Natural attractions in New England North West

Why go there

This high, undulating plateau and the plains to its west are crowded with natural wonders and endowed with a fascinating history. Scots were prominent among the early settlers, and the region honours its Celtic roots with its place names, festivals and a fondness for bagpipes. You can try your luck by panning in the creeks and river beds of New England, the world’s major source of sapphires. Other towns of the region include Armidale, Glen Innes, Tenterfield, Moree and Narrabri.

Natural attractions

• South-east of Armidale in the Oxley Wild Rivers National Park the fast-flowing streams of the Macleay River system have carved deep gorges. Ideal for rugged bushwalks.
• East of Narrabri, Mount Kaputar National Park is the remnant of volcanoes, weathered over the eons into a dramatic range of sharp-edged peaks.
• About three-quarters of the world's sapphires come from Australia, the vast majority from the alluvial and volcanic deposits around Inverell. Try your hand at fossicking - and there are plenty of sapphire shops if your luck is out.
• Moree is famous as the artesian spa capital of Australia. Each year, more than 300,000 visitors take a plunge in the Moree hot mineral baths.
• Rugged and majestic, Washpool National Park’s soaring volcanic ridges are pleated by creeks that find their way into the Clarence River.
• Bald Rock National Park is dominated by a single dramatic feature, a huge chunk of granite that soars 200 metres above the surrounding forest.

Living history

• Armidale has a remarkable legacy of historic hotels, churches, public buildings and banks that you can explore on a walking tour.
• First settled in the 1830s, Barraba has many reminders of the colourful days when this was the centre of a thriving gold and copper mining district.
• Land of Beardies Museum in Glen Innes is a folk museum with a vast collection from over the past 150 years. 
• The Sir Henry Parkes Memorial School of Arts in Tenterfield is one of the finest small museums in the state.
• About 6 kilometres south of Armidale, Saumarez Homestead is an Edwardian mansion and a prime example of the homesteads that flourished on the rich grazing lands of the New England highlands.