The Australian Bucket List

New South Wales

ArmidaleThey say the air is clean and the beer is cold in Armidale, a picturesque city in the NSW High Country. Whether you’re a foodie or lover of the great outdoors - you'll be blown away by the region's famed national parks and seasonal flair.

Armidale is a cosmopolitan and sophisticated city located in a picturesque rural setting on the doorstep of some of the most scenic national parks in Australia. Admire the region's rugged beauty including the New England National Park, a World Heritage-listed natural wonder or Wollomombi Falls (second Highest Waterfall in Australia). Walk the tree-lined streets and admire the grand cathedrals, heritage buildings and extensive parks and gardens. Home to the University of New England and the New England Regional Art Museum, Armidale is a cosmopolitan city with country hospitality. The best way to learn about the history of the city is to hop on board the Armidale Heritage Bus Tour for an entertaining two and a half-hour guided sightseeing jaunt that takes in the most important sites. Stylish cafes buzz with activity and serve up great coffee and regionally-inspired meals. Award-winning restaurants, clubs and pubs also offer a wide range of contemporary Australian and international cuisine. Where to stay depends on how far into the wilderness you're prepared to go. You can, on one hand, descend into the wilderness gorge country to camp and shower under the waterfalls, or, on the other hand, relax in a five-star guesthouse with plump feather pillows, antique furniture, king-sized beds and spa baths. For those that like to stay connected whilst travelling, Armidale is the first city in Australia to be fully NBN fibered so you can keep in touch with family and friends with the country's fastest consumer internet.

Gallery

Some of our favourite experiences

ADVENTURE

Fleet Helicopters

Experience hair-raising adrenaline with our Warbird and Jet Adventures, or for those after something a little calmer, you can discover the breathtaking scenery with our scenic Helicopter Adventures. At Fleet, we allow you to experience the Australian skies like never before! If you are searching for the adventure of a lifetime, come and make great memories with us today!

FOOD & DRINK

Great Hops Brewing Co.

We are a family owned and run craft brewery in Armidale NSW with a focus on producing the most amazing, flavourful beers we can! Here at Great Hops we take classic styles from all around the world and give them our own unique Australian spin. But don’t just come for the beer! Join us for lunch or dinner in our relaxed purpose-built space.

ARTS & CULTURE

New England Regional Art Museum

NERAM is a leading cultural and arts tourism destination in regional Australia, and home to one of the nation’s most significant art collections outside the capital cities. We have an award-winning collection of over 5000 works of historical, modern, and contemporary art.

ACCOMMODATION

Tattersalls Hotel Armidale

Discover a premium and luxurious stay at the Tattersalls Hotel Armidale, your premier destination in the New England region. Originally established in 1854, our major renovation and revitalisation project is complete, putting our historic hotel at the forefront of luxury and sophistication for the discerning traveller and locals alike.

FIRST NATIONS

Aboriginal Cultural Centre & Keeping Place (ACCKP)

We represent the Aboriginal peoples of Armidale and the New England area. Our mission is to develop, promote and preserve Aboriginal arts, culture and heritage, by providing a place of cultural awareness and cross-cultural learning. Explore our two first-class art galleries specialising in Aboriginal works of art, and learn about our connection to the region.

NATURE

New England National Park

Located in the Northern Tablelands of NSW, New England National Park is a place of spectacular beauty and pristine wilderness. Part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area. Wander through spectacular snow gum forests along the many walking trails. Come and see us for an unforgettable holiday experience or a peaceful weekend getaway, with accommodation, or camping options!

Things to do

Stay at Glenhope Alpacas Bed and Breakfast

Glenhope Alpacas Bed and Breakfast provide self-contained, luxury farm stays accommodation in Armidale, northern NSW. Visit Glenhope for a truly memorable country experience. Simply relax in your private suite, which opens onto rambling gardens with fabulous views of the garden or countryside. Indulge in some alpaca gazing or bird watching over breakfast. Snuggle under quality linen and cosy alpaca doonas on cold frosty nights for a good, peaceful nights sleep. At Glenhope Bed and Breakfast you can choose from the Garden Suite (studio accommodation with extra bedroom) or the luxurious Conservatory Suite with a king-sized bed. Start your day with a basket of fresh goodies or a full cooked breakfast. Located only four kilometres from Armidale and the University. Also midway between Sydney and Brisbane and the start of 'Waterfall Way' and New England National Park.

Stay at Loloma Luxury Bed and Breakfast

'Loloma' is undoubtedly one of Armidale’s finest residences in a city renowned for much of its 19th-century architecture. Built in 1882, the home retains many late Victorian features including iron lacework, multiple fireplaces, marble mantles, cedar joinery, and polished floorboards. Lovingly renovated to the highest standards, Loloma is now a boutique bed and breakfast for an exclusive New England High Country experience. Situated in the centre of Armidale, it offers a wonderfully convenient and private location. The property is just a five-minute walk to great coffee shops, beautiful cathedrals, eclectic shopping and is opposite the city's spectacular Central Park.

Stay at Petersons Guesthouse and Winery

Only five minutes from Armidale, Petersons Guesthouse promises an unforgettable experience of luxury and relaxation. Located on the award-winning Petersons Armidale Winery, the guesthouse has quickly established its reputation as the New England's finest boutique getaway. Palmerston, the historic home built in 1911, has been restored in line with the architecture of the house, offering all the luxuries and comfort of a world-class retreat. The seven spacious suites feature king-size beds, antique furniture, en suites, and many other contemporary touches to ensure your stay is perfect. A leisurely breakfast in the drawing-room, overlooking English gardens is a perfect beginning to your day. In the evening relax in front of a roaring fire with award-winning wines in the Great Hall or dine fireside in their stunning restaurant. The guesthouse and gardens provide an exquisite backdrop for your wedding or any other special occasion.

The Welders Dog

Experience a huge range of craft beverages, local, regional, international craft beers and local award-winning wines and spirits, Drink Less Taste More - that's what they believe in. They are all about a culture of experience - the experience of new tastes, new brewers and a new atmosphere. They also believe in supporting independent brewers and local wineries and you'll find an ever-changing list of Australian producers on tap and in their fridge.

Visit Ebor Falls

A great stop-off between the coast and Armidale along Waterfall Way, Ebor Falls offers spectacular waterfall views, scenic lookouts and a picnic area. Watch the Guy Fawkes River plunging 100 metres over two waterfalls at Ebor Falls. Three lookout platforms along the edge of the gorge - upper falls, lower falls and valley view - give spectacular views out into the rugged gorge country. A walking track links the upper falls and lower falls lookout platforms via the escarpment edge and is an easy walk that’s suitable for children. You can start out at either end and return via the road. Golden everlasting daisies bloom around the upper falls in the warmer months and rare ground orchids flower in the late spring and summer. If you’re lucky, you may even spot a wedge-tailed eagle soaring above you as you picnic in the grassy woodlands area next to the falls. The Gumbaynggirr people traditionally called Ebor Falls ‘Martiam’, which means ‘the great falls’.

Grab a beer at New England Brewing Company

From their home in a historic converted wool store, the New England Brewing Company began producing their range of handcrafted, all-malt, preservative-free and unfiltered beers in 2013. The brewery's 10 hectolitres electric brewhouse is a workhorse. Brought up from Beechworth, Victoria, the brewhouse feeds the four open-top fermenters and six conditioning tanks used to brew the Golden, Pale, Brown and Dark Farmhouse Ales that have become local favourites. All beers are on tap at the brewery, as well as available in growlers and squealers. The core range of beers and some seasonal releases are also available in long necks. The brewery offers tours and tastings, please call or email to make a booking. The Old Woolstore is a pretty unique place. Combined with a brewery and a fantastic bar, they can create special events, if you think you can use the space then let them know.

New England Wilderness Walk

Descending over 1,000 metres from the edge of New England Tableland to the headwaters of Bellinger River, this multi-day walk invites experienced bushwalkers on a journey through the diverse wilderness. Best done over three days, this challenging walk follows the trail up to Wrights lookout. Enjoy the spectacular views before continuing along Snowy Range, then down to Sunday Creek. The next stage involves creek-walking and river crossings, so make sure you’re equipped with the right footwear. There are lots of opportunities for swimming and serene camping along the way. Once you reach the valley floor, you’ll wander along an old farm trail over grassy river flats, passing historic farmhouses and stockyards to remind you of the farming heritage here. The 33-kilometre walk finishes on Darkwood Road, but you can also extend your adventure by canoeing or kayaking down the river from Cool Creek Crossing.

Marvel at Wollomombi Falls

The Wollomombi Falls are one of the highest falls in Australia. The spectacular single fall from the undulating plateau country around Wollomombi to the floor of the Wollomombi Gorge often gives visitors a truly superb view. The views, though sometimes shrouded in mist, are most spectacular after heavy rain in the area. Wollomombi Falls are located less than one kilometre south of the village of Wollomombi and approximately two and a half kilometres by road. The access turns off is one and a half kilometres from Wollomombi on the Waterfall Way towards Armidale. Wollomombi Falls are located in the Oxley Wild Rivers National Park.

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