Armidale
Perched in the heart of New England High Country, Armidale is Australia's highest city and best known for its picturesque natural beauty, heritage architecture and surrounding national parks. It's also the perfect entry point for a driving tour of the scenic gorges and waterfalls of Waterfall Way, NSW.
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Places to stay
Whether you're in town for the warm summer sun, winter days by an open fire or the vibrant autumn colours, you're sure to be captivated by the relaxing charm of this historic New South Wales city. With natural beauty, history and culture waiting to be explored, it's easy to find great deal for your accommodation for a holiday or weekend away.
Centrally located in town, you'll find comfortable motels and inns within walking distance to the city's cafes, shops, gardens and museums. If you prefer to stay in boutique accommodation or a guesthouse, there's a range of elegantly appointed and fully-self-contained cottages just perfect for couples.
Corporate travellers, families and groups may prefer to choose to stay in an apartment with kitchen facilities and the comfort of more space. Friends away for a weekend can look no further than a cosy farm-style bed and breakfast on acreage just out of town. Around town you'll also find a range of pet-friendly accommodation, campsites and holiday parks. Whatever your holiday style, the New England High Country has plenty to offer.
Things to do
What’s so appealing about Armidale is that it’s a cosmopolitan and sophisticated urban centre located in a picturesque rural setting on the doorstep of some of the most scenic national parks in Australia. Boasting a locally-grown food scene, buzzing university culture and some of the best cool climate vineyards in the NSW, there’s something for everyone in Armidale.
First-timers may wish to explore the city’s heritage on the Armidale Heritage Bus Tour - a two hour experience departing the Visitor Information Centre. You'll be taken on a journey through the city’s history, gardens, churches and museums and stop at highlights along the way, such as the Folk Museum, The Aboriginal Cultural Centre or the New England Regional Art Museum.
If you love to indulge in local produce, visit during the Armidale Autumn Festival to discover regional food, wine and entertainment. While in the area, sample the cool climate wines at Peterson’s Winery cellar door, and if you’re visiting over the weekend they also offer a fantastic lunch menu featuring seasonal flavours.
The World Heritage-listed national parks and waterfalls along Waterfall Way are perfect for those seeking outdoor activities with walking trails, viewing platforms and serene picnic hideaways waiting to be discovered. For a slower place, take a step back in time with a tour of the heritage-listed Saumarez Homestead - a 30 room Edwardian mansion now managed by the National Trust.
Credit: Armidale Regional Council.
Where to go
Nature
One of Armidale’s best kept secrets is that there are four national parks, each with extraordinary natural attractions, all within an hour’s drive from the city centre. There’s a monumental tumble of giant granite boulders to climb in the Cathedral Rock National Park. Along the aptly named Waterfall Way, Ebor Falls in the Guy Fawkes River National Park is one of several majestic waterfalls to admire. Much of the extensive wilderness in the New England and Oxley Wild Rivers National Parks is World Heritage listed.
Tastes of the region
Stylish cafés buzz with activity and serve up great coffee and delicious meals all day. Restaurants, clubs and pubs also offer a wide range of contemporary Australian and international cuisines, often-featuring food and wine produced in the surrounding countryside. Armidale is also home to the award-winning, art-deco Tattersalls Hotel.
Getting around
From the airport: Armidale Airport is ten minutes' drive from the city centre, around 6km. Hire cars and taxis are available from the terminal.
In and around the city: walking is a great way to see the city centre. Armidale Radio Taxis service the city and Edwards Coaches offer services around Armidale and the wider New England region. Cycling is a popular way to get around with dedicated cycleways.
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