentary sessions, and government administration.

What makes Canberra Famous?

Canberra is often called the “Bush Capital” because it’s surrounded by forests, hills, and parks. The city is known for being clean, green, and peaceful while still offering a modern urban lifestyle.

Some of its most famous landmarks include:

• Parliament House – The home of Australia’s government.
• Australian War Memorial – Honoring those who served the nation.
• National Gallery of Australia – Displaying thousands of art pieces.
• Lake Burley Griffin – A man-made lake at the city’s heart.
• Questacon – A popular science and technology center.

Canberra also hosts colorful flower festivals, cultural events, and art exhibitions, making it one of the most vibrant cities in Australia.