Armidale

Armidale is situated high on the northern tablelands of New South Wales and is midway between Sydney and Brisbane on the New England Highway and just over a two hour drive from the coast along the Waterfall Way. Known for its rich history from the early days of European settlement, Armidale has many fine heritage buildings, elegant cathedrals and grand pastoral homesteads. Armidale's free Heritage Bus Tour, which runs daily from the Visitors Centre at 10am and returning at 12.30pm, is an excellent way of enjoying a guided tour of the city. As a university town with a sophisticated lifestyle, Armidale really celebrates arts and culture. There are many museums and the New England Regional Art Museum permanently houses the Hinton and Coventry Collections. Armidale's beautiful tree-lined streets and extensive parks and gardens have been a feature from its early beginnings and they look particularly spectacular when deciduous trees bathe the city in the vibrant colours of autumn or in spring time when all the gardens are in full flower. The serene beauty of the City of Armidale contrasts dramatically with the timeless beauty of the rugged gorge country, the waterfalls and the wilderness along the escarpment of the Great Dividing Range nearby. Within a short drive to the east of Armidale, Oxley Wild Rivers, Cathedral Rock and New England National Parks offer awe-inspiring scenery and a great choice of outdoor activities. Armidale is an ideal base for exploring the New England region and offers visitors that rare combination of good service and true country hospitality.