Australian National University

The Australian National University spreads across 145 hectares of parkland in the Acton suburb and comprises seven colleges for teaching and research activities. The campus combines modern research facilities with expansive green spaces crossed by walking paths that offer students and visitors areas for study and relaxation.

The Parliament of Australia founded the Australian National University in 1946 as a national research institution. The institution merged with the Canberra University College, which had existed since 1929, in 1960 and thereby expanded its range of study programs considerably.

The institution houses the Drill Hall Gallery, a former military building from the Second World War that now displays Australian art collections. Visitors can see rotating exhibitions of contemporary and historical works that provide insight into the Australian art scene.

Visitors can explore the public areas of the campus freely and use the expansive gardens and pathways. Some buildings are accessible only with permission, while libraries and exhibition spaces are often open to the public.

The campus hosts more than 10,000 trees and received an award from the International Sustainable Campus Network for its environmental practices. Many of the trees come from different climate zones and form a living collection that contributes to research on adaptability and climate change.