Dangars Falls and Gorge in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park
With its breathtaking natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage and diverse attractions, New South Wales’ New England High Country is a must-visit destination for your next autumn road trip.
Wander along streets of beautifully restored historic buildings, lined with a kaleidoscope of vibrant autumn foliage and boutiques full of inspiring treasures.
Take an extended road trip through the region, savouring the fresh, local flavours at the many wineries, distilleries and breweries.
Visit world heritage listed national parks and gaze in awe at the region’s natural wonders.
Sit back and enjoy a meal at one of the area’s renowned restaurants, country pubs or quaint cafes. Enjoy the community spirit at the monthly markets, where you can pick up some locally grown produce, or add one of the many festivals to your road trip itinerary.
Whether you’re a family, couple, grey nomads or outdoor adventurers, there’s something for everyone in NSW’s stunning New England High Country (NEHC), and it has special appeal during autumn when the deciduous trees turn and the temperature cools.
Situated at around 1000m above sea level, NEHC comprises the city of Armidale and the towns of Glen Innes, Guyra, Inverell, Tenterfield, Uralla and Walcha — each of which holds a unique part in the region’s rich history and stunning natural environment. NEHC offers a diverse wonderland of activities, allowing you to experience the World Heritage wilderness in the morning before heading into a culture and flavour-filled afternoon at world-class galleries, boutique shops, distilleries and vineyards.
Glen Gowrie Distillery, Glen Innes
Natural wonders and wilderness areas
NEHC is home to 20 national parks, six of which are UNESCO World Heritage-listed national parks within the Gondwana Rainforest of Australia, including Washpool and Gibraltar Range national parks. If you enjoy getting out in nature, these parks are great locations for hiking, camping and wildlife viewing.
Don’t miss the Australian Standing Stones in Glen Innes to learn about Celtic culture, which is an intrinsic part of this region’s history. The Glen Innes Highlands Skywalk offers an immersive experience with scenic lookouts and audio stories that showcase the region’s culture, heritage, geology and sky country.
The night sky at the Australian Standing Stones, Glen Innes
The dramatic Apsley Falls and Gorge, in world heritage-listed Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, are only a short 15-minute drive from Walcha, and the sealed access road is suitable for caravans.
A rich history
For history buffs, NEHC is a dream destination, with its well-preserved 19th century heritage buildings and landmarks telling tales of prosperous gold rush eras and agricultural heritage.
Tenterfield, often referred to as the ‘Birthplace of the Nation’, boasts many impressive historic sites, including the Tenterfield Saddler, which is a must-visit.
The infamous Captain Thunderbolt, Australia’s longest roaming bushranger, once frequented the NEHC region, using it to both evade authorities and as a hunting ground for his hold-ups. There are many caves and bushy hideouts throughout NEHC, and the famous Thunderbolt’s Hideout is 12km from Tenterfield, and Thunderbolt’s Cave lies between Armidale and Guyra.
The historic Armidale Post Office
Uralla’s award-winning McCrossin’s Mill Museum features exhibits on Captain Thunderbolt’s life and the area’s fascinating past.
Heading on a heritage trail that connects the major NEHC towns and leads you through its many unique small villages is a great way to explore the region’s natural beauty and rich heritage.
Art and culture
Art lovers will be in their element in NEHC. Walcha is home to Australia’s largest permanent Open Air gallery of sculptures, where more than 58 works by national and international artists decorate the streets for public enjoyment.
Walcha’s Open Air Gallery
In Tenterfield, you’ll find the Sir Henry Parkes School of Arts Museum, the Tenterfield Railway Museum and Centenary Cottage.
The National Transport Museum in Inverell showcases a stunning collection of more than 120 vintage, veteran and classic cars and motorcycles.
In Armidale, a visit to the New England Regional Art Museum (NERAM) is a must. This leading cultural and arts destination is home to more than 5000 works of historical, modern and contemporary art. Afterwards, head to the Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Keeping Place next door, which features two first class art galleries showcasing Aboriginal works of art.
Exceptional food and drink
NEHC is a food lover’s paradise, where you can indulge in fresh, locally grown produce and artisan treats. From charming cafes to boutique wineries and award-winning craft breweries and distilleries, the region is brimming with culinary delights.
Head to Uralla for its vibrant food and beverage scene and many boutique shops and producers. Visit Walcha for a fantastic cup of coffee (or two) from an award-winning roastery and a variety of charming eateries and shops.
Breweries, bars and wineries form the vibrant food and beverage scene
A photographer’s delight
There’s an abundance of fabulous photography opportunities in NEHC, particularly during the colourful autumn months and frosty winter. Don’t miss the exceptional stargazing and astrophotography opportunities in the region. The Glen in Uralla has the perfect vantage point to capture not only the stars but the Constellations of the South sculptural artworks.
Fishing and birdwatching
Birdwatching enthusiasts should definitely bring their twitching gear with them to NEHC. Dangars Lagoon bird hide is a must-visit, with more than 110 different bird species having been recorded at the lagoon.
For fishing, visit the massive Copeton Dam, which is one of the two inland waterways in NSW that has no closed season for Murray cod, with sizes of up to 130cm having been caught (keep limits are 55–75cm). Some other fish you’ll find include golden perch (yellow belly), catfish, redfin and silver perch.
Copeton Dam is only a short drive from Inverell and is a must for anyone who loves fishing, birdwatching and water sports
Adventure awaits
The NEHC region is an outdoor-lovers playground, with a diverse range of activities on offer year-round, including things like fossicking, bushwalking, hiking, mountain bike riding and geocaching.
For the more adventurous, Bald Rock National Park near Tenterfield offers the opportunity to climb the largest exposed granite monolith in the southern hemisphere. This national park is home to a wide range of wildlife, including the rare spotted tailed quoll, native plants and wildflowers.
Dangars Falls in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park (accessed from Armidale or Uralla) is another great place to visit. This national park is home to several walking trails and lookouts with sweeping views of the surrounding landscape and scenic waterfalls.
And if you enjoy an extended bushwalk or hike, then there are plenty to experience in NEHC’s many national parks.
Bald Rock National Park (Image Viewing Australia)
How to get to NEHC
The New England Highway is the major inland route that links Sydney and Brisbane, winding through the scenic NEHC from Uralla in the south to Tenterfield in the north and passing through Armidale, Guyra and Glen Innes along the way.
Thunderbolts Way, which begins in the mid-coast hinterland near Barrington, offers a stunning route over the Great Dividing Range and leads you through Walcha, Uralla and Inverell before heading further north-west.
The Oxley Highway connects Port Macquarie to Walcha, passing through beautiful World Heritage-listed parks.
For a different scenic route, take the Gwydir Highway, which links Grafton to Glen Innes and extends west to Inverell, or the Bruxner Highway, which connects the Northern Rivers to Tenterfield and leads you through rolling hills, farmland and woodland forest.
Autumn driving in Tenterfield offers plenty of scenic views
Upcoming events in NEHC
There’s a packed schedule of events across NEHC year-round, but there are some taking place in coming months:
Tenterfield
- Tenterfield Autumn Festival: 18–21 April 2025 (Easter long weekend)
Glen Innes
- Colours of the Highlands – Autumn Events & Activities: 1 March to 30 May 2025
- Autumn Solstice at the Australian Standing Stones: 21 March 2025
- Glen Innes — Goodness Gravel — Gravel Fondo Cycling Event: 12 April 2025
- ACF Celtic Food Trail: 28 April – 4 May
- Australian Celtic Festival: 1–4 May 2025
- Winter Solstice at the Australian Standing Stones: 21 June 2025
- Glen Innes Men’s Shed Car Boot Sale & Markets: fourth Saturday of every month
The Australian Celtic Festival at the Australian Standing Stones is a must-attend event in NEHC
Inverell
- Grafton to Inverell Cycling Classic: 15 March 2025
- Multicultural Festival: 15 March 2025
- Motor Show: 16 March 2025
- Antique Motorcycle Rally: 4–6 April 2025
Armidale
- Ulysses Club Show and Shine: 27 March 2025
- Armidale Autumn Festival: 5 April 2025
- Big Chill Festival: 16–18 May 2025
Uralla
- Seasons Of New England Expo: 29 March 2025
- Winter Solstice: 21 June 2025
- High Country Markets: first Sunday of every month
Walcha
- Walcha Agricultural Show: 14–15 March 2025
- Werrikimbe National Park 50th Anniversary Celebration: 29–30 March 2025
- Walcha Farmers’ Market: third Saturday every month, excluding winter months
For information about all the events in NEHC, head here.
Where to stay in NEHC
Whether it’s caravan parks and campgrounds, motels, grand hotels and quaint cottages, there’s a myriad of accommodation options in NEHC to suit all styles and budgets. There’s too many to list here, so click this link for a comprehensive list.
With its natural beauty, fascinating history and vibrant cultural scene, NEHC has something for every age and style of traveller, so hitch up the caravan and hit the road.
For more inspiration and help planning your NEHC road trip, head here.
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Autumn adventures in New England High Country, NSW