Armidale
From Wikitravel
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Armidale is a small city (population 21 300) in the New England region of the Australian state of New South Wales. The picturesque city is noted for its colonial-era architecture, centres of learning and culture and the nearby wilderness and gorge country.
[edit] Understand
Armidale is definitely a place of four seasons. The winters are very cold, with snow falling in the winter months and extremely low overnight temperatures. The old English-style gardens in the area blossom in Spring, as the firs, willows and oaks in town and in the University of New England grounds sprout new leaves. In Autumn, the town celebrates the changing colours of the trees with an Autumn Festival, which includes a street parade down the main boulevards. But it is summer that is arguably the best time to visit Armidale. Due to its altitude, the town is rarely humid, and even days where the temperature reaches 35 degrees Celsius are tolerable.
[edit] Get in
[edit] By car
Armidale is one of the main centres located on the New England Highway, an inland route that links the Hunter Valley and Sydney, New South Wales to Warwick and Brisbane, Queensland.
| Destination | Distance (km) | Time (h:m) |
|---|---|---|
| Tamworth | 109 | 1:15 |
| Newcastle | 396 | 5:30 |
| Sydney | 530 | 7:15 |
| Brisbane | 465 | 6:00 |
Armidale is also located at the start of the Waterfall Way to Raleigh, near Coffs Harbour on the coast. This scenic route passes through the gorge country as the tablelands drop to the coastal plains. Located along the way are several World Heritage-listed national parks, encompassing the waterfalls that give the way its name. Driving time to the coast is 2½ hours.
[edit] By air
Armidale has regular scheduled air services to Sydney (Qantaslink and ReX, 1 hour, from $100, some services via Tamworth) and to Brisbane (Sunshine Express, 50 minutes, from $300).
[edit] By rail
Daily Countrylink Explorer services connect Armidale with Tamworth, the Hunter Valley and Sydney (9 hours, $85).
There are discounts when tickets are booked early. When booked 14 days before departure almost 50% discount can be obtained. ISIC card holders are given 50% discount on all Countrylink trains.
[edit] Get around
The historic centre of Armidale is small enough to be easily covered on foot. However, some attractions (the University, the Art Museum) are on the outskirts of town, making access difficult for the less-mobile traveller.
A bus service (Edwards) does run frequently between the town centre and the University, but the best way to explore the town and surrounding countryside is by car. Car hire is available on arrival at the airport. Taxi services are also widely available.
[edit][add listing] See
- Stroll in Armidale's many parks and gardens.
- Visit the area's historic churches.
- Visit the New England Regional Art Museum, home to the Howard Hinton collection.
- For the more adventurous, Fleet Helicopters offers helicopter rides into the gorges in the New England National Park.
- Catch a movie at the Belgrave twin cinemas.
- Feed the deer and kangaroos at the enclosure at the University.
[edit][add listing] Do
- Swim at the heated outdoor pool on Dumaresq Street from October to March.
- Work out at the excellent sporting facilities at the University of New England.
- Blow the froth off a couple of coldies at the New England Hotel
[edit] Learn
The University of New England (UNE) is Australia's oldest regional university. The university has four faculties: Arts; Economics, Business and Law; Education, Health and Professional Studies; and The Sciences. UNE is also well known for its external teaching programmes.
[edit][add listing] Eat
The Armidale ex-Services club has reasonably-priced meals and drinks.
There are also many nice cafes in the Mall.
[edit][add listing] Drink
- Have a warming drink or two in one of the town's main pubs and experience the country nightlife enjoyed by the young university student population.
[edit][add listing] Sleep
[edit] Get out
- Take a drive to the New England National Park east of Armidale, and see Wollomombi Falls, the one of the highest in Australia.
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