New England Travel Guide

Discover the culturally important attractions, natural wonders, food and drink scene, and must-visit places in New England. Plan a week-long itinerary, learn about local culture and customs, and get tips on safety, transport, and where to go next.


Introduction to New England

New England is located in the state of New South Wales, Australia. It is a popular tourist destination known for its rich history, stunning natural landscapes, and diverse cultural attractions. The region is composed of five main towns: Armidale, Glen Innes, Inverell, Tamworth, and Tenterfield. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at the best things to see and do in New England, including must-visit attractions, hiking routes, food and drink scene, and more.

List of Places to Visit in New England

New England is a vast region with plenty of attractions to choose from. Here are some of the top places to visit in the area:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Armidale Folk Museum: This museum provides a fascinating insight into the lives of early settlers in the region. The museum has a collection of vintage cars, wagons, and equipment used in agriculture, horticulture, and mining.
  • NED (New England District) Display: Located in Glen Innes, this museum tells the history of the New England area through interesting exhibits and interactive displays.
  • The Australian Equine and Livestock Events Centre (AELEC): AELEC hosts numerous events throughout the year, including rodeos, equestrian events, and livestock shows.
  • Saumarez Homestead: This 19th-century homestead is a well-preserved example of Australian colonial architecture and lifestyle.
  • The Inverell Pioneer Village: This outdoor museum showcases life in the early 1900s in Inverell and has a vast collection of historical artifacts.
  • Tamworth Powerstation Museum: This museum highlights the history of electricity in Tamworth and has interactive displays and exhibits on the subject.
  • Tenterfield Railway Museum: This museum has a collection of steam engines and historical railway memorabilia.

Natural Attractions of New England: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Oxley Wild Rivers National Park: This park is home to several deep gorges and waterfalls, including Apsley Falls and Wollomombi Falls. Visitors can enjoy walking trails, camping, and picnicking in the park.
  • Gibraltar Range National Park: This park has some of the best hiking and camping grounds in the country. Visitors can explore the mountain range and the granite cliffs, swim in the creeks and waterholes, and spot the abundant wildlife.
  • Point Lookout State Forest: Located near Armidale, this forest has several walking trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Visitors can also go mountain biking, bird watching, and camping in the forest.
  • Bald Rock National Park: This park has the largest exposed granite rock in Australia and is a popular spot for bushwalking, rock climbing, and picnicking.
  • Mann River Nature Reserve: This reserve is home to several species of endangered animals and unique flora. Visitors can enjoy hiking and camping in the reserve.

Hiking/Biking Routes of New England

New England is a destination for hiking and biking enthusiasts. There are multiple trails to explore for different fitness levels. Here are some of the most popular routes:

  • The Cathedral Rock Track: This trail takes hikers through dense forest and breathtaking scenery. Visitors can see the Cathedral Rock formations and enjoy a picnic at one of the stopping points.
  • The Armidale Heritage Trail: This 3.4-mile trail takes tourists through the heritage sites of Armidale, including the Railway Museum, Victory Memorial Gardens, and more.
  • The Washpool and Gibraltar Range Walking Tracks: This trail is apt for experienced hikers. The picturesque trail through the Gibraltar Range consists of steep inclines, rocky paths, and gorgeous views.
  • Hillgrove and Saumarez Ponds Loop: This trail is ideal for birdwatching and nature lovers. Hikers can see Australian kingfishers, white-throated tree creepers, and yellow-tailed black cockatoos.

Best Things to Do in New England: Activities and Tours

Apart from its natural scenic beauty, New England has plenty of activities and tours for tourists. Here are some of the best things to do in New England:

  • Tamworth Country Music Festival: This internationally renowned music festival takes place annually in January. It promotes country music and attracts thousands of people every year.
  • Babylon Farm: A great experience for animal lovers, Babylon farm is a wildlife sanctuary with a tranquil setting.
  • Inverell Transport Museum: The museum offers a fantastic display of transport history. Visitors can see vintage cars, trucks, trains, and motorbikes.
  • Armajun Aboriginal Health Centre: This center is dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of the indigenous population of New England. Visitors can take guided tours and learn about Aboriginal culture and history.

Week-Long Itinerary for New England

Here is a suggested itinerary for a week-long trip to New England:

Day Activity
Day 1 Explore the city of Tamworth. Visit the Paradise Cave, Botanic Gardens, and Oxley Scenic lookout.
Day 2 Hike the Cathedral Rock trail and visit the Armidale Folk Museum.
Day 3 Visit the Saumarez Homestead and explore the Armidale Heritage Trail.
Day 4 Discover the Inverell Transport Museum and spend time in the beautiful countryside.
Day 5 Go on a full-day tour of the Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, including Apsley Falls and Wollomombi Falls.
Day 6 Spend a day at the Babylon Farm and visit the Tamworth Powerstation Museum.
Day 7 Explore the Tenterfield area, including the Tenterfield Railway Museum and nearby national parks.

Food and Drink Scene of New England

New England features a great range of farm-to-table cuisine, wineries, and breweries. There are many places to try unique New England food and drink. Here are some must-try dishes:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Lamb: Local lamb is available in many variations, but roasted lamb shank and chops are popular dishes in New England.
  • Beef: Beef raised in New England is known for its superior quality. Try the local beef at one of the many steakhouses around the region.
  • Burgovilli: A regional specialty, Burgovilli is essentially a meat pie served with some chili sauce.
  • Banana Bread: This simple yet delicious dessert dish made from overripe bananas is a popular and mouth-watering delight in local cafes and bakeries.

Local Beverages

  • Local wines: New England is full of vineyards and wineries, all producing excellent world-class wine. Take a winery tour or visit one of the tasting rooms.
  • Craft Beers: The region is home to some of the finest breweries in Australia, including New England Brewing Company and The Welder’s Dog.
  • Whiskey: New England’s cool climate is ideally suited to creating outstanding whiskey. The Dobson’s Distillery is a famous whiskey distillery, while Hellyer’s Road Distillery offers delicious single malt whiskey.

Where to Stay in New England: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

New England offers plenty of accommodation options catering to all budgets, including hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, hostels, and guesthouses. Here are some recommendations:

  • Quality Hotel Powerhouse Armidale: The hotel is located in a prime location in Armidale, providing easy access to various attractions, and features spacious rooms and suites.
  • The Club Motel and Apartments Glen Innes: Located near the New England NED display, the motel is an ideal base for exploring Glen Innes and offers self-contained suites, studios, and family rooms.
  • Tenterfield Lodge and Caravan Park: The lodge offers comfortable accommodation options for all budgets and is located near the Tenterfield Railway Museum and other attractions.

What to Buy in New England: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Apart from scenic beauty and history, New England has a lot to offer in terms of shopping and souvenirs. Here are some local products you must take home with you:

  • New England honey: The region is known for its exquisite honey made by bees feeding on the local flora and wildflowers.
  • Australian opals: Glen Innes has some of the best opal mines in Australia. Opals make for a precious and unique souvenir.
  • Australian wines: New England is home to many award-winning wineries, and a bottle of wine from the region makes for a great souvenir.
  • Australian wool products: New England has some of the best wool farms in Australia, and wool products made from the locally-sourced wool are an excellent souvenir choice.

Local Culture and Customs of New England

New England is a mix of Aboriginal culture and unique Australian country life. The region is known for its agricultural heritage and sporting culture. Australians are known for their laid-back and friendly attitude, and this reflects in New England’s friendly locals.

Best Time to Visit New England

The best time to visit New England is between October and March, when the warm, dry weather makes it ideal for outdoor activities. The temperature is cooler than other regions in Australia, making it an excellent escape from the often blistering heat of the country. However, the winter months (June to August) can be cold, and snowfall is a common occurrence.

Do’s and Don’ts of New England

Do:

  • Respect Aboriginal culture and history
  • Take the time to experience local food and drink culture
  • Explore the stunning natural scenery
  • Learn about the local wildlife and nature

Don’t:

  • Litter and leave behind garbage
  • Go off hiking trails, as there are some offenders in the region that could pose a threat
  • Engage in hunting practices

Safety and Health

Safety in New England

New England is a safe place to travel. However, visitors need to be aware of the occasional hazardous weather, especially in winter. Keep an eye on weather forecasts.

Health in New England

The region is generally safe in terms of health risks. However, it’s essential to take the necessary precautions before venturing to remote areas.

Getting to New England: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near New England

The nearest airport to New England is Tamworth Airport, which has daily flights from most major Australian cities. Other nearby airports include Armidale Airport and Inverell Airport.

Bus Stations Near New England

Greyhound operates several daily bus services to New England from Sydney, Newcastle, and other locations in New South Wales. Other bus operators such as Premier Motor Service also offer bus services to and from the region.

Other Options

Visitors can choose to rent a car or take a train to get to New England. Trains operate daily from Sydney and other cities, taking visitors to Armidale and Tamworth railway stations.

How to Get Around in New England

The best way to explore New England is by car. There are several rental car services available in the region. Visitors can also take bus tours to explore the best of the region.

Where to Go Next from New England: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

New England is an excellent base for exploring the surrounding areas. Here are some options for nearby destinations and excursions:

  • Coffs Harbour: This seaside town’s great beach life is the perfect destination for beach lovers.
  • Sydney: A 5-hour scenic road trip can take you to Australia’s most famous city.
  • Port Macquarie: This vibrant town offers a wide range of historic sites, beaches and water activities.
  • Brisbane: One can easily fly to Brisbane from Tamworth airport. Brisbane is a bustling city with a great cultural scene.

Conclusion

New England is a unique travel destination filled with history, natural beauty, and a vibrant culture. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or a mix of both, this region has something to offer for everyone. With this comprehensive guide, plan your perfect New England itinerary, and explore what this incredible region has to offer.

The chapel, Gostwyck, Uralla, NSW The chapel, Gostwyck, Uralla, NSW The view from Point Lookout, New England National Park, NSW. The view from Point Lookout, New England National Park, NSW. Cunnawarra National Park Cunnawarra National Park


    Eastern New England
    Southern New England
    Western New England