Western New England Travel Guide

A comprehensive travel guide to Western New England with information about places to visit, things to do, food and drink scene, local culture, transportation, and more.


Introduction to Western New England

Located in the New England region of New South Wales, Western New England offers a unique blend of cultural and natural attractions. This region is known for its rich history, stunning natural scenery, and small charming towns. Whether you are a history buff, outdoor enthusiast, or just looking for a relaxing holiday, Western New England has something for everyone. In this comprehensive guide, we will provide you with everything you need to know to plan your next trip to Western New England.

List of Places to Visit in Western New England

Western New England is home to a wide variety of tourist attractions, including museums, historical sites, and natural wonders. Here are some of the top places to visit in Western New England:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Australian Standing Stones: Located in the quiet town of Glen Innes, the Australian Standing Stones is a unique cultural attraction that celebrates the Celtic heritage of the region. It includes a circle of stones that was erected in 1992 for the 200th anniversary of the arrival of the Celtic explorer, Captain James Cook.
  • Tenterfield Railway Museum: This museum is located in the historic railway station in Tenterfield, and it offers visitors a chance to learn about the history of railways in the region. The museum features several exhibits, including a collection of steam locomotives, carriages, and wagons.
  • Inverell Pioneer Village: The Inverell Pioneer Village is a living museum that takes visitors back in time to explore the pioneering history of the region. The village features several authentic buildings from the 1800s, including a school, courthouse, and police station.

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

  • Gibraltar Range National Park: This national park covers over 40,000 hectares and is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species. Visitors can explore the park’s scenic walking tracks, which lead to waterfalls, rainforest gullies, and panoramic lookouts.
  • Bald Rock National Park: Known for its massive granite boulders, Bald Rock National Park offers visitors a chance to hike to the summit of the highest exposed granite rock in Australia. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including wallabies, kangaroos, and echidnas.
  • Sapphire Fossicking: Western New England is known for its abundant sapphires, and visitors can try their hand at fossicking in several areas, including Torrington State Conservation Area and Deepwater.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Western New England

Western New England is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with a variety of walking and biking trails dotted throughout the region. Here are some of the top options:

  • Glen Innes to Inverell Cycleway: This 111-kilometre paved cycleway takes cyclists from Glen Innes to Inverell, passing through some of the region’s most scenic areas, including Copeton Dam and Tingha Sands.
  • Waterfall Way: This scenic driving route takes visitors through the New England Tablelands and offers stunning views of gorges, waterfalls, and rainforest areas. Visitors can stop and explore several walking tracks along the way.
  • Oxley Wild Rivers National Park: This national park offers several walking tracks, including the Chandler River Gorge Walk, which takes visitors through the stunning Chandler River Gorge and past several waterfalls.

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

In addition to hiking and biking, Western New England offers visitors a wide range of activities and tours. Here are some of the best things to do in the region:

  • Wine Tasting: Western New England is home to several award-winning wineries, including Petersons Wines, which offers visitors a chance to sample a variety of reds, whites, and fortified wines.
  • Fishing: The region is renowned for its excellent freshwater fishing, with several rivers and dams offering a variety of species, including Murray cod and golden perch.
  • Gliding: Visitors can take to the skies and experience the stunning scenery of Western New England from a glider. The Inverell Gliding Club offers a range of flights, from short flights around the airfield to full-day experiences exploring the region.

Week-Long Itinerary for Western New England

For visitors who want to experience all that Western New England has to offer, we recommend this week-long itinerary:

Day Activity
1 Visit the Australian Standing Stones in Glen Innes
2 Explore the Inverell Pioneer Village
3 Hike the Chandler River Gorge Walk in Oxley Wild Rivers NP
4 Try your hand at sapphire fossicking in Deepwater
5 Cycle the Glen Innes to Inverell Cycleway
6 Visit Bald Rock National Park and hike to the summit
7 Take a glider flight over the stunning scenery of the region

Food and Drink Scene of Western New England

Western New England offers visitors a chance to indulge in a variety of local produce and cuisine. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Lamb: Western New England is home to some of the best lamb in Australia, thanks to the region’s cool climate and abundant grasslands.
  • Sourdough Bread: This traditional bread is made with locally sourced flour and is a staple in the region.
  • Apple Pie: The region is known for its excellent apple orchards, and visitors can try delicious apple pies at several local cafes.

Local Beverages

  • Wine: Western New England is home to several award-winning wineries, including Petersons Wines, Topper’s Mountain Wines, and New England Wines.
  • Beer: Visitors can sample a variety of locally brewed beers, including those from New England Brewing Co and Deepwater Brewing Co.
  • Cider: The region is known for its excellent apple orchards, and visitors can try locally made ciders at the Glen Innes Highlands Cider and Wine Cellar Door.

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

Western New England offers visitors a variety of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to affordable guesthouses. Here are some of the top options:

  • Sapphire City Motor Inn: Located in Inverell, this motel offers comfortable and affordable accommodation, with several room types available, including family rooms and spa rooms.
  • Clyde Cottage: This charming guesthouse in Tenterfield is housed in a historic cottage and features several cosy rooms with fireplaces and antique furnishings.
  • The Commercial Boutique Hotel: This luxury hotel is located in the heart of Glen Innes and offers stylish and modern rooms, a restaurant, and a bar.

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

Visitors to Western New England can take home a variety of souvenirs and local products, including:

  • Sapphires: Western New England is known for its abundant sapphires, and visitors can buy raw and cut stones at several local stores.
  • Wool Products: The region is home to several wool producers, and visitors can buy locally made wool products, including scarves, gloves, and blankets.
  • Art and Craft: Western New England is home to a thriving arts and crafts scene, with several local artists creating unique pieces in pottery, woodwork, and metalwork.

Local Culture and Customs of Western New England

The culture of Western New England is closely tied to the region’s history and natural environment. The region has a strong Celtic influence, with several festivals celebrating Celtic culture held throughout the year. Visitors should also be aware of the region’s farming culture, with several local events, including the Tenterfield Show, celebrating the region’s agricultural heritage.

Best Time to Visit Western New England

The best time to visit Western New England is during the spring and autumn months, when the weather is mild and the scenery is at its most beautiful. During the summer months, the region can be quite hot, while the winter months can be quite cold.

Do’s and Don’ts of Western New England

Do:

  • Do try the local wines and beers.
  • Do explore the region’s natural scenery and outdoor attractions.
  • Do try your hand at sapphire fossicking.

Don’t:

  • Don’t ignore the region’s rich history and cultural attractions.
  • Don’t forget to pack warm clothing if travelling in the winter months.
  • Don’t litter or leave rubbish behind when hiking or exploring natural attractions.

Safety and Health

Safety in Western New England

Western New England is generally a safe region for visitors, but as with any travel destination, visitors should take some basic precautions. These include:

  • Always lock your car and accommodation doors when leaving or sleeping.
  • Be aware of your surroundings, particularly when hiking or exploring natural attractions.
  • Watch out for snakes, particularly during the summer months.

Health in Western New England

Western New England has several health facilities, including hospitals and medical clinics, located throughout the region. Visitors should also be aware of the potential for sunburn and heatstroke during the hotter months, and should wear appropriate sun protection and stay hydrated.

Getting to Western New England: Transportation Options and Logistics

Western New England is located approximately 600 kilometres north of Sydney and 400 kilometres south of Brisbane. Visitors can travel to the region via several transportation options, including:

Airports Near Western New England

  • Armidale Airport: Located approximately 90 kilometres from Glen Innes, Armidale Airport offers several daily flights to Sydney and Brisbane.
  • Tamworth Regional Airport: Located approximately 200 kilometres from Inverell, Tamworth Regional Airport offers daily flights to Sydney and Brisbane.

Bus Stations Near Western New England

  • Glen Innes Bus Stop: Located in the centre of Glen Innes, this bus stop is serviced by several coach companies, including Greyhound.
  • Inverell Bus Stop: Located in the centre of Inverell, this bus stop is also serviced by several coach companies, including Greyhound.

Other Options

Visitors can also rent a car and drive to Western New England. The region is well connected by major highways, including the New England and Pacific Highways.

How to Get Around in Western New England

To explore Western New England, visitors will need a car, as public transportation options are limited outside of major towns. Visitors can either rent a car, or bring their own vehicle and take advantage of the region’s excellent road network.

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

Western New England is close to several other popular travel destinations, including:

  • Gold Coast: Located approximately 350 kilometres east of the region, the Gold Coast is known for its stunning beaches, theme parks, and nightlife.
  • Byron Bay: Located approximately 250 kilometres east of the region, Byron Bay is a popular destination for surfing, whale watching, and music festivals.
  • Tamworth: Located approximately 200 kilometres south of the region, Tamworth is known as the “Country Music Capital of Australia” and is home to several major music festivals.

Conclusion

Western New England is a unique and charming travel destination that offers visitors a chance to explore the rich history and stunning natural beauty of the region. Whether you are interested in hiking, history, or just relaxing, Western New England has something for everyone. We hope this comprehensive guide has provided you with all the information you need to plan your next holiday in this beautiful region.



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