Armidale : The Administrative Capital of Northern Tableland

Armidale is a vibrant city in New South Wales, Australia. It serves as the administrative capital for the Northern Tableland region and is located almost at the halfway point between Sydney and Brisbane. Originally occupied by the Anaiwan people, the establishment of a British colonial settlement in the 1830s kick-started the region’s advance into the modern era. Initially a rural farming town, the discovery of gold and other valuable minerals and metals brought about increased settlement and investment leading to economic development. At almost a kilometer above sea level, it is Australia’s highest city and also a lovely mix of urban and country living at its best. It is a cosmopolitan city with a thriving art and cultural scene. The city is home to an impressive catalogue of galleries, museums, and picturesque national parks and magnificent waterfalls attracting scores of visitors each year.

1. New England Regional Art Museum

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The New England Regional Art Museum (NERAM) was built in 1983 to preserve, maintain, and exhibit Australian art. It achieves this objective through curatorial, educational, and extensive promotional programs throughout the year. The museum is home to over 4,500 works of art including the iconic Howard Hinton and Chandler Coventry collections. Travelling exhibitions and works of art curated by other galleries add to its appeal encouraging repeat visits for locals and tourists alike. The Museum of Printing is also located within its premises and it houses a wide range of historic printing machinery and equipment.

2. Oxley Wild Rivers National Park

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Oxley Wild Rivers National Park is located within the outskirts of Armidale and is among the region’s largest national parks. Covering over 350,000 acres, it is part of the Gondwana Rainforests, a World Heritage Area featuring rare dry forests, magnificent waterfalls, scenic rivers, and an amazing array of wildlife. It is a nature lover’s paradise where one can engage in many outdoor adventures like camping, fishing, swimming, cycling, and even walking all the while enjoying beautiful natural scenery and wildlife. The breathtaking waterfalls that are found within the park make it a worthy place to visit especially after the rains when they are in full-flow.

3. Armidale Art Gallery

The Armidale Art Gallery is dedicated to promote and support the creativity of the region’s artists by providing a location for them to display and sell their works. It is the public face of the New England Art Society and is located in Armidale shopping Mall on Beardy Street. It showcases a wide range of exhibits including paintings, drawings, photography, prints, textiles, sculptures, pottery, and jewelry. The gallery is a prime location for workshops and small group activities because of its accessibility and relaxed atmosphere.

4. Saints Mary and Joseph Catholic Cathedral

Saint Mary and Joseph Cathedral built in 1912 is the seat of the Catholic Bishop of Armidale. It is located on Dangar Street in Armidale, directly opposite Central Park. It is the largest cathedral in Armidale and its second oldest after the equally distinctive St. Peter’s Anglican Cathedral located diagonally opposite. The cathedral is a fine building with a tall spire, stained glass windows, and a magnificent organ built in 1900. The cathedral contributes distinctively to the city’s skyline and as such, it is a treasured city landmark. The interior is exquisite with intricate designs making it a wonderful spectacle attracting scores of visitors all year round.

5. Waterfall Way Scenic Drive

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The Waterfall Way is a road in New South Wales running East-West from the Pacific Highway to the New England Highway in Armidale. Widely considered among Australia’s most beautiful tourist drives, it offers stunning views of the region’s scenic countryside that includes several national parks, lush rainforests, waterfalls, open woodlands, and farmland as you approach Armidale. Not to be missed along the way are the magnificent Ebor Falls where you can take a scenic walk along the escarpment edge. Other highlights of the scenic drive include the Wollomombi Gorge and Falls picnic area, Point Lookout in New England National Park, and the granite tors in Cathedral Rock National Park.

6. Booloominbah Historic House

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Booloominbah is a historic mansion in Armidale and without a doubt one of the nation’s most magnificent houses. Built in the 1880s as a private house for the successful pastoralist Frederick Robert White and his family, it later became the initial building of the New England University College and still serves as an administrative center as well as a function venue. The house was designed by the renowned architect John Horbury Hunt and stands out as an architectural marvel of its time. Stunning landscaping, exterior, and interior décor captivate you as soon as you venture into the property. There’s also a café and bar on site adding to its appeal. Within the campus are a number of museums each offering a glimpse into the past with captivating displays and exhibitions.

7. Saumarez Homestead

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Saumarez Homestead is a heritage-listed 30-room mansion offering a remarkably authentic glimpse of 19th Century pastoral life. Situated on a ten-hectare grazing property it features extensive picturesque gardens and lawns, 15 intact outbuildings, and over 3,000 19th Century tools and equipment. The two-story homestead was built in the late 19th Century in the Federation Edwardian style and remarkably its original furnishings are still intact. The homestead’s historical significance is founded on the role of the three families that called it home; the Dumaresq, Thomas and White families, played in the development of Armidale. The homestead can be rented out for a variety of events as it can accommodate large numbers of visitors at a go. The significance of this property coupled with its beauty makes it a must visit while in Armidale.

8. Aboriginal Culture Center and Keeping Place

The Aboriginal Culture and Keeping Place is located down the road from the New England Regional Art Museum and is home to an enviable collection of the finest Australian Aboriginal art. The center has a program of ever-changing exhibitions where one can purchase authentic indigenous art all year round. Apart from the gallery, there are other attractions like the heroes display, music section, a historical room, movie area, and an archaeological section. There is also an interactive corner for children giving your little ones a chance to get in on the fun. A café called The Echidna was opened in 2010 and it offers a wide range of dining options all with bush tucker spices. The gift shop is a must visit with a wide range of items including jewelry, clothes, prints, and genuine Aboriginal souvenirs all at friendly prices.

9. Armidale Folk Museum

The Armidale Folk Museum is located on the corner of Faulkner and Rusden Street in the Armidale Literary Institute building was founded in 1933. Exhibits on display in the museum tell the story of Armidale from its humble beginnings as a pastoral town to the Cathedral and University City it is today by depicting everyday life and work in the past. Other exhibits give an insight into the solemn sacrifice of the region’s citizens in times of war. The museum has something for everyone courtesy of its vast collection which coupled with its prime location at the heart of the city makes it a worthy visit while in Armidale.

10. Armidale Bicentennial Arboretum

Armidale Bicentennial Arboretum is a heritage-listed park located a few blocks from the town center off the main highway. It is bounded by Kentucky, Butler and Galloway Streets making it easily accessible from many start-points. It contains thousands of native and imported plants, picnic areas, a north-facing lookout, and aquatic gardens with a waterfall. There is also a sensory garden near the entrance and many walking tracks. A children’s playground was erected in 2016 making it a suitable venue for a family outing. Other amenities include public toilets, seats and tables, and a car park. It is the best place to cool off and relax while in Armidale as you take in the beautiful surroundings the park has to offer.

◎ Closing

Armidale with its wealth of attractive heritage buildings, museums, gardens, and iconic churches offers visitors an experience of a lifetime making it a premier destination in Australia. Spectacular aerial views are a popular means of taking in the region’s natural beauty with a bird’s eye view. The variety of attractions in Armidale, not to mention the welcoming nature of its residents, makes it a place worthy of a visit.