When in Armidale: Top 10 Activities to Do in Armidale
Armidale is a relatively small city located in the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales. Only two hours from the coast, Armidale is situated halfway between Sydney and Brisbane. A delightful city with a unique blend of culture and diversity, it boasts an incredible natural beauty.
Armidale is filled with stunning sights to see, delightful places to stay and incredible cultural experiences to enjoy. Here are just a few things you need to do when in Armidale.
Top 10 places to visit in Armidale
1. Dine at Archie’s on the Park
An award-winning restaurant, Archie’s on the Park offers an extensive wine list and the freshest produce. The distinctive atmosphere is enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. Archie’s is a popular restaurant for special occasions like birthdays and business functions. They offer a full a la carte menu of traditional favourites with an Archie’s twist. With a delectable dessert menu and options for the children, Archie’s is a must if you’re in Armidale.
2. Reach a New High at Altitude Coffee Roastery
If you’re a coffee lover, then Altitude Coffee Roastery should be your first stop in Armidale. Offering a variety of single unblended origins, each week there’s a different blend to treat your taste buds. Enjoy a range of hand-made treats, from cookies and cakes to muffins and sweet loaves, made from recipes that add some good old-fashioned flavours. Delight in some light breakfast and lunch dishes with your steaming cup of coffee. This coffee hub also offers a wide range of coffee accessories to take home with a bag of their delicious beans.
3. Peterson’s Winery
If you love wine and enjoy a touch of luxury, then Peterson’s Guesthouse and Winery is the ideal place to visit. Have an unforgettable experience on this award-winning winery and historic homestead dating back to 1911. Enjoy peaceful strolls through the vineyard and appetising lunches at The Cellar Door Restaurant complemented by their local wines. Peterson’s love to add a finer touch to the experience, making it a must when in Armidale.
4. Explore Local Cuisine with Food Tours
Australia is a melting pot of culture and cuisines, so it may be quite intimidating to explore on your own. Armidale Food Tours are a great way to explore, learn about the multicultural foods from the locals who know best. Have fun learning about the local Aboriginal meals and tasting premium produce from chocolate to wine.
5. Be Amazed by Waterfall Way
Waterfall Way is a route that showcases 185 kilometres of the most scenic countryside of New South Wales. It is known as the third most beautiful tourist drive in Australia, and is located close to seven national parks. The route will typically take two and a half hours to drive; however, it could take you all day, stopping to admire the scenery along the way. The route is the ideal opportunity to appreciate the stunning waterfalls of New South Wales.
6. Get in Touch with Nature
Armidale is bursting with natural beauty that is perfect for the nature-seekers. With over 500 kilometres of wilderness in New England, Armidale is an ideal destination. Exotic flora and fauna coupled with magnificent waterfalls and stunning rainforests make up an extensive gorge of grandiose beauty. There are a wide variety of trails and tours to experience this natural beauty. One such trail is the Tiara walking track. A walk along this track is amazing to clear your head and get energised. You’ll be able to experience the crystal clear waters of the Tia River, grassy woodlands and dry gum forests, as well as incredible panoramic views from the Tiara view lookout.
7. Explore the Armidale Heritage
If you love history and heritage, you definitely need to book a guided heritage tour through Armidale. Allow the lively tour guides to take you on a personal journey through the history of Armidale. The tours explore interesting stops like the New England Regional Art Museum, the Armidale Railway Museum, Aboriginal Cultural Centre and the historic Booloominbah Homestead at the University of New England.
8. Explore the Art
The New England Regional Art Museum (NERAM) in Armidale sees over 37,000 visitors every year and is the perfect place to visit when in Armidale, especially if you are a lover of art and avid collector. NERAM was officially opened in 1983, showcasing more than 1,400 donated artworks from the Howard Hinton Collection. The museum currently has six gallery spaces, exhibiting numerous collections of artworks that depict the incredible Australian art history.
9. St Mary and Joseph Catholic Cathedral
An architectural masterpiece, the St Mary and Joseph Catholic Cathedral is a historical site worthy of visiting in Armidale. The cathedral was constructed in 1911 as the centre of the Catholic Diocese in Armidale, to cater to the growing religious community. The cathedral forms part of the distinctive Armidale city skyline and is a marvel to explore.
Armidale is an incredible city that appeals to all tastes and interests. There is so much to do, so be sure to plan your trip to include all the great Armidale sights, experience the variety of culture and indulge in all the tastes the city has to offer.