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Never-ending fun in the New England High Country, NSW

Written by: Amelia Mansell

January 9, 2024

With the summer holiday season done and dusted, there's no time like the present to start planning your next adventure around many of the fantastic festivals and events found in the New England High Country.

The New England High Country in northeastern New South Wales is renowned for its beautiful landscapes, welcoming regional communities, rich history and fantastic festivals. Join us as we highlight some of the best upcoming festivals in Armidale, Glen Innes, Inverell and Walcha this year, and explore the many attractions of these unique New England High Country regions.

The Armidale Autumn Festival

Event date: 6 April 2024
Event location: Throughout Armidale

The annual Armidale Autumn Festival is a must-attend event in the Armidale region and is packed with fun for the whole family. The festival has been held for the past 30 years and has firmly established itself as a calendar highlight for all locals and visitors to this beautiful city conveniently located halfway between Sydney and Brisbane.

And best yet — it’s free! The morning of the festival kicks off with a breakfast where visitors can listen to the Armidale City Band, followed by an entertaining street parade, which is considered one of the epic highlights of the event. The parade is filled with local organisations, including pipe bands, school musicals and bands, the new England Conservatorium of Music, Aboriginal dancers, UNE colleges, highland dancers and multicultural groups. There is also an award for the best parade float, meaning you can be assured the floats go all out in the hopes of taking home the grand prize.

Once the parade rolls through, the festival turns to an afternoon of more family-friendly events and sumptuous food in Civic Park.

This is one of the most beautiful times of year to visit Armidale, with the city awash with vibrant autumnal colours and people from all over coming together to celebrate Armidale’s diversity and welcoming spirit.

Where to stay

For those with a van in tow, or simply looking for a place to set up a basecamp to enjoy the festival before exploring the area, the Armidale Tourist Park, Highlander Van Village and Armidale Showgrounds all offer a variety of accommodation options. Be sure to book ahead of time so that you don’t miss out.

Exploring the area

No matter which direction you are coming from, the journey to Armidale offers plenty of chances to appreciate the unique towns of NEHC. Travellers along the New England Highway can visit Tamworth, Bendemeer and Uralla when coming from the south, or Guyra, Glen Innes and Tenterfield when travelling from the north. While the scenic Pacific Highway that links Armidale and the Coffs Coast is famous for the Waterfall Way — which, as the name suggests, features several spectacular waterfalls well worth visiting. Head here for more information.

Another three tourist drives that should be added to your Armidale itinerary are the Aboriginal Culture and Heritage Drive; Tourist Drive 19 (Culture, Wilderness and Heritage) and Tourist Drive 17 (The Best of the New England High Country). These drives will reveal some of the most beautiful locations, heritage sites and cultural activities to experience in the area. More details can be found here.

The guided Armidale Heritage Tour is a must for those wanting to immerse themselves in Armidale’s rich history. Over the course of 2.5–3 hours you will get to enjoy the amusing and thoughtful commentary provided by one of the tour guides and gain a true appreciation of this historical city.

The New England Regional Art Museum (NERAM) is another way to add a splash of culture to your adventures through Armidale. The NERAM is a leading cultural and arts tourism destination in regional Australia and features some of the nation’s most significant art collections outside capital cities. There are more than 5000 works on display, including historical, modern and contemporary art, and is great for travellers of all ages.

Keep the adventures going

For more festival fun in Armidale, don’t miss these other festivals later in the year:

Big Chill Festival (18–19 May 2024): Held at the Armidale Sportsground, attendees can enjoy craft beer, boutique gin, local wine, street food, firepits, market stalls and live music.

19th annual International Film Festival (30 August–1 September 2024): Enjoy a weekend filled with cinematic gems, thought-provoking narratives and unforgettable experiences, all held at the Belgrave Twin Cinema in Armidale.

Head here for more information on the Armidale Autumn Festival or other events.

Get into Glen Innes

Glen Innes is a caravanner’s delight and home to plenty of festivals and events throughout the year. Conveniently located on the crossroads of the New England and Gwydir Highways, this charming town is incredibly easy to include on your road trip around the NEHC. With Tenterfield to the north, Grafton to the east, Armidale to the south and Inverell to the west, and plenty of charming villages in between, you will be hard-pressed to decide which town to explore next.

Here are some top things to see and do in and around Glen Innes, either before, during or after the festivals:

The Emmaville Mining Museum
Land of the Beardies History House and Research Centre
The Australian Standing Stones
Glen Innes Highlands Skywalk
National parks — particularly the World Heritage-listed Washpool and Gibraltar Range National Parks
The villages of Deepwater, Emmaville and Glencoe, all of which offer unique pubs and have a rich history to explore

Where to stay

When it comes to accommodation for the festivals and accompanying adventures, there are plenty of options in Glen Innes and the surrounding villages of Deepwater, Emmaville and Glencoe. Options range from caravan and camping grounds to boutique getaways in and around Glen Innes and can be found here.

The Glen Innes Showground features a secure camping area with power (limited numbers outside of event dates).

Now, let’s dive into the events!

Glen Innes Show and Gourmet Fiesta

Event date: 9–11 February 2024
Event location: Glen Innes Showground

Held for an impressive 155 years — first established in 1869 — the Glen Innes Show is regarded as one of the best agricultural shows in NSW, outside the Sydney Royal Easter Show. It is a fantastic weekend for the whole family, with arts and crafts, fairground rides, the latest in tractors, first-class show jumping, livestock displays, sports sheering, a demolition derby, mechanical pavilion, trade expo and of course, the Gourmet Fiesta.

Held during the show on 9–10 February, the Gourmet Fiesta brings together celebrity chefs, demonstrations, tastings and market stalls and is a true showcase of the region’s delicious produce, food and beverage businesses.

Another show highlight not to miss is the Saturday Night Extravaganza, which includes fireworks, circus stunts, Aussie FMX motorcross (or similar event) and the Demolition Derby.

After you have spent time exploring the various displays and demonstrations, you can head to the popular show bar to wind down, enjoy a steak sandwich at the barbecue, visit the historical tearoom for a more formal meal and fresh pot of tea or simply find a shady spot under the glorious avenue of trees lining the grounds and watch the activities peacefully.

Weekend passes can be purchased at the gate or online prior to the event.

Minerama Fossicking, Gem & Jewellery Show

Event date: 8–10 March 2024
Location: Glen Innes Showground

The Glen Innes Highlands are renowned for the deep, rich blue sapphires found in the region, so it’s fitting that this town holds one of the largest jewel-themed events in NSW: the Minerama Fossicking, Gem & Jewellery Show. This three-day festival has something for all ages and budgets, making it a must attend for families, fossickers and gem lovers alike.

With autumn rolling in and leaves putting on their own jewel-toned show, it’s the perfect time to visit Glen Innes for a day trip or to make a weekend out of it with so much to see and do at the show and in the surrounding Glen Innes Highlands.

The show features indoor and outdoor trade stalls selling rough gemstones, fine jewellery and everything in between. There are workshops and demonstrations to witness the ins and outs of honing these precious gems, as well as fun activities and delicious food and drinks.

Tickets for the festival will be available at the gate for $5 and entry is free for those aged 16 and under if accompanied by a paying parent or guardian.

Further information regarding tickets and bookable experiences such as the workshops will be advertised on the event’s website leading up to the event.

Glen Innes Gravel Fondo

Event date: 13 April 2024
Event location: Glen Innes surrounds

Now in its third year, the Glen Innes Gravel Fondo is an action-packed day dedicated to exploring exciting locations and beautiful landscapes of the Glen Innes Highlands … by bike. Hosted by Goodness Gravel, this event is not for the faint-hearted, and the rides are designed for experienced riders as the routes start at 35km long and extend up to 125km. But for those with enough grit, it’s a terrific opportunity to meet like-minded riders.

There are three different loop options that wind through the beautiful and varying scenery of the NSW countryside:

25km with 1700m elevation
75km with 1000m elevation
35km with 450m elevation (aka Piccolo)

Gravel bike or e-Gravel bikes are best suited to the loops, but they can be done on mountain bikes or e-Mountain bikes.

There is no specific accommodation for the event, but Glen Innes’s range of local accommodation options will provide a convenient basecamp for your riding explorations.

If you are hoping to join in on the fun, tickets are available online now. Bookings for personalised rider numbers and T-shirts close three weeks before the event, so ensure you get in early.

The Australian Celtic Festival

Event date: 2–5 May 2024
Event location: The Australian Standing Stones Centennial Parklands, Watsons Drive, Glen Innes

The Australian Celtic Festival is a four-day annual event that celebrates the NEHC’s rich ties to the Celtic nations and is now in its 32nd year, drawing crowds of over 6000 people from around Australia and overseas. Each year shines a spotlight on a particular nation, and 2024 will focus on Ireland and the Isle of Man.

The Australian Standing Stones form a fabulously unique backdrop to this immersive festival dedicated to celebrating Celtic music, dance, art and culture.

Visitors can experience an exciting lineup of events and activities for all ages, with the main events taking place at the Australian Standing Stones, the National Celtic Monument of Australia, on Saturday and Sunday, 4–5 May.

In addition to Celtic music and dance performances, the festival features a street parade, official Celtic ceremonies, massed pipe bands, highland games, a fun run, children’s entertainment and activities, market stalls, themed food and beverages and so much more.

The Glen Innes town joins in the fun as well, with Celtic-themed window displays in local stores and menus in many of the local eateries, which demonstrates the amazing community spirit that exists in this small regional town.

There is no camping at the festival site, but camping is available at the nearby Glen Innes Showground, where a free shuttle bus service will operate and transport visitors to the festival.

Festival early bird tickets will be going on sale in February, and the festival passes will be available for purchase up to and including the weekend of the event. More information can be found on the festival website.

Looking ahead to Christmas

One to add to the calendar is the Christmas in the Highlands festival held each year in Glen Innes. This is a magical family-friendly event that features entertainment, food, markets and an annual Red Cross Christmas Tree Display fundraiser. In 2024, Christmas in the Highlands markets and Christmas lights launch will be held on Friday, 29 November, during 5–8pm.

The Inverell Multicultural Festival

Event date: 27 April 2024
Event location: Victoria Park, Inverell

Held annually for the past 15 years, the Inverell Multicultural Festival is a celebration of all the people from different cultures who have chosen to call Inverell home. Running over the course of a single action-packed day, the festival is held in conjunction with the Grafton to Inverell Cycle Race.

Visitors can delight in the veritable smorgasbord of international cuisines, with stallholders featuring treats from Brazil, Thailand, the US, Philippines, Argentina, Tonga and many more. Entertainment is provided by the various nations, allowing attendees to immerse themselves in different flavours and cultures in a family-friendly atmosphere.

This festival is a prime example of Inverell’s warm and welcoming community and demonstrates the diversity Australia is famous for. And if all that isn’t enough — entry is free.

Where to stay

While the festival makes a great day trip for those nearby, if you’re wanting to stay and explore the area at your leisure, you’re in luck when it comes to accommodation options.

There are three caravan parks in the town: Inverell Caravan Park, Fossickers Rest Tourist Park and Sapphire City Caravan Park. A bit further afield, Copeton Dam Reflections Caravan Park is a great spot to stay, or campers can enjoy the Copeton Northern Foreshores camping ground for a tranquil environment.

Exploring the region

Inverell’s welcoming and diverse community isn’t the only thing to enjoy during your visit to this friendly NEHC town.

Copeton Dam is a must-add to any trip planning. The dam is three times the size of Sydney Harbour at high tide, and is a great spot for picnics, bushwalks, water sports and more. Anglers will be in their element as the dam is one of the only two waterways in NSW that has no closed season on Murray cod.

And you can’t visit Inverell without trying your hand at finding one of the brilliant blue sapphires that the region is famous for. There are a number of fossicking locations where you can attempt to find one of these rare jewels.

Step back in time at the Pioneer Village, an exceptional historical museum which is conveniently located around the corner from the National Transport — one of the largest on the eastern seaboard.

Inverell Art Gallery, New England Wood Turning and Sculptures, Lake Inverell and the town’s boutique shopping district are also well worth visiting.

And once you’ve seen all Inverell has to offer, a short drive to the nearby Tingha will allow you to experience the Wing Hing Long Museum, which is dedicated to the Chinese miners who were responsible for most of the tin mining in the district, before continuing just outside the village to enjoy a refreshing tasting at Topper’s Mountain Wines.

Upcoming festivals

If one festival isn’t enough, here are some other upcoming festivals in Inverell this year:

The Inverell Town Show: Held during 23–25 February 2024, this is a great showcase for visitors.

The Sapphire City Festival: Held annually in October, this festival is a great family-friendly event.

Head here to find out more about Inverell and the many attractions and events you can enjoy over the year.

Walcha Antique Machinery and Truck Show

Event date: 17–18 February 2024
Event location: Walcha Showground

The Walcha Antique Machinery and Truck Show is a young but thriving festival that highlights the Walcha history and heritage and shines a light on the machinery used in the town’s earlier years, as well as some more modern offerings.

First held in 2022, the show has been widely popular, and the procession of old tractors and interesting rigs of all sizes running through the main streets of Walcha is a fan-favourite spectacle. Kids will love the cardboard vintage vehicle parade, and festivalgoers of all kinds will be impressed by the tractor pull, SES demonstrations and logging company demonstrations.

This unique festival is a great chance to get up close to some beautiful pieces of old machinery as well as enjoy the warm hospitality of the Walcha community. A variety of local companies sponsor this and other local events, demonstrating how this small town comes together to celebrate its heritage.

Tickets will be available for purchase at the gate during the festival.

Where to stay

There is onsite camping available at the Walcha Showground, and if you arrive before or stay after the festival, you will have plenty of time to explore the town and its many attractions. Powered sites operate on a ‘first in, first served’ basis and there are hot shower facilities available to campers.

Alternatively, campers can utilise some of the free camps or farm stays in the area, or head to the Walcha Caravan Park.

Exploring the region

Walcha is a wonderful basecamp to explore the region’s national parks, which are natural gems filled with waterfalls, rivers and gorges.

Located in the World Heritage-listed Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, Apsley Falls is a great spot for caravanners to camp and enjoy the natural beauty of the park and its many walks. There are large sites suitable for caravans, all access roads are sealed and best of all, it’s only 19km from Walcha.

For those who like adding a bit of culture to their travels, Walcha’s renowned Open Air Gallery is a must-do when visiting. It features more than 58 large-scale works created by local, national and international artists dotted throughout the town and along the riverbank.

History buffs will be in their element, with plenty of historical buildings to admire as well as the Pioneer Cottage and Museum Complex.

And in between activities, enjoy a relaxing meal at Walcha’s pubs and cafes, or check out the offerings at the collection of boutique shops, including some lovely stores with collectables, antiques, crafts and handmade goods.