Eastern New England Travel Guide

Explore the culturally rich museums, natural attractions, hiking/biking routes, and food and drink scenes in Eastern New England with our comprehensive guide. Find out the dos and don'ts, safety and health tips, transportation options, and nearby destinations to plan your trip.


Introduction to Eastern New England

Located in New South Wales, Australia, Eastern New England offers a picturesque landscape with serene coastlines, charming towns, and vibrant cities. With a rich cultural history, this region attracts tourists from around the world with its museums, outdoor adventures, and lively dining scenes. In this comprehensive tour guide, we’ve rounded up the must-visit places, best activities, and practical tips for planning your trip to Eastern New England.

List of Places to Visit in Eastern New England

Eastern New England is a land of contrasts with bustling cities, quaint villages, and breathtaking natural attractions. Here’s our list of the top places to visit in Eastern New England.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Armidale Folk Museum: Learn about the history of Armidale from Aboriginal times to the early 20th century.
  2. Australian Railway Monument and Rail Journeys Museum: Experience the golden era of Australian rail travel with interactive exhibits and restored historical trains.
  3. Walcha Gallery of Art: Marvel at the exhibits of the emerging and established artists of Walcha, a charming historic town.
  4. Saumarez Homestead: Take a guided tour of this National Trust property to learn about the rich history of Australian pastoral life.
  5. Glen Innes Land of the Beardies History House: Discover the history of Glen Innes and its pioneers through artifacts, photos, and interactive exhibits.

Natural Attractions of Eastern New England: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Wollomombi Falls: One of the highest waterfalls in Australia, Wollomombi Falls offer breathtaking views and a chance to explore the World Heritage-listed Oxley Wild Rivers National Park.
  2. Dorrigo National Park: A dramatic section of the Great Dividing Range, the park offers diverse flora and fauna and the award-winning Skywalk.
  3. Hat Head National Park: Explore the rugged coast with its pristine beaches and dunes, or take a stroll through the subtropical rainforest.
  4. Yarriabini National Park: Hike through the park’s stunning vistas and meet the local wildlife.
  5. Sea Acres Rainforest Centre: Walk along the elevated boardwalk through the rare remnant of the coastal rainforest ecosystem.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Eastern New England

With a range of landscapes that includes towering mountains, verdant rainforest, and coastal dunes, Eastern New England is for hiking and biking enthusiasts.

  1. Cathedral Rock National Park: Enjoy a challenging hike up the rock formation with stunning views of the park.
  2. Bundarra-Barraba track: An easy-to-moderate graded track that offers scenic views and a chance to spot wildlife.
  3. Bicentennial National Trail: A long-distance trek that traverses Eastern New England, the trail offers exciting challenges and diverse landscapes.
  4. Mount Yarrowyck Natural Reserve: A cultural and sacred site for the Anaiwan people, hikers can explore the reserve’s rugged terrain and enjoy scenic vistas of the surrounding countryside.
  5. Boambee Beach to Coffs Creek Cycleway: A 23km cycleway that runs along the beautiful coastline.

Best Things to Do in Eastern New England: Activities and Tours

There’s no shortage of activities and tours in Eastern New England. Here are a few must-do experiences:

  1. Whale Watching Tour: Get up close with the whales that migrate past New England every year between May and November.
  2. Gostwyck Chapel: Stroll through the stunning fields of white flowering trees at Gostwyck Chapel in Armidale.
  3. The Big Banana: Not just famous for its size, the Big Banana offers a wide range of activities including toboggan rides, ice skating, and laser tag.
  4. Lakewood Brewery: Take a brewery tour and indulge in the locally made beers.
  5. New England Wine Tour: A guided tour of the vineyards and wineries with some of the best wine districts in the country.

Week-Long Itinerary for Eastern New England

Here’s a sample week-long itinerary to make the most of your time in Eastern New England:

Day Activity
1 Arrive in Armidale and explore the town’s museums and cultural landmarks.
2 Visit Wollomombi Falls and the Oxley Wild Rivers National Park.
3 Explore Dorrigo National Park’s breathtaking natural beauty, heritage, and history.
4 Take a guided tour of the Saumarez Homestead and the Yarriabini National Park.
5 Experience the Walcha Gallery of Art and the Glen Ines Land of the Beardies History House.
6 Hike to Cathedral Rock National Park, followed by a brewery tour at the Lakewood Brewery and the New England Wine Tour.
7 Spend a day at Hat Head National Park and the Sea Acres Rainforest Centre before departing Eastern New England.

Food and Drink Scene of Eastern New England

From fresh seafood to locally brewed beer, Eastern New England has a lot to offer foodies.

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Smoky lamb shanks with fresh veg from The Welder’s Dog in Armidale.
  2. Oysters at the Fisherman’s Co-op in Coffs Harbour.
  3. Smoked Black Angus brisket from Blueys Smokehouse in Grafton.
  4. Cheeses and dairy from the award-winning Little Big Dairy Co. in Dubbo.
  5. Australian pub food with a modern twist at the Stunned Mullet in Port Macquarie.

Local Beverages

  1. Cold-infused coffee from East and Oak in Port Macquarie.
  2. A pint of the locally brewed, pale ale ‘Wheat Eater’ by The Welders Dog in Armidale.
  3. Classic cocktails and bespoke mixes at 18 Strings in Tamworth.
  4. Wines from Hanging Rock in Nundle where you can also enjoy wines with cheese and charcuterie boards.
  5. Specialty brews from the Two Heads Brewery in Bathurst.

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

Eastern New England offers a range of accommodation options. Here are a few notable options:

  1. The Powerhouse Hotel in Armidale: A converted power station, this hotel features modern decor and a fine-dining restaurant.
  2. The Big Banana Fun Park in Coffs Harbour: Unique accommodation with a range of options for families and couples looking to stay at the popular attraction.
  3. Paxton Vineyards Cottage in New England: A rustic cottage surrounded by vineyards offering their own wines.
  4. Sails Apartments in Port Macquarie: Luxury apartments offering stunning sea views and proximity to the heart of Port Macquarie’s dining scene.
  5. Inverell Motel: A comfortable and affordable motel with great amenities and a central location.

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

Eastern New England is renowned for its locally made products, including wine, cheese, and dairy. Here are some other popular souvenirs:

  1. Handmade pottery and ceramics from the Uralla Arts Gallery.
  2. Souvenirs and clothing featuring koalas and kangaroos from the Koala Hospital in Port Macquarie.
  3. Locally sourced honey and beeswax candles from the Armidale Farmers’ Market.
  4. Unique, handmade jewelry from local artisans at the Made in Macleay Markets in Kempsey.
  5. Handmade fudge in Clarence Valley from That Fudge Place.

Local Culture and Customs of Eastern New England

Eastern New England has a fascinating cultural history, including its Aboriginal heritage. Visitors should respect the local customs and culture, including the traditional practices of the Anaiwan people.

Best Time to Visit Eastern New England

The best time to visit Eastern New England is between March and May and from September to November when the weather is mild, and crowds are fewer. The spring and autumn seasons are ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling.

Do’s and Don’ts of Eastern New England

Do:

  1. Respect the local culture and customs.
  2. Wear sunscreen and bring insect repellent for outdoor activities.
  3. Check weather conditions before heading out on hiking or biking trails.
  4. Try the local wines and cheeses.
  5. Bring plenty of cash as some rural areas do not have access to credit card machines.

Don’t:

  1. Litter or disturb wildlife in national parks.
  2. Smoke in areas where smoking is prohibited.
  3. Drive tired or over the speed limit.
  4. Swim in areas without a lifeguard on duty.
  5. Touch or disturb Aboriginal artwork or cultural sites.

Safety and Health

Safety in Eastern New England

Eastern New England is generally a safe region, but visitors should take precautions against petty theft and scams. When hiking or cycling, it’s important to check in with the local authorities for any trail closures or weather advisories.

Health in Eastern New England

Visitors to Eastern New England are advised to bring basic first aid supplies and any necessary prescription medications. It’s also recommended to drink bottled water in rural areas and to practice good hygiene habits to avoid illness.

Getting to Eastern New England: Transportation Options and Logistics

Eastern New England is well-connected with a range of transportation options available.

Airports Near Eastern New England

  1. Armidale Regional Airport (6km from the city center)
  2. Coffs Harbour Regional Airport (4km from the city center)
  3. Port Macquarie Airport (4km from the city center)

Bus Stations Near Eastern New England

There are bus services available to and from major cities in New South Wales, including Sydney, from major bus stations in:

  1. Armidale Bus Station
  2. Coffs Harbour Bus Station
  3. Dubbo Bus Station

Other Options

If you’re driving, there are scenic routes, and car hire services are readily available in all major cities.

How to Get Around in Eastern New England

Public transportation, car rental, and taxis are available in Eastern New England. Visitors who are driving should be aware of the varying road surfaces, including gravel roads in rural areas, which may require a different driving style.

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

Eastern New England is well-connected to other destinations in New South Wales. Here are a few options for your next stop:

  1. Byron Bay
  2. Tamworth
  3. Brisbane
  4. Sydney
  5. Newcastle

Conclusion

Eastern New England offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural landmarks, and outdoor activities. We hope that this comprehensive tour guide has helped you plan your itinerary and make the most of your time in the region. Remember to respect the local culture and customs, and take necessary health and safety precautions to make your trip a memorable one.

The New England Highway in Tenterfield The New England Highway in Tenterfield A view of Oxley Wild Rivers National Park from Edgars Lookout A view of Oxley Wild Rivers National Park from Edgars Lookout Armidale Mall Armidale Mall


    Emmaville
    Glen Innes
    Tenterfield
    Urbenville