Armidale's Out of Town Adventures

The New England High Country is home to some of the most celebrated bushland, rainforest and rugged wilderness in Australia… where the view around every corner is even more stunning than the last. There are endless ways to experience the great variety of landscapes and environments - bushwalk, plunge into a crystal-clear stream, camp, fish, mountain bike, climb, rock hop, or just sit on a picnic rug and listen to the lyrebird’s call.

On the weekend you can jump in the car & follow the road to other wonderful New England towns and villages, all with their own unique character, including Inverell, Tenterfield, Glen Innes and Guyra. If the ocean is calling, the coast is only 2.5hrs away along the Waterfall Way, a scenic drive through picturesque Dorrigo and Bellingen.

After a big working week, you are in the perfect spot to enjoy some quality R&R or throw on a backpack for a memorable out of town adventure. Here are a few suggestions to get you thinking about getting out and about to discover our glorious region!

Destinations

Uralla

20min drive from Armidale

Picturesque, colonial gold rush town with retail gems, artisanal food and boutique wineries– fabulous day trip. Highlights include Top Pub, New England Brewing Co., Alternate Root Café, Little Birdie, Melrose and Highland Living.

Uralla is also the location for many of the adventures of Captain Thunderbolt - “the gentleman bushranger”, last of the NSW bushrangers. Travel 15 minutes down the road to see the beautiful Gostwyck Chapel – covered in Virginia Creeper vines, it’s a photographer’s dream, particularly in Autumn.

Hillgrove

30min drive from Armidale

Hillgrove, initially known as “Eleanora Township”, was established in 1884 and grew rapidly during the 1880s and 1890s due to expanded mining activities after rail transport from Sydney to Armidale enabled heavy machinery to be brought to the district.

At its peak the population numbered around 3,000 and Hillgrove boasted six hotels, four churches, two schools, several banks, a School of Arts, hospital, stock exchange, courthouse, police station and cordial factory.

By the 1920s, most of the village’s buildings were being dismantled and relocated to Armidale and other centres. The result is a fascinating “town” with lots of signs indicating where buildings once stood and lots of empty blocks of land with scattered, rusting relics which hint at a more prosperous time.

Walcha

45min drive from Armidale

The Wlacha Shire is home to the magnificent Macleay Gorges and boasts some 205,000 hectares of dedicated national park, wilderness and state forest. Parts of the Werrikimbe National Park are World Heritage listed. The Walcha district is a significant primary producing area. It is one of the largest stock carrying areas in New South Wales.

Set amongst strikingly beautiful countryside, the charming, historic town is best known for its Open-Air Gallery, which features a permanent display of over 50 sculptures by renowned local, national, and international artists. In addition, the Walcha Art Gallery, antique shops, boutique and gift stores and cosy cafés make Walcha the ideal day trip adventure.

Tamworth

1hr 20min drive from Armidale

Tamworth is well known for its annual country music festival in January, however this vibrant, thriving city is so much more than golden guitars, sad songs, and rhinestones! Tamworth is the regional capital for sporting, retail, food, and entertainment making it the perfect weekend escape.

Tamworth, Country NSW | Visit NSW

Regional Art Trail – New England North West

Explore over 70 of the region’s wonderful cultural experiences - visit artist studios, galleries, museums and public art sites, discover a rich and diverse artistic landscape right on our doorstep.

Follow one of the suggested Country Art Escapes tours or create your own art trail. Plan a day trip or create a longer tour of the region and take the opportunity to sprinkle your cultural tour with fabulous food, wine and accommodation and eclectic local festivals.

Visit www.artsnwconnect.com.au and www.artsnw.com.au/event-calendar to create your own art trail adventure!

Destination venues

Peterson’s Cool Climate Winery and Cellar Door

Award-winning guesthouse and cellar door set in beautifully restored heritage-listed stables and lovely gardens.

345 Dangarsleigh Rd, Armidale