When looking for what to see & do in Armidale, ‘The New England High Country’ is Armidale’s best stop for visitor information you can even download their app on your smart phone! If you’re after upcoming events, the Armidale Regional Council also have a great reference on their events site, or you can check out the Armidale Live facebook page. If you are looking for some adventure, there are plenty of drives to check out a little bit of everything the New England has to offer.
Mountain Biking in the New England High Country
Armidale and the New England High Country has some of the best tracks in Australia, with self guided information available at New England Mountain Bike Club, or expert advice from New England Bike Tours. Our favourite tracks are at the Piney and Fat Tire Farm and the UNE track.
National Parks & Gorges
The New England High Country is home to some of the most significant gorge landscapes in Australia, featuring more than 500km of rivers and gorges.
Our favourites are Wollomombi Gorge, with it’s seasonal waterfall being listed as the second tallest waterfall in Australia; Point Lookout, the highest point of New England National park, sitting at an altitude of 1500m, and looking out over approximately 300km of hinterland towards Australia’s eastern coast line; Ebor, which is the perfect spot for a packed picnic; and Gara Gorge, perfect for rocking hopping, exploring the little water holes, and discovering the history of Australia’s first hydro electric scheme while taking a 6km round stroll around one of our favourite gorges.
Trout Fishing in the New England High Country
The New England High County is known for its trout fishing, and the locals here are the first to help you out.
Check out the Milani Trout Cottages www.milanitroutcottages.com for some local information and hot spots. Also visit the Dutton Trout Hatchery, located 45 mins east of Armidale on Waterfall way, just on the edge of the New England National Park.
To organise a Heli-Fishing trip go visit Fleet Helicopters located at the airport or check out their website www.fleethelicopters.com.au.
Bird Watching
Armidale and the New England Country is home to more than 70 beautiful species of birds and therefore attracts bird watchers from all over the country. Sigrid Mitchell is Armidale Tourist Park’s resident twitcher and photographer and if you can catch her she will answer all your questions.
Our favourite Bird Watching places are Dangar’s Lagoon Uralla, Gara Gorge and Dangar’s Gorge.
For more information on bird watching in the New England region check out these dedicated websites.
Motorbiking in the New England High Country
With roads like Waterfall Way, the Oxley Highway and Thunderbolts, the New England High Country is the perfect place to take your bike for a spin, and Armidale is the perfect destination after a day’s driving.
Breweries & Wineries in the New England High Country
The New England High Country region is perfect for a day of driving through the countryside and checking out our many Wineries and Breweries.
A great snapshot of our region is Scenic Drive 19, which takes you past Peterson’s winery, Dangars Falls, Gostwyck Chapel and into Uralla where you can check out the New England Brewery Company and Why Worry Wines. If you’ve got the time, head out to Dobson’s Distillery at Eastview Estate. With internationally acclaimed Whiskeys, Gins, and Wines, and an amazing chef, you won’t be disappointed, www.eastviewestate.com.
Four Wheel Driving around Armidale & The New England High Country
We’ve put together some of our favourite drives around the New England High Country that are signposted around the area. We’ve also added in some extra sections (and some fun short cuts!).
If you would like any further information on any of these routes, please stop in and speak to us in the office.
Click the link below for maps of our favourite local drives.
Armidale Night Life
If you feel like getting out exploring the nightlife, making sure you check out the Armidale Live facebook page.
Click on the Read More tab to find out all of our favourite spots.
Historic Armidale
With buildings dating back to the 1800’s, Armidale is one of Australia’s oldest cities. Take the free heritage tour supported by Armidale Regional Council and the Armidale Visitor’s centre, leaving the VIC at 10am each morning.
Click here for more information on Armidale’s history.