Getting toArmidale
Getting here by road
Situated within a day’s drive or short flight from Sydney and Brisbane, getting to Armidale is easier than you may think. Experience the highs as you journey through the picturesque New England High Country in northern New South Wales, full of wonder and inspiring views.
Surrounded by World Heritage national parks and filled with unique and fascinating towns rich in heritage and personality, exploring the area promises many memorable adventures. We’ve highlighted the top touring routes and must see attractions to make your next outing one for the books.
1. New England Highway
The New England Highway forms part of the major inland route connecting Sydney and Brisbane and carves its way through the spectacular New England High Country. Linking Uralla in the south to Tenterfield in the north and passing through Armidale, Guyra and Glen Innes, this scenic drive offers a variety of things to see and do, services and drive experiences for clubs.
Along this drive you’ll find outstanding eateries as well as a range of breweries, wineries and distilleries. Discover unique attractions, museums and art galleries as well as an abundance of natural wonders. To explore the New England High Country region please visit http://www.newenglandhighcountry.com.au
2. Waterfall Way
There is no hyperbole in the name of this road: travel on it and you will see waterfalls, many waterfalls. You’ll also cross the dividing range from Coffs Harbour to Armidale, a mountain pass with hairpin bends and long, steep hills.
Stop at the many lookouts to enjoy incredible views over the gorges to the coastal flats beyond. The elegant regional city of Armidale is the perfect spot to stock up on supplies and rejuvenate before setting out to explore more of New England High Country. visit www.mywaterfallway.com.au
3. Thunderbolts Way
We’re not short of stunning drives in NSW, but Thunderbolts Way is among the best as it weaves over the Great Dividing Range climbing almost 1000m in altitude and provides spectacular scenery around every bend. Thunderbolts Way begins in the Mid-Coast hinterland near Barrington, this route climbs the Great Dividing Range passing through the delightful towns of Walcha then Uralla before joining the New England Highway 20km South of Armidale . Thunderbolts Way is the perfect scenic route for anyone travelling to Armidale from Sydney, Newcastle or the Central Coast (and it takes the same time to travel to Armidale as the New England Highway)
Along this journey be sure to visit Walcha’s Open Air Gallery of sculptures and artworks, the awe inspiring Apsley Falls, galleries of contemporary art and the Pioneer Cottage Museum. Further along the way, explore country charm at its finest among Uralla’s cafes and country pubs, and explore McCrossins Mill Museum.
4. Oxley Highway
Beginning in Port Macquarie, this epic road tightly winds its way through the tall timbered forests of the mountains to reach the lofty tablelands of the New England where the road suddenly transforms into vast prairie-like valleys to Walcha. Along the way explore the incredible Apsley Falls and when you arrive in Walcha take a break at one of the many cafes. From Walcha continue towards Uralla, to join the New England Highway 20km south of Armidale. A beautiful Coast to Coast loop to travel is Port Macquarie to Armidale via the Oxley Highway, and returning to Coffs Coast via the Waterfall Way.
5. Guyra Road
A 90km journey from Guyra to Inverell, travelling through the townships of Tingha and Gilgai. Starting from Guyra this drive is filled with interesting sights along the way from charming farmland to entwined native bushland. Discover the Wing Hing Long and Company Store in Tingha.
A long way from Chinatown this little store has been converted into a museum to raise awareness of the contribution the Chinese made to rural communities in NSW. Green Valley Farm is another popular attraction 10km from Tingha for the young and young at heart – if you fancy an adventure slightly off the beaten track along the New Valley Road. The area has many significant Aboriginal sites, most notable is the famous Tingha Stone Woman.
Getting here by plane
Numerous flights operate each day between Sydney and Armidale. Brisbane to Armidale flights are also available. Armidale Airport is located only six minutes from the city centre.
Getting here by train
If you have more time on hand and want to take the scenic route to New England High Country, why not take the train? Transport NSW TrainLink operates a daily service between Sydney and Armidale that takes about eight hours, while buses operate from Armidale to Guyra.
Getting here by bus
Sit back and relax in comfort while Dorrigo Transit gets you to where you need to be with both on-demand and scheduled regional shuttles between Tamworth, Armidale, Dorrigo and Coffs Harbour. Bus charters are also available for up to eleven passengers. Bookings essential.
