ADVENTURE EXPERIENCES  Parts of New England High Country belong to the East Kunderang Homestead offers World Heritage of beautifully restored heritage accommodation for up to 14 people BOULDERING on unique rock formations; New England granite experience a multi-day bushwalking adventure with lots of crimps, flakes and through world-heritage national parks friction. Stonehenge Recreation Park near Glen Innes has over seventy routes. Gara The park’s rock formations are particularly Gorge near Armidale and Bald Rock near photogenic in late-afternoon light or mist. Tenterfield are other classic bouldering Hundreds of kilometres of waterways and rockclimbing destinations. NEW ENGLAND HIGH COUNTRY BOASTS rage and meander through the Oxley Wild National Park, where huge tracts AN EXTENSIVE GORGE WILDERNESS WITH OVER 500 of magnificent wilderness are also World KILOMETRES OF WILD AND SCENIC RIVERS. DISCOVER Heritage listed. This is where camping, trout MOUNTAIN BIKING is massive in fishing, kayaking, swimming, canyoning and East Kunderang Homestead New England High Country. Local A UNIQUE NATURAL PLAYGROUND WITH MAGNIFICENT abseiling are major attractions. clubs have made over 40km of WATERFALLS, RAINFORESTS AND EXOTIC FLORA AND FAUNA. tracks that present some spectacular and purpose-built tracks around Guyra and The 7km walk from Budds Mare to Riverside varied wilderness walking opportunities. An Armidale. At Washpool and Gibraltar you descends 700m to the Apsley with great easy amble along the beautiful Coombadhja GREEN GULLY TRACK NEW ENGLAND can ride a 50km loop through World bass fishing, swimming holes, camping and WILDERNESS TRAIL Imagine a place where the geology and biodiversity is Creek takes you through rainforest and dry Experience fern-lined gullies, high Heritage National Parks. Bald Rock, day use areas. Alternatively, Riverside has unique, where you can climb giant rock formations, forest areas, where you will see rare and elevation forests and wildlife along This challenging walk takes Boonoo Boonoo and Basket Swamp vehicular access (low range 4WD required), a the Green Gully Track. Stay in stroll through rainforests, encounter rare wildlife, ancient giant red cedar trees, coachwood, experienced bushwalkers on a National Parks near Tenterfield also key can be obtained from the NPWS offices. heritage huts for a break from this WASHPOOL GIBRALTAR journey through diverse wilderness, watch powerful waterfalls, camp in the wilderness, crabapple and figs. If stamina and time feature designated biking tracks. A more challenging hike is the award-winning challenging multi-day hike. from the edge of New England paddle wild rivers, and find endless breathtaking views. Keep an eye out for birds and Green Gully Track - a unique four-day trek permit, the extraordinary Gibraltar-Washpool Tablelands to the headwaters of wildflowers on the 80km Gibraltar- This is all part of the New England High Country World Heritage Walk is an unforgettable Where Oxley Wild Rivers NP . taking you deep into the Apsley-Macleay Washpool World Heritage Walk experience – there are hundreds of thousands of CANYONING in New England High gorges with restored stockman’s huts for multi-day journey through rugged mountains through dry eucalypts, streams and Distance 64km loop - 4 days Where New England NP Country can be remote and rugged hectares of national parks and state forests to explore. accommodation along the way. on the edge of New England High Country. granite tors above the Clarence and often requires wilderness River Valley. From Point Lookout in the New England National There’s something about Boonoo Boonoo Grade Hard Distance 33km one way - 4 days and navigational skills. The rewards are Just under an hour from Glen Innes are the Washpool and Gibraltar Park, you can gaze out in all directions across unspoilt Where neighbouring World Heritage listed Washpool (pronounced bunna bunoo) near Tenterfield $90 for 4 nights, $140 Range NP huge however with stunning gorges, Cost Grade Hard wilderness and the Bellinger Valley all the way to the that seems to bring out the romantic side for 5. Group size 2-6 waterfalls and secluded swimming holes. and Gibraltar Ranges National Parks. Both Distance 54km loop - 3 days Pacific Ocean. Rock wallabies and lyrebirds are among in those who visit. It certainly cast a magic 02 6777 4700 Easier rockhopping walks can be enjoyed parks share an impressive network of walking Bookings Cost Free the rare sights you can expect to encounter along the spell over Banjo Patterson. He proposed nationalparks.nsw.gov.au along the many creeks and rivers from Grade Hard walking tracks through the banksia and snow gum popular picnic spots. to his sweetheart, Alice Walker, daughter Info nationalparks.nsw.gov.au populated bush around the lookout. of a local cattle station owner at Boonoo Cost Park entry fees apply Boonoo Falls. Today, Boonoo Boonoo is still Rock Wallaby Much of this park is World Heritage listed, protecting 02 6777 4700 the ultimate romantic setting, especially Bookings a significant expanse of Antarctic beech rainforest nationalparks.nsw.gov.au KAYAKING and CANOEING after a good rainfall. From the lookout you  Oxley Wild Rivers National that has thrived on the edge of the Great Dividing The between have an uninterrupted view of the Boonoo Park is one of the few remaining Range for eons. This is one of the very few places in Glen Innes and Grafton is one of regions where the endangered Boonoo River cascading over the granite cliff the world where you can experience what the ancient BICENTENNIAL NATIONAL TRAIL is Australia’s premier long- Australia’s best white water destinations. Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby has a to plunge 210m into the gorge below. Settle supercontinent of Gondwana may have looked like. distance trekking route for the self-reliant trekker which stretches healthy population which can be into nearby shady groves for a picnic or cool Most of New England High Country’s an incredible 5330km from Cooktown to Healesville. Sections 7 frequently seen off on a hot day in the secluded rock pools. wild rivers boast great spots for still The landscape in Cathedral Rock National Park offers and 8 of the BNT traverse though New England High Country along the river, surrounded by wildflower- water and rapids and suit beginners a different spectacle - rock-hopping isn’t just for the and offer horse-riders, mountain bikers and bushwalkers a unique filled bushland. expedition experience. There is a great variety of scenery and through to advanced paddlers. wallaroos here. Hike to the park’s main boulder piles of Warratah in Washpool NP access to several national parks including Bald Rock, Gibraltar Woolpack Rocks and Cathedral Rock and scramble to Range, Washpool, Oxley Wild Rivers and Werrikimbe. Further their summits for superb views across the wilderness information at bicentennialnationaltrail.com.au landscape of dry eucalypt forest and granite outcrops.

New England High Country boasts spectacular BRISBANE waterfalls, gorges, world-heritage national parks, cool-climate vineyards and a fascinating and diverse cultural heritage. Canyoning, mountain biking, birdwatching, trout fishing and other COFFS outdoor adventures take on an exciting new HARBOUR dimension up high. Whether you seek adventure, solitude, romance or just something a bit different, New England High Country will inspire and energise. Learn more at newenglandhighcountry.com.au Starting around 1000 metres above sea level, New England High Country offers visitors a truly evocative and unique experience with four distinct seasons. The city of Armidale and the towns of Glen Innes, Guyra, , Tenterfield, Uralla and Walcha share a bird rich history and stunning natural environment. Where else can you experience World watching Heritage wilderness in the morning and indulge in the sophistication of New England High Country offers the perfect world-class galleries, boutique shops environment for birdwatching with a diverse and vineyards in the afternoon? range of rare and unique birds in a stunning Thank you to the NSW Come up and visit us soon. setting. Some species to look out for include National Parks & Wildlife MAP + GUIDE TO THE NATIONAL PARKS OF the Superb Lyrebird, Azure Kingfisher, Barking Service for the use of photos NEW ENGLAND HIGH COUNTRY Owl, Diamond Firetail and the Black-chinned Honeyeater to name just a few.

Choose a 360o panorama

Azure Kingfisher Mist over Green Gully Stony Creek Falls Point Lookout Dangars Falls Weeping Rock

Gara Gorge Gostwyck Chapel

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inside

Natural wonders 9

History & heritage 12

Arts & culture 14

Food & wine 18

Scenic drives 20

Excellence in education 22

Sport 28

Armidale 30

Uralla 33

Guyra 36

Walcha 38

Accommodation 41

BRISBANE HOW TO GET HERE?

Armidale is located on the , midway between Sydney and COFFS Brisbane, on the New England and a 2 ½ hour drive from Armidale HARBOUR along the . Transport to the area includes coach (services daily to and from Sydney and Brisbane); rail (services daily to and from Sydney); air (several flights daily to Sydney and several flights weekly to Brisbane). Most major car hire companies are represented in Armidale. SYDNEY

Scan the QR code to view region maps, tourist drives and more detailed travel information. Or go to the website: www.experiencethehighs.com.au

The Councils of Armidale, Guyra, Uralla and Walcha would like to thank NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service for their support and use of imagery.

Every attempt has been made to ensure that the information contained in the Guide is correct at the time of @experiencehighs www.experiencethehighs.com.au printing. The prices and services set out in this publication are subject to change or withdrawal without notice at any time. Armidale Dumaresq, Guyra, Uralla and Walcha Councils expressly disclaim liability to any entity Experience the Highs Download your free app for the iPad on the App Store: ‘Experience the Highs’ for any loss, cost or damage whatsoever arising out of or connected with its reliance on the contents of this brochure. All material is subject to copyright. Published April 2012.

Armidale Guyra Uralla Walcha Visitor Information Centre Visitor Information Centre Visitor Information Centre Visitor Information Centre 82 Marsh Street 104 Bridge Street 51w Fitzroy Street Armidale NSW 2350 Guyra NSW 2365 Uralla NSW 2358 Walcha NSW 2354 P: 02. 6770 3888 P: 02. 6779 1876 P: 02. 6778 4496 P: 02. 6774 2460 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] www.armidaletourism.com.au www.guyra.nsw.gov.au www.uralla.com www.walchansw.com.au

experience the highs Visitor Guide World Heritage National Parks • waterfalls • gorges • rainforest • unique wildlife WEBSITE

@NEhighcountry @NEhighcountry

newenglandhighcountry Download your free app for the iPad/iPhone on the App Store: ‘Experience the Highs’ newenglandhighcountry.com.au newenglandhighcountry.com.au , Gibraltar Range NP 1 must see... Girraween Bald Rock Boonoo Boonoo Sundown National Park National Park National Park National Park

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New South Wales Basket Swamp Drake National Park

Mingoola Woodside Timbarra Bonshaw Tenterfield National Park

1 Tenterfield is the birthplace of the Australian nation. Sir Henry Parkes made his famous federation speech here in 1889. Today the town is known for it’s rich heritage and 2 beautiful colonial buildings. Kwiambal

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East Kunderang Winterbourne Wollun Mary’s View Oxley Wild Rivers West Kunderang Bendemeer National Park

Daisy Plains Huts Walcha is famous for its street art and Carrai 9 boutique shops. It’s a creative hub with National Park Walcha Road a history in fine wool.

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d Kangaroo Flat 11 Mooraback Hoppys Brushy Mountain National Park Camping Lookout 10 Tia Falls State Forest Bushwalking Plateau Beech Apsley Falls Oxley Highway T Willi Willi ia Diggings Rd Major roads Lookouts National Park Tia Brackendale d Cobcroft Werrikimbe R Roads Picnic at Fl Yarrowitch o National Park ro ga an Minor roads Mountain Biking K Mummel Gulf Fo 4WD only Toilets National Park eld rest fi Rd n E Cottan-Bimbang

Thunderbolts Way Places Locked gate New Country Swamp National Park The Flags Locations Bicentennial National Trail Rd 11 Topdale Nowendoc Hoppy’s Lookout National Park