Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Armidale, Australia

The picturesque city of Armidale is situated high in the Northern Tablelands, characterized by a mild climate and four distinct seasons.

The urban parks of Armidale are adorned with deciduous trees that showcase a stunning display of reds and yellows during the autumn season.

To the east of Armidale, the terrain becomes rugged and wild, with Waterfall Way leading you to an impressive concentration of national parks, rich with rainforest, waterfalls, and remarkable rock formations.

Armidale boasts an abundance of refined 19th-century architecture, warranting a dedicated morning for a heritage tour, whether on foot or by bus.

Furthermore, the outskirts of the city feature exquisite homesteads that hark back to the pastoral era.

1. Waterfall Way

Armidale marks the western terminus of a 185-kilometre route that meanders through the rainforest-covered slopes of the Great Dividing Range, ultimately connecting to the Pacific Highway at the coast.

Undoubtedly, Waterfall Way is one of the most breathtaking drives in Australia, a country renowned for its stunning landscapes.

This route traverses or runs adjacent to seven national parks, three of which are designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites.

The entire journey typically spans 2.5 hours; however, allocating an entire day allows for hiking in the rainforest, halting at impressive lookouts, and admiring the waterfalls that inspire the road’s name.

We will highlight several attractions near Armidale within this article.

2. Wollomombi Falls

The most remarkable sight along Waterfall Way is easily accessible via a straightforward drive east of Armidale.

Situated off the main route, at the northern reaches of Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, the Wollomombi River plunges over 100 metres into a gorge in a single drop.

The waterfall’s total descent reaches as much as 230 metres, positioning Wollomombi Falls among Australia’s tallest waterfalls.

The optimal time to visit is following substantial rainfall during the wet season, allowing for a brief hike to a picnic area and lookout that offers views of the falls from a platform extending above the gorge.

This site includes information boards, a picnic/barbecue area shaded by yellow box and red gum trees, and a trail that leads to the nearby Chandler Falls.

Oxley Wild Rivers National Park is home to over 350 different species of animals, including the largest population of endangered brush-tailed rock wallabies.

3. Self-Guided Heritage Walk

At the Armidale Visitor Information Centre, patrons can acquire a leaflet for a leisurely stroll past the numerous historic buildings located throughout the city center.

There are 34 designated stops along the route, with the oldest monuments dating back to the 1850s.

Notable sites along the path include the New England Hotel (1897), the State Bank (1889), the Ursuline Convent (1877), Saints Mary & Joseph Cathedral (1912), Town Hall (1883), St Kilda Hotel (1863), Court House (1860), and the Post Office (1880). For those seeking additional insight, there is an option for a guided walk, or one may join the 2.5-hour Heritage Bus Tour departing from the visitor information center at 10:00, Monday through Saturday.

4. New England Regional Art Museum (NERAM)

The regional gallery located in Armidale possesses the second-largest public collection in the state, totaling more than 4,500 works of art spanning from the 1880s to the present, encompassing every significant movement in Australian art, from landscape painting to contemporary art, including Impressionism, Modernism, installation art, and beyond.

Some prominent artists featured in the collection include Nora Heysen, Arthur Streeton, Margaret Preston, Tom Roberts, and James Gleeson.

Visitors can admire this artwork and temporary exhibitions across six galleries; additionally, a Museum of Printing houses an extensive collection of presses, bookbinding equipment, guillotines, and types from the 1850s to the early 20th century.

5. Ebor Falls

Located within Guy Fawkes National Park along Waterfall Way is yet another extraordinary natural attraction, where the Guy Fawkes River cascades over four spectacular tiers of basalt.

These are the upper Ebor Falls, which stand at a total height of 115 metres, while 600 metres downstream, there exists the more subdued lower falls, showcasing Permian sedimentary geology.

A walking track connects both falls and is equipped with three lookouts to provide ideal views of the waterfalls and the surrounding rugged, wooded landscape of the gorge.

Visiting in summer introduces a variety of rare ground orchids and golden everlasting daisies in bloom around the upper falls, and keen observers may spot a wedge-tailed eagle soaring overhead.

6. Cathedral Rock National Park

This park, a notable stop along Waterfall Way, encompasses Round Mountain, the highest elevation within the New England Tablelands.

This domed basalt peak forms part of the eastern escarpment of the Northern Tablelands, rising to 1,586 metres.

Nevertheless, the primary attraction of the park lies in its granite geology, with opportunities to explore the remarkable formations of gigantic boulders found at Woolpack Rocks and Cathedral Rock.

These granites were formed deep beneath the earth’s surface approximately 270 million years ago, and as the environment has gradually eroded, they have become prominent tors atop summits.

The namesake Cathedral Rock is remarkably spectacular, reaching a height of 200 metres and extending one kilometre in length.

7. Booloominbah

Located in the northwest of Armidale, the University of New England is centered around an elegant mansion completed in 1888. Booloominbah exemplifies the region’s finest heritage, designed in the Federation Arts and Crafts style by John Horbury Hunt and constructed as a summer residence for the pastoralist White family.

The university was established later in the 20th century, turning the property into a picturesque backdrop for UNE graduation ceremonies held on the lawn.

The structure was conceived based on the principles and philosophies of William Morris and the Pre-Raphaelites, featuring rich stained-glass windows and handcrafted fittings.

Moreover, the mansion includes numerous features that were progressive for its time, such as gas lighting, mechanical bells, running water, and multiple staircases allowing residents and staff to move without crossing paths.

Upon entry, visitors will encounter the Main Hall, which boasts an impressive Gothic Revival oak mantelpiece.

Although the house now serves administration and university events, it also houses a Brasserie that offers gourmet breakfast, lunch, and freshly prepared barista coffee.

8. Armidale Aboriginal Cultural Centre & Keeping Place

Adjacent to the regional art gallery, this center introduces visitors to the intricate Aboriginal arts and cultural heritage of the region.

Exhibits feature artifacts, paintings, and photography, with regular touring exhibitions from major Australian institutions displayed throughout the year.

During guided tours, attendees gain insight on interpreting Aboriginal art and learn about its profound representation of land, sea, wildlife, and the Dreaming.

Furthermore, an interactive area is specially designed for children, alongside a music section, visual presentations, and a bush tucker walk.

The gift shop features a wide array of handcrafted paintings and arts and crafts.

9. Saints Mary & Joseph Catholic Cathedral

Perhaps the most iconic landmark in Armidale is the grand Gothic Revival cathedral, featuring a 47-metre tall spire.

This impressive edifice was completed in 1912 after a mere two years of construction and is primarily constructed of locally fired polychrome bricks, with Sydney sandstone used for piers and some decorative elements like the east window and porch.

Visitors do not need to be religious to appreciate the stunning main facade, adorned with intricate brickwork, the quatrefoil tracery on the principal window, and niche sculptures of Mary with child and Joseph.

Stepping inside, one can admire the resplendent stained glass, the double hammer beam ceiling crafted from Australian red cedar, and the elegantly carved marble in the chancel arch and sanctuary.

10. Saumarez Homestead

Located beyond the southwestern outskirts of Armidale is a National Trust homestead, developed between 1888 and 1910 during the residency of the White family.

This expansive property consists of 16 buildings spread across 10 hectares, including stables, a milking shed, a slaughterhouse, horse yards, and a blacksmith’s shop.

The principal residence is an opulent Federation Edwardian-style mansion, encompassing two stories and 30 rooms.

Guided tours reveal the interiors adorned with authentic Edwardian furnishings, and visitors can explore the historic outbuildings that house an extensive collection of both manual and mechanical agricultural equipment.

The expansive grounds are equally intriguing, featuring Mary White’s garden that includes a picking garden, a heritage rose garden, and a cottage garden.

The homestead offers a vivid depiction of pastoral life at the turn of the 20th century, necessitating half a day to fully appreciate its offerings.

11. Central Park

The land designated for this splendid urban park dates back to 1874, and today, approximately 150 years later, Central Park retains many of its Victorian features.

There are historical connections to Saints Mary & Joseph Cathedral across the street, as the park was partially designed by Capuchin lay brother Francis Gatti (1833-1891), and many of his initial plantings persist today.

A notable heritage feature is the band rotunda, constructed in 1902 to commemorate the Boer War; additionally, a section of the park was redesigned in 1922 to serve as Armidale’s WWI memorial.

On sunny days, the mature trees provide ample shade, while the autumn foliage creates a beautiful spectacle.

12. Mount Yarrowyck Nature Reserve

Situated about 20 minutes west of Armidale within the scenic granite landscape is a 600-hectare reserve featuring the impressive Mount Yarrowyck.

This gentle three-kilometre walking path invites exploration of one of the last remnants of natural bushland on the western slopes of the Northern Tablelands, characterized by a landscape dotted with enormous boulders.

What sets this walk apart is that the reserve is situated on the traditional lands of the Anaiwan people, who have left behind rock art visible along the trail.

This ancient art, dating between 150 to 500 years old, is protected from direct exposure by a timber barrier.

13. Drummond Apex Lookout

The premier location for observing the sunset in Armidale is this elevated point above Drummond Park in the northern part of the city.

Here, visitors can enjoy sweeping views of the city as it gradually ascends from the opposite bank of the Dumaresk Creek, highlighting landmarks on the skyline such as the spire of Saints Mary & Joseph Cathedral.

Near the viewpoint, there’s a memorial column dedicated to the politician David Drummond (1890-1964), who relocated to Armidale at the age of 17 and remained a resident for the entirety of his life.

14. Bicentennial Arboretum

Additional public green space can be found on the western side of the city at this serene, heritage-listed park.

The Bicentennial Arboretum features thousands of native and exotic shrubs and trees, making it yet another location in Armidale where one can witness the transformation of leaves into vibrant reds and golds during autumn.

A delightful piece of landscaping includes a pond fed by a series of cascades that can be activated at the touch of a button.

Ample picnic and barbecue facilities are available, and the children’s playground underwent renovations in 2016.

15. Monckton Aquatic Centre

For affordable entertainment on a warm day, the Monckton Aquatic Centre offers a variety of swimming options, conveniently located by the shops at Armidale Central.

The facility comprises four outdoor pools, including a 50-meter competition pool with grandstand, a 50-meter training pool, a learners’ pool, and a spacious area for toddlers to enjoy.

All pools are maintained at a temperature of 25°C, and those residing in or staying in Armidale for an extended period can obtain discounted passes for 10, 20, or 50 visits.