Stonehenge Recreational Area, Glen InnesCredit: Destination NSW
The Stonehenge Recreation Area in Glen Innes is just one of the New England region’s unexpected attractions.
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Embark on an unforgettable country New South Wales adventure in the New England region, an area known for its undulating farmscapes, heritage towns, precious stones and wine. But this corner of the state’s northwest also has a few surprises in store for visitors. Running along the eastern side of the region is the New England Highway; from north to south, here are five top stops worth making on this scenic driving route.
Tenterfield
Whether you’re a history buff or an adventure seeker, you’ll find plenty to do in the country town of Tenterfield, near NSW’s northern border. Don’t miss the excellent Railway Museum and the Tenterfield Saddler, immortalised in the song of the same name by the town’s most famous former resident, the late entertainer Peter Allen. Nearby lies wineries and wilderness areas such as Bald Rock National Park, which has walking trails and a campground; explore both and other local attractions on a tour of the region. A renovated 1940s pub with eight heritage-style rooms upstairs and classic pub fare downstairs, The Commercial Boutique Hotel makes a great place to stay.
Glen Innes
Reminiscent of the Scottish Highlands (hence the name), historic Glen Innes, roughly an hour (or 93km) south of Tenterfield, sits on the Fossickers Way touring route. Pick up a fossicking map from the Glen Innes Visitor Information Centre and try your luck searching for sapphires and other precious and semiprecious stones. The town itself has 30 heritage-listed buildings; step back into Victorian times at The Great Central Hotel, which has classic country hotel rooms upstairs, all with shared bathrooms. When you leave town, don’t miss the the Stonehenge Recreation Area, 10km to the south, which has an unusual collection of granite rocks that reminded early settlers of the prehistoric English monument.
Tenterfield Railway Museum, Tenterfield Credit: Destination NSW
The Historic Tenterfield Railway Station transformed into the Tenterfield Railway Museum.
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Tenterfield Railway Museum, Tenterfield Credit: Destination NSW
The Historic Tenterfield Railway Station transformed into the Tenterfield Railway Museum.
Fossicking, Glen Innes Credit: Destination NSW
Woman fossicks for gemstones in Reddestone Creek, Glen Innes.
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Fossicking, Glen Innes Credit: Destination NSW
Woman fossicks for gemstones in Reddestone Creek, Glen Innes.
Armidale
Dubbed the ‘Cathedral City’, charming Armidale is an hour (or 95km) south of Glen Innes. After touring its heritage building-lined streets and stopping in at the excellent New England Regional Art Museum, treat yourself to a country manor getaway at Petersons Guest House and Winery, which boasts seven elegant rooms in the historic Palmerston homestead built in 1911. Stroll the lawn, dine in style at the airy restaurant, sample Petersons’s cool-climate wines at the cellar door, then soak in your spa in one of the suites. In town, Archie’s on The Park is another memorable location for a modern Australian meal. For local craft beer, head to The Welder’s Dog, or the New England Brewing Company in Uralla, 20 minutes south.
Detour: Walcha
Just 51km off the New England Highway (turn off at Bendemeer, an hour south of Armidale), Walcha’s free open-air gallery of more than 50 sculptures, ranging from wooden figures to abstract metal creations, is well worth the detour. The oldest settlement in the New England region, Walcha is also studded with heritage buildings, and is a gateway to Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, where you can embark on wilderness adventures galore. For a good-value stay, check in to the Walcha Caravan Park. Choose from the selection of ensuite cabins, powered sites and shady camping spots, with facilities including a great communal kitchen.
Tamworth
It’s known as Australia’s home of country music (you can’t miss Tamworth’s 12m-high Golden Guitar), but the main hub of the New England region, 1.5 hours (or 112km) south of Armidale, also has an increasingly happening food and drinks scene. With a focus on fresh New England produce, The Workshop Kitchen is a popular spot for all-day dining. It’s located in the Rydges Powerhouse Hotel Tamworth, a landmark local hotel which received a $12 million refurbishment in 2020. Casual all-day eatery The Pig and Tinder Box, nestled in the heritage-listed old bank building, is another popular stop on Tamworth’s foodie trail. Right next door, Sonny’s Bakery and Cafe is the place to go for buttery croissants and great coffee in the morning.
Petersons Armidale Winery and Guesthouse Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying local red wine and the sun setting over Petersons Armidale Winery and Guesthouse.
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Petersons Armidale Winery and Guesthouse Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying local red wine and the sun setting over Petersons Armidale Winery and Guesthouse.
Open Air Gallery, Walcha Credit: Destination NSW
Sculpture on public display in the Walcha Open Air Gallery.
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Open Air Gallery, Walcha Credit: Destination NSW
Sculpture on public display in the Walcha Open Air Gallery.
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Horse Riding, Jindabyne, Snowy MountainsCredit: Destination NSW
Horse riding in Jindabyne, Snowy Mountains. For media use only in Australian markets to promote NSW.
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Set course for adventure in Jindabyne, a quaint lakeside town in the foothills of New South Wales’ Snowy Mountains, and a great base camp for an energising, nature-based holiday. Delight in a range of exciting seasonal experiences, from action-packed days on the snow to summertime hikes that will leave you feeling fresh.
Pick your own adventure
There's an array of activities on your doorstep in Jindabyne – a five-hour drive southwest of Sydney. In warm weather, get your blood pumping on a mountain bike ride, or try your hand at rock climbing with K7 Adventures. Travelling when the mercury drops? Relish in the wintry scenery on one of K7’s snow-shoe expeditions. Alternatively, get a natural high on a guided horse trek at Snowy Wilderness Resort, set on more than 6,500 acres of awe-inspiring alpine high country just south of Jindabyne.
There’s also a whole lot of adventure to uncover in Kosciuszko National Park during summer. Revel in the sense of achievement hiking the summit of Mount Kosciuszko, Australia’s highest point at 2,228m elevation – it’s an 18.6km return trail from Charlotte Pass, so plan on spending a full day (six to eight hours) out in nature. If you’d prefer a shorter walk, the serene Rainbow Lake walk is a 2.4km-return trail that boasts stunning wildflowers during springtime.
Post-activity, take a deep breath and calm your mind during a hatha yoga session at Jai Yoga. Then further reward your day’s efforts with a celebratory schnapps made at Wildbrumby, which has a distillery door and restaurant overlooking a sculpture garden. Prefer a beer? Jindabyne Brewing bar and tasting room has views across Lake Jindabyne – find a scenic perch and enjoy the ultimate taste of the region as you sip. Another option for a refreshing swig of beer is Kosciuszko Brewery. Located at Jindabyne’s Banjo Patterson Inn, it’s the perfect spot to unwind after an exhilarating day of adventure activities.
Jindabyne, Snowy Mountains Credit: Destination NSW
Hiking in Jindabyne, Snowy Mountains For media use only in Australian markets to promote NSW.
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Jindabyne, Snowy Mountains Credit: Destination NSW
Hiking in Jindabyne, Snowy Mountains For media use only in Australian markets to promote NSW.
Wildbrumby Schnapps Distillery, Crackenback Credit: Destination NSW
The Wildbrumby Distillery & Cafe is a unique, boutique schnapps distillery located on the Alpine Way in the picturesque Thredbo Valley,
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Wildbrumby Schnapps Distillery, Crackenback Credit: Destination NSW
The Wildbrumby Distillery & Cafe is a unique, boutique schnapps distillery located on the Alpine Way in the picturesque Thredbo Valley,
Try out the local dining scene
Follow your nose to the delectable range of oven-fresh breakfast pastries on offer at Nimmitabel Bakery. The aroma of freshly brewed Axis Roasters coffee is just as difficult to resist at Birchwood, where you can also fill up before a big day in the great outdoors on cheese toasties, muesli bowls, moreish breakfast salads and more.
Self-catering? Head to The Market. At this part café, part market, you can choose between sinking your teeth into wholesome dishes or grabbing organic fruit and veggies and specialty grocery items to take away.
Cosy up at the end of the day at Bacco Italian Restaurant, which has been preparing pizzas and pastas for more than 25 years; kids are well catered for with a dedicated menu of tasty bites. Or take your palate on its own adventure at much-loved Cafe Darya, which dishes up welcoming Persian favourites including dips, pastries and stews. Pair zingy tacos with lip-smacking margaritas at Cucina Grill & Cantina, and treat your travelling companion to an intimate Japanese dinner at Takayama; kick off a memorable meal with a serving of succulent pork gyoza with ponzu dipping sauce.
Stay in quintessential Snowies lodging
Lean into farm life at Avonside Alpine Estate, a dreamy off-grid farm stay with a vegetable garden, chickens, sheep and highland cattle. The two- and three-bedroom cottages unite Scandi style with sustainable design, and boast calming country vistas, too.
Be soothed by the snow gums surrounding Ecocrackenback, just outside of Jindabyne, as you warm up by the fire in one of its 18 self-contained cabins. Or soak up the similarly scenic setting at Moonbah Hut, which offers two charming timber cottages near Jindabyne that sleep four or five guests. With one hut set on a lake and the other by a river, you can begin or end a summer's day with an invigorating dip, while the stone fireplaces, underfloor heating and exposed beams make the cottages feel particularly snug during the winter months.
The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service manages a number of lodges throughout Kosciuszko National Park, including Creel Lodge. Here you can bask in serene Lake Jindabyne views from the breakfast table. As the moon rises over the lake, indulge in the nostalgic pastime of roasting marshmallows over the outdoor fireplace for dessert.
Lake Crackenback, Thredbo Credit: Destination NSW
Kangaroos at Lake Crackenback, Thredbo.
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Lake Crackenback, Thredbo Credit: Destination NSW
Kangaroos at Lake Crackenback, Thredbo.
Lake Jindabyne, Snowy Mountains Credit: Destination NSW
Scenic views of Lake Jindabyne in the Snowy Mountains.
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Lake Jindabyne, Snowy Mountains Credit: Destination NSW
Scenic views of Lake Jindabyne in the Snowy Mountains.