Conveniently located at the heart of the Northern Tablelands, Armidale is a great location for holidaying with friends and family.
But for visitors looking to get out and about to explore the surrounding area, there are so many fantastic places nearby. This list of the best day trips from Armidale will keep you and your loved ones entertained for days on end. Who knows, you may never want to leave.
Petersons Winery
Petersons Winery has won several prestigious awards for their collection of red and white wines. At their cellar door, you can participate in a tasting of these renowned drinks, and even enjoy a meal on weekends which showcases the best local ingredients. If that wasn’t enough, the Winery is located on acres of land, and guests are encouraged to wander through the vineyard and heritage listed gardens. If you’re looking to stay overnight, their guesthouse has a warm and friendly atmosphere, and is open to all.
Uralla
A small town in the middle of the New England region, Uralla is only a 20 minute drive from Armidale, and well worth the trip. The town has a rich history, from its Indigenous heritage to its role during the colonial gold rush. In fact, Uralla offers many opportunities to explore the past, with visitors having the opportunity to fossick for gold or take in 500 year old rock art. Uralla is also considered a food hotspot, with some of the most popular delicacies being the homemade cheese at Sunhill Dairy Goats, or wine at Dobson’s Distillery.
Waterfall Way
Waterfall Way is a scenic drive connecting Armidale to Coffs Harbour. While the trip takes about 2 hours, there are several must-see places along the way, so we recommend leaving a day or two. As you drive, you will explore rainforests, river valleys and waterfalls. One highlight is Dorrigo Rainforest Centre, where guests can experience the Skywalk Lookout which offers sweeping views of the landscape below. Or, cool off in the water beneath Dangar Falls, a 30-meter waterfall where visitors come to splash around and take in the beauty of the region.
Oxley Wild Rivers National Park
Armidale is surrounded by several wonderful national parks and reserves, but Oxley Wild Rivers National Park is one of our favourites. It’s known for the world heritage listed Gondwana rainforest, home to hundreds of species including the swamp wallaby and tawny frogmouth. While there, you can also check out Wollomombi Waterfall, a plunge waterfall on the Wollomombi River and one of the highest waterfalls in Australia, reaching about 100 meters. Oxley is also a great place for biking and horse riding, and offers many walking trails ranging from easy to hard.
Bellbrook
About a 2 hour drive from Armidale is the heritage listed town of Bellbrook. It’s perhaps most famous as the birthplace of country music legend Slim Dusty, making it perfect for country music fans. While here, you can enjoy a refreshing drink at the Pub with No Beer, the inspiration for one of Slim Dusty’s earliest songs. There’s plenty of outdoor activities too, including fishing and kayaking, as well as walking trails.
Cathedral Rock National Park
East of Armidale, you will find the peaceful oasis of Cathedral Rock National Park. Ideal for a more relaxed visit, it boasts many great picnic and bird watching spots. Plus, visitors can view the stretch of giant granite rocks from which the park gets its name. They were formed beneath the Earth’s surface almost 270 million years ago, and are certainly an awe-inspiring sight.
Loving these day trips from Armidale? To discover what else Armidale has to offer, click here.
Travel to Armidale
Rex flies to Armidale. Book your flights here and check out the route map below.
