In 2011, he appeared as 'Toby Raven' in the mini-series realization of Tim Winton's Cloudstreet, directed by Matthew Saville, and as 'Rhys' in The Slap, adapted from the novel by Christos Tsiolkas.

Ackland's other television credits include All Saints, Always Greener, Young Lions and Outriders.

He also appeared in the telemovie Emerald Falls and co-starred in the miniseries Jessica, both directed by Peter Andrikidis.

In 2012, Ackland was seen in the comedy horror film, 100 Bloody Acres, directed by Colin and Cameron Cairnes, Richard Gray's feature Blinder and the ABC telemovie, The Mystery of a Hansom Cab.

Ackland has appeared in numerous short films including Maggie Betts' 2014 film Engram (starring alongside Isabel Lucas), Damian Walshe-Howling's The Bloody Sweet Hit and Eve directed by Hannah Hilliard.