This landlocked region in northern New South Wales offers great bushwalking and nature spotting in its national parks and is the home of Australia’s most famous country music festival. Agriculture is one of its main industries. It’s also an exciting wine region, known for its cool climate wines.
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Cities and towns include Armidale, Tamworth, Inverell, Moree and Tenterfield.
Attractions
Nature lovers will have their pick of experiences in the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia, a world heritage listed area covering a series of national parks in northern NSW and south eastern Queensland. One of these is the Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, home to the spectacular Wollomombi Falls. Visit it as part of a drive down Waterfall Way.
Take the kids fossicking for gemstones in Inverell. It’s known for its sapphires and quartz.
The Tamworth Country Music Festival is held every January. It’s a 10-day event with live performances from established and emerging country artists, culminating in the Golden Guitar Awards. The festival will be celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2022.
Stay
There’s accommodation for every budget in the New England area, from camping to farm stays to luxury retreats.
Book a cabin or camp in the New England National Park. It’s part of the Gondwana Rainforests area and has a number of great walking tracks to choose from.
Stay in a historic homestead at Peterson’s Winery and book in a weekend long lunch and wine tasting in the cellar door.
Nowendoc Guesthouse is old schoolhouse converted into a self-contained cottage. It’s south of Walcha.
Dine
On a wine tour? Book a platter with a wine tasting at Topper’s Mountain Vineyard, and take a stroll through the vines. Or reserve a table for weekend lunch at Merilba Estate. There are craft breweries and distilleries to discover too.
The Commercial Boutique Hotel is an art deco pub in Tenterfield offering luxury accommodation. The restaurant is family-friendly too.
Farmers’ Markets are a great way to discover the local food scene. Armidale and Walcha both hold monthly markets.