A Foodies Guide To The Northern Tablelands
Why Wait To Discover The Northern Tablelands?
Australians are amongst some of the planet's most intrepid travellers. Visit any of the world's most striking or unique landmarks and you'll unavoidably hear the Aussie accent dot the soundscape. This is as true amid the neon glow of New York's Times Square as it is amongst the moss riddled stone of Angkor Wat and the dizzying heights of Machu Picchu. And yet when it comes to our own backyard, we are woefully under traveled. Seeing this great southern land is often something that we leave till later in life, like there is some unspoken rule that we must explore the world before we may our own country. But it doesn't have to be that way, particular when there are many amazing things to experience only a short plane ride or road trip away. Indeed, the Northern Tablelands is only about an hour's flight from Sydney. Whether its exploring the cultural offerings of Armidale, the fodder and fare of New England's foodie capital, Uralla, or the music and stunning landscape of Inverell, you'll want to hire a car to be able take in and savour all that the region has to offer. Here's our ultimate foodie guide on where to eat, drink, play and stay in the Northern Tablelands.
The much-loved Goldfish Bowl Bakery has been feeding the town of Armidale for five years. Run by brothers Nick and Josh Oxley, the award-winning bakery-come-café got its name when they first set up shop a stones throw away on Dangar Street where passersby would frequently press their faces up against the front window to see…
Attached to the New England Regional Art Gallery is the revamped Studio 52 Café. Open for brunch, lunch and afternoon tea, this fabulous little café offers just simply delicious food. The varied menu includes tartines, French-style open sandwiches on freshly baked sourdough, as well as rotating specials such as the grilled local trout fillet with…
Twice a month on every first and third Sunday, Curtis Park transforms into the Armidale Farmers Market. Filled with fresh, local, seasonal produce as well as homemade gourmet food and wine, visitors are sort to grab a bargain. Take a piece of the Northern Tablelands home with you.
Beardy Street Mall and Richardsons Arcade
Take a stroll through Beardy Street Mall and Richardsons Arcade to find the best boutique shops selling local designer wares, fashion and gifts.
21 kilometres south-east of Armidale is the spectacular Dangars Gorge. Believed to have formed over the last 12 to 15 million years, it is home to Dangars Falls with a breathtaking drop of 120 metres. The Gorge Rim Walk will take you to the very edge of the falls and includes plenty of lookouts along…
After visiting Dangars Gorge, continue along Tourist Drive 19 to Gostwyck Station. This picturesque setting is a favourite spot for photographers and wedding parties and it's easy to see why. Built in 1921 in memory of Major Clive Collingwood Dangar who lost his life during World War I, Gostwyck Chapel spellbins as a tiny, brick…
Home to some 5,000 works of art, including the Howard Hinton and Chandler Coventry Collections, the New England Regional Art Museum (NERAM) is nothing short of a revalation. Opened in 1982, it houses works by many artists including William Dobell, Margaret Preston, Tom Roberts, Thea Proctor and Arthur Streeton. The works cover a period from…
The family-run Naturally Healthy Wholefood Store & Cafe has only been open for just over a year but it's effect on the local community has been immediate. Serving up nutritious and nourishing food, it is also the only health food store and cafe in the area that offers gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan and paleo options. The…
Officially, and cumbersomely, named the Coachwood and Cedar Hotel, the 'Top Pub' very much lives up to its local nickname. With a great selection of beer, including New England Brewing Company on tap, as well as an extensive menu that features both typical pub fare as well as some more gourmet offerings, it is a…
Located on the site of a historic converted wool store, New England Brewing Company began brewing its range of craft beer in early 2013 when owner, and former Sydney-sider, Ben Rylands decided to transform the face of regional beer. Armed with four open top fermenters, a hop cannon to dry hop, and a preservative-free philosophy,…
Situated 1154 metres above sea level, the marvellously named winery, Whyworry Wines, has the perfectly cool conditions for growing Verdelho, Riesling and Pinotage. Accordingly, owners Darryl and Robyn Carter have been racking up awards for almost ten years, ever since their Verdelho won bronze at the New England Wine Show in 2007. This honey and…
McCrossin's Mill Museum is not being your typical regional museum. This quirky, multi-award winning gem of an institution is located on a lovingly restored three-storey flour will. Since opening in 1982, it now houses wonderfully empathetic, humorous and, at times, downright bizarre exhibitions. These include expositions of local characters and finds. It also plays host…
Adults and children alike will enjoy a visit to Sunhill Dairy Goats. This 12-acre goat farm is only 10 minutes drive from Uralla township and celebrates all things kid, nanny and cute. On offer is Sunhill's range of all natural goat's milk skin care, as well as selection of their naturally homogenised and easily digestible…
Aurelia's Farm is a cosy, self-contained bed and breakfast situated on a five-acre block just two minute's drive from the centre of Uralla. With a focus on comfortable, beautiful lodgings as well as local produce, it is the ideal spot to recharge your batteries after a day of exploring and escapading.
The Union Bar is much more than just a nightspot. Doubling up as an espresso bar and licensed café, this art deco-eatery serves fresh dishes throughout the day, including breakfast. Grab-and-go or for a more relaxed start or eat in with a hearty feed of avocado and eggs benedict on sourdough toast.
Opera In The Paddock has been going on strong for 14 years. Initially set in motion to develop the cultural infrastructure of rural Australia, the production now presents a fun and innovative annual program of opera, operetta and musical numbers. Held over two nights in early April, the first takes place at the University of…
A short drive from the Inverell Central Business District is Inverell Terrace Motor Lodge. With a 4-star rating, 18 motel units as well as a three-bedroom cottage, it has everything that a visitor would need. The rooms are comfortable, tidy and quiet, allowing for a restful night's sleep. But there is so much more in…