Both classical and contemporary music contribute enormously to Armidale’s cultural vibrancy. The old Teachers College is home to the New England Conservatorium and the University of New England’s distinguished Department of Music, which nurture the Armidale Symphony Orchestra, Armidale Youth Orchestra, Fiori Musicali and many other choral and musical groups.
The New England Regional Art Museum (NERAM) in Armidale is an enjoyable and inspirational place for visitors of all ages. The museum is the custodian of around 5000 works of art, including the Howard Hinton, Chandler Coventry and NERAM collections. Hinton (1867-1948) was a noted collector of Australian art who donated over 1000 paintings to the Armidale community; including the famous ‘Mosman’s Bay’ by Tom Roberts along with other renowned works by Arthur Streeton, Norman Lindsay, Margaret Preston, Margaret Olley and Lloyd Rees. Elsewhere in the museum, you’ll find exhibitions featuring works by local and regional artists and, regularly, important touring shows from metropolitan museums and galleries including The Archibald Prize.
Beneath NERAM is the Museum of Printing, which houses an historically significant collection of printing machinery and equipment which comprise the FT Wimble & Co. Collection. It includes printing presses, a Linotype machine, guillotines, bookbinding equipment, wooden and metal type and a history of printings in Australia from 1850 to the early 1900s.
Next door, at the Aboriginal Cultural Centre & Keeping Place, Lloyd Hornsby’s The Apology, commemorating Kevin Rudd’s historic 2007 “sorry” to Aboriginal Australia, is one of several artworks on display by local and noted Aboriginal artists. You can learn about the history and traditions of the region’s first Australians here – the Bush Tucker Walk, in particular, is a huge hit with kids.
Elsewhere, the Armidale Art Gallery and Gallery 126 exhibit works by local artists. You’ll notice how the region’s picturesque landscape and natural beauty influence much of the art.
We took three Beemers on a tour of New England High Country, just as the region had its coldest week in 20 years. Staring out the window at 2am, it is hard to believe what I am seeing. That’s got to be sleet swirling around the streetlight, though it looks...
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The view from the top of Cathedral Rocks is pretty awe-inspiring! Here’s everything you need to know about wandering amongst prehistoric rock formations in Cathedral Rock National Park. Highlights Spectacular 360° views No safety rails to spoil views Plenty of off-trail nooks and crannies to discover Exploring Cathedral Rock National...
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1. Fly over the spectacular gorge country in a WWII-era Warbird plane Adrenalin junkies, history buffs and aviation nerds alike will love taking in the scenery of New England’s national parks from a WWII-era fighter plane. 2. Hike the Green Gully Track A five night trek through Oxley Wild Rivers...
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