Glen Innes

Glen Innes sits on the New England Tableland, a highland town where crisp air and wide skies meet a deep Celtic heritage. Its broad main street is lined with historic granite buildings, and the surrounding landscape rolls into granite outcrops, national parks, and fossicking fields. This is a place for travellers who love quiet country roads, antique shops, and the chance to learn about Australia's Celtic roots at the Australian Standing Stones.

Highlights & What to See

• Australian Standing Stones – A striking circle of megaliths on a hilltop, the national monument to Celtic heritage. Visit at sunrise or sunset when the stones cast long shadows.
• Glen Innes & District Historical Museum – Housed in a former hospital, this museum offers a deep dive into local history, from Indigenous artefacts to pioneer life.
• Land of the Beardies History House – A fascinating museum set in a 19th-century building, covering the area's pastoral and mining past.
• Fossicking for sapphires and zircons – The Gemfields around Glen Innes are famous for precious stones. Try your luck at a public fossicking area or join a guided tour.
• Glen Innes Art Gallery – Showcasing works by regional artists, with a focus on landscapes and Indigenous art.
• New England National Park – A short drive east, this World Heritage-listed park features ancient rainforests, dramatic escarpment views, and walking trails to waterfalls.

Suggested Time to Spend

Two days is ideal: spend the first day exploring the town's museums and the Standing Stones, then head out on day two for fossicking or a walk in New England National Park. If you're short on time, a full day allows you to see the highlights and enjoy a meal at one of the local pubs.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Guyra – A charming village with a renowned lavender farm and a giant golden guitar.
• Inverell – Known for its sapphire fossicking and the beautiful Macintyre River.
• Armidale – A university city with excellent museums, galleries, and waterfalls in the surrounding national parks.
• Waterfall Way – A scenic drive linking several spectacular waterfalls, including Ebor Falls and Dangar Falls.
• Washpool National Park – A World Heritage-listed wilderness of ancient rainforest and granite outcrops, perfect for hiking.

Please check official sources for current details.