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Armidale Post Office — Image credit: Armidale Tourism

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Armidale Heritage Tours

The Guided Heritage Tour is a two-and-a-half to three-hour taster of Armidale. You will be taken on a historical journey through Armidale with a lively and personal commentary from one of the tour guides. There are three opportunities to alight from the bus - at the New England Regional Art Museum, Aboriginal Cultural Centre, and the University of New England's historic Booloominbah Homestead. In between these stops, as you drive slowly past, you will be given the descriptions and history of many of the old and beautiful buildings that grace the City of Armidale. Some of the buildings that you will see include cathedrals and churches, private and public schools, historic hotels and public buildings, monuments and memorials. These buildings are all within viewing distance of the bus and your guide will tell you their entertaining and interesting stories. Bookings are recommended, the tour operates on donations. Not suitable for children under four. Contact the Visitor Information Centre to make a booking.

Armidale NSW

6.2 km away

Andrea Gledhill - Two Chairs — Image credit: Andrea Gledhill

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Armidale Art Gallery

Armidale Art Gallery is a regional community art gallery. The Armidale Art Gallery offers a unique platform for both established and emerging local artists to showcase their work in one of Armidale’s most prominent locations. You can find out more about some of their artists in their Artists Profiles. Committed to fostering and supporting creativity within the New England regional arts community, the Gallery hosts a diverse range of exhibitions featuring original paintings, drawings, photography, prints, textiles, sculpture, ceramics, and jewellery. The Gallery also serves as a welcoming and relaxed venue for workshops, small group activities, and events. Conveniently located in the heart of Armidale’s shopping precinct on Beardy Street, it is easily accessible to visitors. The Armidale Art Gallery is managed by the New England Art Society Inc. (NEAS), a not-for-profit community organisation dedicated to nurturing creativity in the New England arts scene. NEAS organises key events such as the annual Armidale Art Prize, the Judy Wilford Miniature Art Exhibition, and the Summer Show – a members-only exhibition held across December and January of each year. Each month, the gallery curates individual and/or group exhibitions along with a rotating display of works from their members which can be seen in their Online Gallery under the categories of Paintings; Photography; Works on Paper; and Craft Arts and Sculptures.

Armidale NSW

6.5 km away

Armidale Folk Museum — Image credit: Armidale Regional Council

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Armidale Folk Museum

**Armidale Folk Museum (located on the corner of Faulkner and Rusden Street Armidale) is temporarily closed as it is receiving some much needed renovations.** Tracing its origins back to 1933, Armidale Folk Museum is housed in the magnificent 1863 Armidale Literary Institute and documents the history of the city. A wide range of exhibits shows everyday life and work in the past, and the citizens' solemn sacrifice in times of war. Permanent displays provide a glimpse into how the region was settled in the 1840s and its development into a thriving agricultural area and provider of education. A changing program of diverse exhibitions and events tells the stories significant to the local community. The Armidale Folk Museum began in 1933 and was established to house the valuable collection of gems and minerals donated by Mr Alfred Pike. The museum, with its displays of technological and natural history, was seen as an important addition to the city's facilities for learning. The Second World War saw the museum closed and its building used for more pressing purposes. In October 1958, the museum was officially reopened, largely through the personal enthusiasm of the late Eric Dunlop (1910-1974), Senior Lecturer in History and Social Science at the Armidale Teachers' College. Since then, the collection has grown to over 10,000 objects, mainly due to the generosity of New England residents.

Armidale NSW

6.5 km away

Granny Fi's Toy Cupboard — Image credit: Granny Fi's Toy Cupboard

Shopping and Markets

Granny Fi's Toy Cupboard

Step into Granny Fi's Toy Cupboard, a truly unique shopping experience filled with handcrafted treasures, toys, games, puzzles, and gifts for the young and the young at heart. Discover an enchanting collection of carefully selected toys and creative play products that inspire imagination, learning, and family fun. From beautifully handmade toys and timeless games to unique gifts you certainly will not find in larger stores, Granny Fi's Toy Cupboard celebrates the joy of play across generations. Whether you're searching for a special keepsake, an educational toy, a challenging puzzle, or a nostalgic game to share with loved ones, you'll find something to delight every age. Warm, welcoming, and full of surprises, Granny Fi's Toy Cupboard is a destination where quality craftsmanship, creativity, and fun come together to create memorable shopping experiences for locals and visitors alike.

Armidale NSW

6.7 km away

House of Jackson — Image credit: House of Jackson

Shopping and Markets

House of Jackson

House of Jackson is a destination for quilters and textile enthusiasts, offering a carefully curated selection of quality fabrics, quilting supplies, tools, and accessories. Renowned for its vibrant colours, unique patterns, and premium materials, the store inspires creativity for projects of every size and style. Whether you're an experienced quilter or just beginning your quilting journey, House of Jackson provides expert advice, practical guidance, and friendly service to help bring your creative vision to life. Browse an extensive range of fabrics, notions, patterns, threads, and specialty quilting tools, all chosen for their quality and performance. House of Jackson is a welcoming space where makers can find inspiration, discover new techniques, and access the materials they need to create beautiful handmade pieces that will be treasured for years to come.

Armidale NSW

6.8 km away

Monkton Pool — Image credit: Armidale Regional Council

Sports and Recreation Facilities

The Monckton Aquatic Centre Armidale

The Armidale Pool (Monckton Aquatic Centre) is a great place to swim a few laps in an outdoor heated pool but also a fantastic place for a picnic and a swim with young kids. The complex has a lot of shady spots under trees or shade sails, and a number of picnic tables for lunch. Great spot for birthday parties, family picnics or family gatherings while kids go nuts in the water. Great large grassy areas and lots of space to spread out and relax. There are two kids' pools: one for toddlers and one for preschool-age kids. As well as this there are two 50-metre pools, one for lap swimming, and one for bigger kids to swim in. The big pools are fenced off so little kids can't wander off and find their way into the big pools. There's a canteen for food, cold drinks and ice cream, but you can also bring your own lunches. The Monkton Aquatic Centre Armidale is a great way to spend a hot day with a young family or group of families.

Armidale NSW

6.9 km away

The Armidale Teachers College — Image credit: The Armidale Teachers College

Entertainment Venues

Armidale Teachers College

Built from 1928 – 1930, the heritage-listed Armidale Teachers’ College is an impressive building surrounded by formal gardens high on a hill overlooking the city of Armidale. The College was built to train school teachers for country service and played an important part in the establishment of the University of New England. The building has social and cultural significance to many thousands of teaching, nursing, and other adult education students who graduated from the College, as well as the many academic and administrative staff who have worked there since 1929. Many of the building’s heritage features remain intact, featuring Australian timbers, terrazzo stairs and parquetry floors, and a commanding foyer and staircase leading to the first-floor auditorium.

Armidale NSW

7.3 km away

Entry door to ACCKP

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Armidale Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Keeping Place

The Armidale and Regional Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Keeping Place (ACCKP) is a must-see destination for locals and travellers alike. With two first class gallery spaces featuring works from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists from across the region, ACCKP is proud to support and represent the represent the Anaiwan, Kamilaroi, Dunghutti, Ngarabal, Bigambul, Banbai, and Gumbaynggirr nations. Through engaging tours, workshops and community programs ACCKP is committed to creating a safe space to learn from, engage with, and celebrate the diverse voices and experiences of the region's Aboriginal peoples. ACCKP is a gathering place for the region's Aboriginal community and a welcoming destination for all those seeking to deepen their understanding and appreciation of the world's oldest living cultures. ACCKP can also cater for school groups, conferences and other group functions through educational programs and workshops, art workshops and tours, didgeridoo making workshops and more. Located in Armidale, ACCKP is has parking available and is disability accessible.

Armidale NSW

7.3 km away

Get Framed Armidale — Image credit: Get Framed Armidale

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Get Framed Armidale and The Gallery

Discover a vibrant art gallery and professional framing studio where creativity, craftsmanship, and community come together. Showcasing a carefully curated collection of original artworks, local artist exhibitions, and unique handcrafted pieces, Get Framed Armidale is a welcoming space for art lovers, collectors, and visitors alike. The gallery also hosts engaging art workshops and creative classes for all skill levels; they provide hands-on learning experiences guided by talented artists in an inspiring and supportive environment.

Armidale NSW

7.4 km away

Artwork in the Hinton Gallery

Galleries, Museums and Collections

New England Regional Art Museum

New England Regional Art Museum (NERAM) is a leading cultural and arts tourism destination in regional Australia, and home to one of the nation's most significant art collections outside the capital cities, holding a collection of over 5000 works of historical, modern and contemporary art. NERAM presents a dynamic program of exhibitions, educational and public events. NERAM opened its doors in 1983 as a purpose built art gallery for the Howard Hinton Collection of some 1,300 artworks donated to the Armidale Teachers' College by Howard Hinton ESQ, OBE between 1929 and 1948. This Museum is home to six gallery spaces, the Museum of Printing, The Packsaddle Artist Studio and Residence, the NERAM shop and NERAM café. NERAM is the custodian of three important collections of Australian art including the Howard Hinton Collection, the Chandler Coventry Collection and the NERAM Collection. Together they offer a comprehensive overview of Australian art history unmatched in regional Australia. These collections include significant works by Australian and international artists such as Streeton, Roberts, Gruner, Preston, Whiteley, Gleeson, Tuckson and Christo, to name just a few.

Armidale NSW

7.4 km away

Front entrance — Image credit: David Doyle

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Armidale and Region Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Keeping Place

The Armidale and Region Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Keeping Place showcase a diverse range of Australian Indigenous arts and culture. Visitors can view articles of interest from New England and exhibits from regional NSW. Touring exhibitions from major galleries and museums are also a feature of their program. Traditional Aboriginal paintings are for sale all year round and the well-stocked gift shop offers Aboriginal artefacts and gifts. The centre also offers cultural tours and runs a wide range of Aboriginal cultural activities in its workshops. While entry to the centre is free, cultural tours and Aboriginal cultural activities do attract a cost. Bookings are essential and minimum numbers apply for these activities. For more information please contact the Centre.

Armidale NSW

7.5 km away

Armidale Bicentennial Railway Museum

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Armidale Railway Museum

Armidale Bicentennial Railway Museum is located in the former railway tea rooms and was founded by local railway maintenance staff. It has been operated by council since 1993. The railway age in Armidale began in the early 1880s and profoundly transformed local social and economic life. At its peak the railway was the largest single employer in the district. Armidale was an important railway centre located on the main line from Sydney to Brisbane with a locomotive depot and facilities for handling all kinds of goods and livestock. This museum commemorates the role and work of generations of generations of local people who worked for the railways.

Armidale NSW

7.9 km away

Mountain Biking — Image credit: New England Mountain Bike club

Sports and Recreation Facilities

Mountain Bike Trails Armidale

With its stunning scenery, bike-friendly culture and diversity of trails, Armidale is a great place to ride. From fast, flowing 29er heaven, to technical all-mountain and downhill runs, the region is fast becoming known as a ‘must ride’ MTB destination. This reputation has no doubt been earned due to the hard work of the local club; New England Mountain Bikers (NEMTB), whose members over the years have designed and built some truly first-class mountain bike-specific tracks in the Armidale State Forest, Fat Tyre Farm, UNE and in the city at Kookaburra Crest. With plenty to challenge novice and experienced riders alike, the trails mix fast single track with enough natural and man-made technical obstacles scattered around various A and B lines to keep things interesting.

Armidale NSW

8.1 km away

Dumaresq Dam Reserve — Image credit: New England High Country

Natural Attractions

Dumaresq Dam Reserve

Dumaresq Dam was built between 1896 and 1898 and was Armidale's water supply until 1968 when Malpas Dam was completed. It is now a recreation reserve. As a swimming spot, it is fantastic. Swimming a circuit will give you a bit more than one kilometre to think. Dumaresq Dam is circled by a pleasant 2.5-kilometre walking track that passes below the dam wall. It is an easy walk, though rock-hopping is required for one section. A new mountain biking track links to nearby Mount Duval. Both the woodland and the dam offer excellent opportunities for bird watching, and for anglers, the dam is stocked with trout, and occasionally bass. Water temperature drops below 20 degrees in April or May. For cold-water lovers, the temperature in winter is around 5 degrees, and there are occasional chances for a snow swim. Dumaresq Dam Reserve is home to 27 endangered species, including 2 critically endangered species. No dogs allowed.

Armidale NSW

14 km away

Blue Hole picnic area

Natural Attractions

Blue Hole picnic area

When it's time for a day with the family in the great outdoors, pack up the car and head to Blue Hole picnic area for a relaxing day out in the bush. Locals from nearby towns, including Armidale, have been coming to this spot for years and when you pull up, you'll know why. Blue Hole is a popular swimming spot, so pack your swimmers and head towards The Weir. Check out the nearby historic hydro-electric scheme on the Threlfall walking track. Don't forget to bring your favourite barbecue food and a cool refreshing drink, as you cook up a feast in the cool shade of the ribbon gums and river oaks. You'll be serenaded by the sounds of the bush as you settle back for a relaxing meal in the great outdoors.

Castle Doyle NSW

14 km away

Saumarez Homestead Armidale — Image credit: National Trust of Australia (NSW)

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Saumarez Homestead

Be transported to the pastoral life of a century ago when you discover Saumarez Homestead. The furnished two-storey Edwardian mansion is a time capsule of family living, largely untouched since the Edwardian era now presented by the National Trust (NSW) as a fascinating house museum. Saumarez Homestead features a remarkable collection that illustrates the story of pastoral life from the 1870s to the 1970s. Indulge your senses in the picturesque gardens that surround the Homestead, designed for New England's distinct four seasons. Swathes of colorful bulbs come alive in early spring, and cottage flowers and spreading wisteria are complimented by the centenarian trees. The Heritage Rose Garden, Flowers en masse late spring/early summer. Bring a picnic to enjoy in the unique outdoor setting and take in the big New England sky. Well behaved dogs on a leash are welcome to explore the gardens with you. The farm buildings, which date from 1834, complete with agricultural machinery and equipment attest that Saumarez Homestead and Farm was once one of the largest and most successful rural properties in the New England region.

Armidale NSW

15 km away

Threlfall picnic area — Image credit: DPIE

Natural Attractions

Threlfall picnic area

If you like the idea of a leisurely lunch beside a clear mountain river, then Threlfall picnic area will have you packing the sandwiches. Just off Waterfall Way near Armidale, this peaceful lunch spot is on the northern edge of Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. Unroll the picnic blanket beside the crystal clear Gara River and let the rest of the world look after itself. It's perfect day trip from Armidale, or bush lunch break on a touring holiday. A short walk down river, there's a popular swimming spot where you can swim with care in the wonderful waters. After a relaxing lunch, you can kick back in the shade of the redgums. If you want to go walking, try the nearby Threlfall walking track.

Castle Doyle NSW

15 km away

Threlfall Walking Track — Image credit: Photo: Rob Cleary

Natural Attractions

Threlfall Walking Track

When it’s time to embrace the great outdoors, Threlfall walking track in Gara Gorge in the northern section of Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, is the breath of fresh air you crave. This medium length track traces the gorge ridge and combines an historic walk with jaw-dropping views. Gara Gorge follows the route of the historic 1894 hydro-electric scheme, along old embankments and through ancient cuttings of granite. At Gara Gorge lookout high above Gara River, with a backdrop of majestic blackbutt and spotted gums, gaze across the rugged New England wilderness. There's great birdwatching along this easy walk, so keep an eye out for rosellas, lyrebirds, and king parrots. You might even strike it lucky and see a koala having a snack in a gum tree. Ready for lunch? head back to either Threlfall picnic area or nearby Blue Hole picnic area.

Castle Doyle NSW

15 km away

Gara Gorge lookout — Image credit: Rob Cleary

Natural Attractions

Gara Gorge lookout

If you like to combine an easy walk with a spectacular view then it's time to pack the car and head to Gara Gorge lookout, accessed along Threlfall walking track. You'll be rewarded with scenic views down the rugged gorge. From the lookout, you'll see gum-lined valleys and steep ravines that continue to the coast. Look for brush-tailed rock wallabies sunning themselves on the outlying stone as you breathe in clean, crisp mountain air. Bring your binoculars for birdwatching as peregrine falcons and wedge-tailed eagles can sometimes be seen in the skies above. After all that fresh air and scenery, you'll be ready for lunch, so head back to either Threlfall picnic area or the popular Blue Hole picnic area for a bush picnic or barbecue.

Argyle NSW

15 km away

Hillgrove Museum — Image credit: Armidale Regional Council

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Hillgrove Rural Life and Industry Museum

Hillgrove, initially known as Eleanora Township, was established in 1884 and grew rapidly during the 1880s and 1890s due to expanded mining activities after rail transport from Sydney to Armidale enabled heavy machinery to be brought to the district. At its peak in about 1898, the population numbered around 3,000 and Hillgrove boasted six hotels, four churches, two schools, several banks, a School of Arts, a hospital, a stock exchange, a courthouse, a police station and a cordial factory. By the 1920s, most of the village's buildings were being dismantled and relocated to Armidale and other centres. The result is a fascinating "town" with lots of signs indicating where buildings once stood and lots of empty blocks of land with scattered, rusting relics that hint at a more prosperous time. Hillgrove Rural Life and Industry Museum, located in the former Hillgrove Public School built in 1896, showcases the history of the town, its community and the mining industry in the region. Objects in the museum provide some insight into the lives of the nearly 3500 people who lived and worked in Hillgrove between during the 1880s to 1920s.

Hillgrove NSW

20 km away

Dangars Falls picnic area

Natural Attractions

Dangars Falls picnic area

A perfect bush setting on the Northern Tablelands, the Dangars Falls picnic area has dramatic views over the deep ravines and gorges of the northern edge of the Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. In spring, the cliff tops come alive with the colour of wildflowers. You might need to take a closer look, as some are only tiny. After a downpour the mighty falls come alive, plunging 120m into the ravine, filling it with mist and rainbows. After a lazy picnic lunch or barbecue, spend a relaxing afternoon by the river where the kids can dip their toes and watch the fish. Or if you feeling like stretching your legs, try McDirtys walking track.

Dangarsleigh NSW

21 km away

Salisbury Waters Walking Track — Image credit: Photo: Rob Cleary

Natural Attractions

Salisbury Waters Walking Track

If you’re ready for a walk that combines excellent views with a challenging workout, put on your hiking boots and head for the Salisbury Waters walking track. An excellent introduction to gorge bushwalking, this long trek is brilliant for wildlife and birdwatching with the option of overnight camping in the bush. Veering off the McDirtys walking track, there’s optional detours to Mihi Falls and Sarum lookout, making perfect backdrops for a picnic lunch. Look for the scrub wrens and white throated tree creepers amongst the dry gums and heath. The last leg of this journey involves a steep descent, where you’ll get the chance to see the unique dry rainforest up close. Cool off with a refreshing swim in the crystal clear pool while you take in the breathtaking views of the gorges from the ground up.

Mihi NSW

21 km away

McDirtys Walking Track — Image credit: Photo: J Lehmann

Natural Attractions

McDirtys Walking Track

If you like to combine wildlife, waterfalls and birdwatching with an energetic trek, then try the McDirtys walking track. Following the gorge ridge, you can see impressive views of falls country of the northern section of the World Heritage-listed Oxley Wild Rivers National Park from a number of lookouts. At the lookout directly above Dangar Falls, you’ll be spritzed by crystal clear mist after a heavy downpour. Passing heathlands and dry gums, look for eastern grey kangaroos relaxing in the shade, as well as scrub wrens, treecreepers and crimson rosellas. From the spectacular Rock Wallaby lookout, you’ll see unending scenic views of the deep river gouged ravines. Keep your eye out for the rare gorge wattle that clings to the steep cliffs. Soak up the big open spaces over a packed lunch at any of the lookouts or head back to Dangar Falls picnic area.

Dangarsleigh NSW

21 km away

Deeargee Woolshed

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Deeargee Woolshed

Originally part of Gostwyck Station, Deeargee Station and its unique octagonal woolshed gained their name from the old Gostwyck wool brand, DRG, which stood for "Dangar, Gostwyck". The woolshed was built in 1872 replacing an earlier shearing shed that had been destroyed by fire. Designed and erected by Alexander Mitchell, who also built McCrossin's Mill in Uralla, the woolshed is erected on brick pillars with successive roofs of galvanised iron. The side walls contain large amounts of glass. The woolshed has all facilities required for shearing, pressing, bailing, sorting and other operations. It even has a lightning conductor. The Deeargee Woolshed is still in use today and, although not open to visitors, it is easily viewed from the roadside. Today the Gostwyck and Deeargee properties are known for producing some of Australia's finest wool. Both are 11 kilometres from Uralla on the Gostwyck Road.

Uralla NSW

27 km away

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