Armidale
Saints Mary & Joseph Catholic Cathedral, Armidale
Armidale
This gracious university town is the main hub of the New England High Country, and one of Australia’s most elegant regional cities. At 1,000 metres above sea level, Armidale is known for crisp winters, vibrant autumn foliage and cool breezes in summer. Wander its wide, leafy streets and find 19th-century churches and heritage architecture mixed with modern cafes and restaurants.
Highlights
Arts and heritage
Discover Armidale’s fascinating history on a self-guided heritage walk or guided bus tour and see grand cathedrals and colonial buildings in wide, tree-lined streets. Southwest of Armidale, you’ll find Saumarez Homestead, a National Trust-listed Edwardian mansion built between 1888 and 1906 that’s open to the public.
Saumarez Homestead, Armidale
See comprehensive Australian art collections at the New England Regional Art Museum, while the Armidale Art Gallery features works by local artists and holds the Armidale Art Prize each year. You’ll find Indigenous art and culture at the Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Keeping Place.
New England Regional Art Museum (NERAM), Armidale
Local produce and cool-climate wines
Enjoy delicious locally grown produce at restaurants, cafes and bars all over Armidale. Sample handcrafted beers at The Welder’s Dog or Great Hops Brewing Co, then sit down to a counter lunch at classic country pubs like the Art Deco Tattersalls Hotel. The Goldfish Bowl is a popular spot for coffee and breakfast.
Armidale Farmers' Market, Armidale
Surrounded by some of Australia’s richest pastoral lands, the Armidale region is known for its fresh produce. Pick some up at the Armidale Farmers Market, held monthly. Armidale is also known for its award-winning cool climate wines, which you can taste at Petersons Armidale Winery and Topper's Mountain Wines.
Petersons Armidale Guesthouse and Winery, Armidale
Ancient rainforests and national parks
Armidale is also an ideal base for exploring the nearby national parks, all part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area. Follow the walking track to Wollomombi Falls, Australia’s second-highest waterfall in the spectacular Oxley Wild Rivers National Park.
Explore pristine wilderness and breathtaking views in the New England National Park, while the gorges and valleys of the Cunnawarra National Park are great for 4WD touring, hiking and camping. Enjoy birdwatching in the ancient rainforests of the Werrikimbe National Park.
Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, Walcha
Getting there
Getting to Armidale is easy. It’s halfway between Sydney and Brisbane, and the drive from each is less than six hours. You can also take the train direct from Sydney and the journey is around eight hours. There are regular flights into Armidale Airport, a 10-minute drive from the centre of town.
