Armidale Area

Historic towns & villages

The picture-postcard town of Armidale is the main hub of the New England region. It’s home to grand cathedrals and a world-class university, with wide, leafy streets lined with heritage buildings. The historic towns of Guyra, Walcha and Uralla are all an easy scenic drive from Armidale.

Saints Mary & Joseph Catholic Cathedral, Armidale

Art & history

Home to treasured grazing land, this region is rich in history and heritage. Hop aboard with Armidale Heritage Tours or set off on a self-guided walking tour and explore historic buildings, cathedrals and well-preserved country pubs. Visit Hillgrove Museum for fascinating memorabilia and photographs in the old Hillgrove School built in 1897. 

The Hillgrove Museum, Hillgrove - Credit: Armidale Regional Council

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. Discover local Aboriginal arts, culture and heritage at the Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Keeping Place in Armidale.

New England Regional Art Museum (NERAM), Armidale

Wineries & cellar doors

The burgeoning New England wine region now has over 40 high-altitude wineries producing exceptional cool-climate chardonnay, riesling and shiraz. With four distinct seasons, the Armidale area is particularly beautiful in autumn when the tree foliage changes to a rich palette of red and orange.

Petersons Armidale Guesthouse & Winery, Armidale

Outdoors & adventure

The region has four national parks that form part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area: the New England National Park, the Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, the Cunnawarra National Park and the Werrikimbe National Park. For spectacular views, take a helicopter joy flight with Fleet Adventures.

Wollomombi Falls, Wollomombi - Credit: Armidale Visitor Information Centre

Explore the endless natural attractions in the great outdoors such as bushwalking, kayaking, rafting, fishing, rock climbing and mountain biking. Follow the misty curves of the Eagles Nest Walking Track or camp beside the towering Wollomombi Falls. Waterfall Way is one of the world’s most scenic drives through five national parks.

Getting there

Getting to the Armidale region is easy. It’s halfway between Sydney and Brisbane, with the drive from each under six hours. You can also take the train directly from Sydney, which takes around eight hours. There are regular flights into Armidale Airport, a 10-min drive from the centre of Armidale. Places to stay include luxury B&Bs, farm stays, lodges, motels, camping and caravan parks.