Tucked into the picturesque New England high country, Armidale offers a genteel cultural getaway with heritage tours, fine-art galleries and Aboriginal museums. It’s also a good base for exploring World Heritage-listed nature parks with cascading waterfalls, raging rivers and ancient forests.
Thing to do
Find your footing in Armidale with a guided heritage tour to see colonial-era architecture, soaring cathedrals and expansive tree-lined boulevards. Make sure you visit the New England Regional Art Museum, home to original works from renowned artists, such as Arthur Streeton and James Gleeson.
Dig deeper into native history at the Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Keeping Place, an exhibition space for Aboriginal art and artefacts. Visitors are welcome to explore the Saumarez Homestead, a 30-room Edwardian mansion listed by the National Trust.
Home to the University of New England, Armidale features a thriving pub and cafe scene as well as numerous wine bars and nightclubs. Local wineries have cellar door tasting rooms in town and often sponsor winemaker dinners at upscale city restaurants. You can also take a drive to Petersons Armidale Winery for a genuine country dinner at The Cellar Door.
Armidale is a launch pad for short journeys into World Heritage-listed natural areas, such as Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. Hit the Wollomombi walking track to reach spectacular waterfalls and see fascinating native wildlife.
Getting around Armidale
Armidale Airport is only eight kilometres from Armidale and provides car hire and taxi services. It’s possible to walk or take a bus to get around the city centre, while personal cars are better for longer journeys.