The Australian Capital Territory is the smallest territory in Australia. It covers the area of Canberra and surrounding small towns and is just 880 square miles in terms of land. The region has a population of just over 350,000 people. The territory is often referred to by the abbreviation of ACT and it sits within the area of New South Wales. Parts of the territory are agricultural and there is a national park. The towns located outside Canberra are usually very small and some do not have schools.

The area has four seasons, due to its inland location. There are long hot summers and cold winters. Frost is common, as is snow on the mountains. Thunderstorms are frequent from October to March and rainfall is higher in spring and summer than in winter.

Australian Capital Territory (ACT) – Employment

Most employment opportunities in ACT will be located in Canberra. The smaller towns are rural with low populations, so the main opportunities there will be in agriculture. Canberra is a large city with opportunities in a number of fields and at all levels. As with all states, there is a shortage of skilled workers in some areas such as medicine and teaching. Those expats who have those skills and experience in relevant areas will find it much easier to obtain work and residence visas. The website of the state government can offer information and guidance on opportunities in the area.

Those who want to set up their own business will also find information on the government website, although newcomers to the country should be aware that they need to have funding in place for their planned business as they will be unable to borrow funds when they arrive. Business loans are generally for those who have been in the country for several years and have an established history in their chosen field.

Australian Capital Territory (ACT) – Property

Canberra has the advantage of being a planned city, with the streets following a pattern. This can make finding your way around much easier. There are seven districts, each of which is subdivided into suburbs and most of the districts have their own town centre complete with shopping areas and leisure facilities. The North Canberra area developed in the 1920s and expanded over the next few decades until it reached a total of 14 suburbs. These range in size and cost, from small inexpensive family homes to larger, more exclusive developments. The district has good schools, so is ideal for families.

The South Canberra district also began in the 1920s and now totals 13 suburbs. The range of properties available is similar to that in the northern part of the city. Another popular area is the Woden Valley, which got its first residents in 1963. There are now a total of 12 suburbs there; again ranging in size and property values, but this area has the advantage of having a lively night life, so is proving popular with the younger generation.

The largest district is Belconnen, which also began in 1967 but now has 25 suburbs. This area has a lot to offer in the way of leisure facilities and good schools. Other districts are Weston Creek, Tuggeranong and Gungahlin. The latter is a very modern district which began in the 1990s and many of the suburbs there are still under development, so there are bargains to be had if you want to buy a property off plan.

The town of Uriarra is a very small town which was badly damaged in the 2003 bushfires. As a result most of the small population moved away. The ACT government has plans to redevelop the town and large parcels of land are for sale, so those who want to build their own home or start their own agricultural business may find this area ideal.

The town of Tharwa is a village with a small population. The town no longer has a school, so children would need to travel to the nearest schools but the town has basic facilities for every day needs. As with Uriarra, the property available is rural property with land, so is better for those who are looking to start a rural business or retire for a quiet life.