Events In Armidale – April 2016
Armidale is a picturesque historic city (with Heritage buildings and grand cathedrals) set among rolling hills in the Northern Tablelands, New South Wales, half way between Sydney and Brisbane – so if you are driving between the two cities, Armidale is the perfect place to stop and explore.
There is something for everyone in Armidale, whether you enjoy strolling/driving through the rugged countryside; admiring some of Nature’s wonderful gifts such as stunning waterfalls, craggy gorges, wild rivers, spectacular mountain scenery and sub-tropical rainforest. For the adventurous there is bushwalking, fishing or whitewater rafting.
Armidale looks its best in autumn, with the corridors of trees changing colours. The deciduous tree-lined streets mean that during autumn Armidale is a splash of colour, whether driving down the Waterfall Way, or visiting waterfalls and gorges in the rugged countryside. There are many parks and gardens around Armidale which all display magnificent autumn colours.
A must to visit is the New England National Park, which is part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area. This area alone offers you an unforgettable experience, especially as a peaceful weekend getaway, with its magnificent views and fantastic walking.
Then there is Guyra, the highest town in the New England Tablelands, with its freshwater wetland inside a volcanic crater – a breeding ground for waterbirds.
No matter what time of year you visit, there will most likely be an event or festival in or around Armidale.
For art lovers, Armidale has a number of fine museums and art galleries with diverse, ever-changing exhibitions from various artists. During April, some of the exhibitions on offer include:
- NERAM Exhibitions Programme, at New England Regional Arts Museum: 10.00am – 4.00pm. Exhibitions are:
– Bimblebox: art-science-nature – explores the creative response of artists to their experience at a number of camps at The Bimblebox Nature Refuge in Central Queensland.
– The Coen’s Circle – a selection of the works of Margaret Coen (1909-1993) who was best known as a water colourist and flower painter. The works include paintings, watercolours, paintings on fabric, drawings and sketchbooks
– Insecta – Jan Clark, local botanical artist, explores the world of insects and butterflies in all their beauty, using a diverse range of media and techniques to express a personal connection to the natural environment. The plants and insects in her work are from the landscape around her.
- Armidale Art Prize 2016 Exhibition, at the Armidale Art Gallery: 10.00am – 4.00pm.
- Aboriginal Cultural Centre & Keeping Place Exhibitions: 9.00am – 4.00pm. Discover contemporary and traditional Aboriginal art with changing exhibitions. Top quality, authentic Australian Aboriginal art is sold all year round.
For those who can’t resist strolling through markets, there is an exciting line-up for you this month:
- Walcha Farmers Market on Saturday 16th April, a monthly market which includes gourmet and organic fresh vegetables, fruit, herbs, meat, bread and baked goods, wine, coffee, teas, hones, olive oil, spices, plants and flowers. They also offer an educational workshop at each market such as gardening tips, cooking classes etc. And not to be missed are their music, entertainment and children’s activities.
- Armidale Farmers Market on Sunday 17th April (1st and 3rd Sunday each month), for fresh, seasonal produce and plants, home-made gourmet food; gourmet coffee; and enjoy breakfast or lunch.
- Armidale Markets in the Mall on the last Sunday of April, with over 50 different stalls, which include a huge range of quality handmade and handcrafted items, baking, skincare products, handmade clothing and accessories, plants, art, and much, much more.
Guided Tours:
- Saumarez Homestead Tours: (10.30am, 2.00pm and 3.30pm). Enjoy a guided tour through the White family’s 30-room Edwardian mansion with original furnishings, then take a stroll through Mary White’s cottage garden, the picking garden and the lawns. Also, visit the outbuildings with 19th century tools and equipment. The Saumarez Café is open from 10.00am – 4.00pm, where Devonshire teas, lunches and other refreshments are available.
- Saumarez Gardens & Farm: (10.00am – 5.00pm) This rural property has not changed much from the time when many families worked there, making the homestead almost self-sufficient through their skills: most of the food was grown, harvested or slaughtered there; transport was supplied by station-bred horses which were shod from the on-site blacksmith’s shop. This tour also includes a stroll through Mary White’s garden and the lawns.
Please check dates and times of events on individual websites in case of any changes.
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As you can see, there is a world to explore in and around Armidale. Sooo …. where to stay while exploring this unique and diverse city and surrounds?
The Club Motel Armidale offers outstanding motel accommodation in Armidale with large, modern rooms. We are situated at 107 Dumaresq Street, Armidale, NSW. Call us today on 02 6772 8777, or visit our website: www.clubmotelarmidale.com.au
Our 18 rooms are all located on the ground floor, providing easy access, with parking immediately outside each room. We offer affordable rates, and rooms are always maintained in pristine condition. For whatever reason you are travelling, Club Motel Armidale will provide you with the comfort you are looking for in excellent motel accommodation in Armidale.
Our friendly staff and outstanding customer service will ensure you have a great experience when you choose to stay with us. Give us a call today – we look forward to hearing from you, and are ready to help you with any enquiry you have. Remember, our excellent customer service will make your stay a memorable one.