New England Highway

The New England Highway is a scenic driving route that cuts through the heart of New South Wales, offering a journey through rolling green hills, historic towns, and World Heritage-listed national parks. This road trip is a quintessential Australian experience, blending colonial history with stunning natural landscapes and a thriving food scene.

Highlights & What to See

• Drive the Waterfall Way – A detour off the highway that passes some of Australia's most spectacular waterfalls, including Dorrigo National Park and Dangar Falls.
• Explore Armidale – A university town with grand Victorian architecture, excellent museums, and the New England Regional Art Museum.
• Visit the historic village of Uralla – Home to the legendary bushranger Captain Thunderbolt's grave and the Thunderbolt's Bolt historical walk.
• Wander through Glen Innes – Known for its Australian Standing Stones, a Celtic monument, and the annual Australian Celtic Festival.
• Discover the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests – Take a walk through ancient rainforests in Lamington National Park or the Border Ranges National Park.
• Sample local produce – Stop at roadside stalls for apples, berries, and honey, or visit boutique wineries in the New England wine region.
• See the Tenterfield Railway Station – The historic station where Sir Henry Parkes delivered his famous Federation speech in 1889.

Suggested Time to Spend

The full New England Highway route from Newcastle to the Queensland border is about 500 km and can be driven in a day, but to truly experience it, allow at least 3–5 days. Break the journey into leisurely stops: spend a day exploring Armidale and Uralla, another day for the Waterfall Way and Dorrigo, and a day for the national parks near the border. This pace lets you enjoy walks, local food, and the region's rich history.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Tamworth – Australia's country music capital, with a big golden guitar and the Australian Country Music Hall of Fame.
• Coffs Harbour – A coastal detour with beautiful beaches, the Big Banana, and the Solitary Islands Marine Park.
• Port Macquarie – A seaside town with a historic gaol, a koala hospital, and coastal walks.
• Lord Howe Island – A remote paradise for hiking and snorkelling, accessible by flight from Port Macquarie.
• Kosciuszko National Park – A longer drive south for skiing in winter or hiking in summer.

Please check official sources for current details.