New England

New England is a sprawling, high-country region in northern New South Wales that feels a world away from the coast. Its cool-climate landscapes—golden plateaus, ancient granite outcrops, and patchwork farmland—are punctuated by gracious historic towns like Armidale and Glen Innes. This is a place for road-trippers who love wide-open skies, autumn colours, and a slower pace of life steeped in rural heritage.

Highlights & What to See

• Waterfall Way — This scenic drive links Coffs Harbour with the New England tablelands, passing dramatic waterfalls (Wollomombi, Dangar, and Ebor) and the enchanting Dorrigo National Park.
• Oxley Wild Rivers National Park — Gorges, lookouts, and bushwalks; don’t miss the view from Point Lookout, the park’s highest point.
• Armidale — A refined university city with excellent regional galleries (New England Regional Art Museum), Victorian architecture, and a thriving café scene.
• Glen Innes — Famous for the Australian Standing Stones, a Celtic monument, and its Scottish heritage celebrated at the annual Highland Gathering.
• New England National Park — For wilderness walks among Antarctic beech forests and cloud-shrouded peaks; keep an eye out for lyrebirds.
• Uralla — A charming gold-rush town with the historic McCrossin’s Mill museum and the grave of bushranger Captain Thunderbolt.

Suggested Time to Spend

Give yourself at least three to four days to explore the New England region properly. A road trip from Armidale to Glen Innes and back, with detours to the national parks, works well. If you’re driving up from the Hunter Valley, allow a full day just for the journey and the first waterfall stops. The region is best visited in autumn (March–May) when the trees turn and the weather is crisp.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Dorrigo National Park — Lush rainforest and a famous Skywalk, just a short detour off Waterfall Way.
• Coffs Harbour — Coastal contrast: beaches, the Big Banana, and a relaxed holiday vibe, about 2 hours east.
• Tamworth — Australia’s country music capital, with a big annual festival and a strong rural character, 1.5 hours south-west.
• Hunter Valley Wine Region — Start or end your trip with world-class wines and gourmet food in the Hunter, a 3-hour drive south.
• Kosciuszko National Park — For high-country hiking and snow sports, about 4 hours south (via the New England Highway).

Please check official sources for current details.