What is the capital city of Australia?

Canberra is the capital city of Australia, and it was purpose-built for this role, officially becoming the capital in 1913. The decision to establish Canberra as the capital was a compromise between Sydney and Melbourne, which were the two largest cities in Australia at the time. Located in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), Canberra was chosen for its geographical position, which is roughly equidistant from both Sydney and Melbourne, facilitating a balance between the two rival cities.

The city was designed by American architect Walter Burley Griffin and features a unique layout including wide avenues and significant open spaces. As the political center of Australia, Canberra houses key institutions such as the Parliament House, the High Court, and various national monuments, ensuring it plays a crucial role in the governance and cultural identity of the nation.