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Thundercloud reciting poetry in front of Australian Poetry Hall of Fame mural — Image credit: James Warren

Entertainment Venues

Australian Poetry Hall of Fame

Located on Kamilaroi land, the Arcadia Theatre in Guyra is a venue once more as the Australian Poetry Hall of Fame. Established in 2020 to celebrate and preserve Australian poets and their poetry. There is a large collection of Australian poetry, the Australian Poetry Hall of Fame featuring poetry and portraits of famous Australian poets. There is a large auditorium with a stage for events, a bookshop, art supplies, gift shop and market every Saturday morning and open mic poetry night every Wednesday evening. You can enjoy some of the vegetarian/vegan delights from Seahorse Medicine Cafe and also browse the Red Door Gallery featuring local and national artists. Groups are catered for with special packages available which include poetry performances and talks on Australian poets and poetry. Guyra is on the New England Highway half way between Newcastle and Brisbane, 30 minutes north of Armidale.

Guyra NSW

0.1 km away

Guyra Pool

Sports and Recreation Facilities

Guyra Swimming Pool

Armidale Regional Council oversees a 25-meter solar-heated pool along with a dedicated toddler pool, catering to the recreational needs of both local residents and visitors. These well-maintained facilities offer a range of swimming activities for people of all ages to enjoy. Aqua Aerobics and Swimming Club available. Please see website for opening hours.

Guyra NSW

0.3 km away

Mother of Ducks Lagoon birdwatching platform

Natural Attractions

Mother of Ducks Lagoon birdwatching platform

Like the sound of an afternoon surrounded by wetlands, native plants and more birds than you can count? Head to the birdwatching platform at Mother of Ducks Lagoon Nature Reserve in Guyra. This wooden observation platform sits at the eastern edge of the lagoon, a bustling bird habitat, and is a great place to stop for a picnic, while driving on the New England Highway. Come face-to-face with a huge variety of birds, including endangered and threatened species. See if you can glimpse the renowned Japanese Snipe, which lives here from August to April, before returning to Japan, and keep an eye out for other migratory birds, including common greenshanks and white-throated needletails. After watching from the bird hide, why not enjoy a different view with a short walk around the wetlands? There’s no formal track, but it’s easy to walk along the levee bank. Then pause for a picnic, once you’ve worked up a bit of an appetite, but be sure to protect your sandwiches from any opportunistic ibis.

Guyra NSW

0.6 km away

Mother of Ducks Lagoon Nature Reserve

National Parks and Reserves

Mother of Ducks Lagoon Nature Reserve

Located on the edge of Guyra, 37km north of Armidale, Mother of Ducks Lagoon Nature Reserve offers a special birdwatching experience. The reserve is a rare breeding place for several freshwater wetland bird species and a resting place for numerous migratory birds. Plan a visit or stop over while driving through the northern tablelands. You'll see an ever-changing array of birds, and it's a great option if you're looking for things to do with kids. Find a spot on the observation platform on the lagoon's eastern edge to be treated to scenic views of this rare montane wetland. Mother of Ducks Lagoon Nature Reserve is also a lovely spot for enjoying a picnic by the water.

Guyra NSW

1.9 km away

Little Llangothlin picnic area

Natural Attractions

Little Llangothlin picnic area

Set on the edge of Little Llangothlin Lagoon, Little Llangothlin picnic area is an ideal place for a leisurely picnic and makes for a perfect day trip from Glen Innes or Armidale. As one of the few remaining Ramsar-listed wetland areas in the New England Tablelands region, the birdwatching opportunities are endless. There are over 100 bird species found here, so there’s plenty to see. You’ll most likely see black swans and nomadic pelicans in the distance and and with a bit of luck you’ll catch a glimpse of rare species like the comb-crested jacana and blue-billed duck. If you’re car touring through the region, stop off for a relaxing cuppa looking out over the sparkling waters. Pack a picnic or bring food to cook on one of the wood barbecues provided and make a day of it. Take a short walk to the lagoon edge and enjoy expansive views across the lagoon and the multitude of waterbird species on the lake. The 4.8km Lagoon Circuit walking track around the lagoon is also a great way to unwind and see the scenic views across the water from every vantage point.

Tubbamurra NSW

18 km away

Lagoon Circuit Walking Track — Image credit: Photo: Rob Cleary

Natural Attractions

Lagoon Circuit Walking Track

Lagoon Circuit walking track is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the serenity of this pristine lagoon and surrounding wetlands. It’s an easy 4.8 kilometre walk, offering scenic views across the water from every vantage point. As one of the few remaining Ramsar-listed wetland areas in the New England Tablelands region, there’s also excellent birdwatching along the way. Start at Little Llangothlin picnic area and follow your way around the lagoon on a well-marked walking track. Stop to admire the view and watch the sunlight glistening on the water. Then see how many different bird species you can spot. With over 100 different bird species found here, there are plenty of birdwatching opportunities. You’ll see black swans and nomadic pelicans in the distance and may even see majestic raptors, such as brown falcons or the white-breasted sea eagle flying overhead. With a bit of luck, you might also catch a glimpse of rare species like the comb-crested jacana and blue-billed duck.

Tubbamurra NSW

18 km away

Little Llangothlin Nature Reserve

Natural Attractions

Little Llangothlin Nature Reserve

Little Llangothlin Nature Reserve is easily accessible by driving from Glen Innes and Armidale, making it a great destination for car touring and day trips by the lagoon. Little Llangothlin Nature Reserve is a hidden gem, ideal for daytrippers and those looking to getaway from it all. It’s only a short drive from Armidale and Glen Innes, yet offers superb birdwatching, bushwalking and picturesque places to picnic. The reserve protects Ramsar-listed Little Llangothlin Lagoon and the surrounding wetlands, one of the few remaining high altitude freshwater lagoons on the New England Tableland. It provides refuge for over 100 species of birds and an abundance of animals, so no wonder it’s a favourite for birdwatching and wildlife enthusiasts. Enjoy birdwatching around Little Llangothlin picnic area and wander down to the nearby viewing platform. Or go bushwalking along the easy Lagoon Circuit walking track and take advantage of the many great vantage points to admire this spectacular natural setting along the way.

Tubbamurra NSW

18 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

25 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

30 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

32 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

32 km away

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

33 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

33 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

33 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

33 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

33 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

33 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

34 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

34 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

34 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

34 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

37 km away

Bulagaranda (Mount Yarrowyck) Aboriginal Area

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Bulagaranda (Mount Yarrowyck) Aboriginal Area

Formerly known as 'Mount Yarrowyck Nature Reserve', Bulagaranda Aboriginal Area is located 25 kilometers northwest of Uralla along Thunderbolt's Way toward Bundarra. The reserve was established in 1983 to protect 598ha of culturally significant remnant bushland and ancient rock paintings on the traditional lands of the local Anaiwan people. The name Bulagaranda translates to 'Turkey dreaming', relating to the images preserved in the traditional ochre paintings on the rock walls, which are believed to be several hundreds of years old. This site remains open to the public, with walking trails and viewing platform being upgraded to protect the environment while encouraging visitors to experience this culturally significant landscape. The Aboriginal cultural walk is a 3km return track taking you along the granite slopes of the mountain to the cave painting site. The walking track is clear and easy to follow and is relatively level and undemanding. When visiting the site, visitors are requested to remain behind the timber barrier and refrain from touching the paintings. The car park provides ample room to maneuver caravans and campervans. Facilities include barbecues, tables, rubbish pit and toilet. Overnight camping is not permitted within the reserve however there is free camping available nearby at Mount Yarrowyck Crossing.

Yarrowyck NSW

37 km away

Mount Mutton Walking Trail

Natural Attractions

Mount Mutton Walking Trail

Mount Mutton Walking Trail starts at the award-winning Alma Park, in Queen Street, Uralla. It crosses Thunderbolt's Way and ascends into bushland winding around Mount Mutton. There are glimpses of the town centre through the trees as you reach the higher ground and there is a diversion from the track to the top of Mount Mutton, for those wanting to view the town from the highest point. The track is well-marked on Mount Mutton and is quite wide. It leads back to Fitzroy Road north, and follows Thunderbolt's Way past the bowling club, crossing back to finish at Alma Park. While on the walk please be conscious that from the lookout toward the North is the site of the last corroboree held in Uralla by the local Aniwan people in the early 1830s. Sadly the bora ring marking this ceremonial site has disappeared. The walk takes 30-45 minutes, depending on the walker's level of fitness. You are advised to wear suitable shoes as the descent is steep and windy.

Uralla NSW

38 km away

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