Armidale is a city rich in history and culture that dates back thousands of years, the area surrounding it being the traditional country of the indigenous Anaiwan people.
Approximately half way between Sydney and Brisbane and two hours inland, Armidale is Australia’s highest city, with an altitude of around 1000m. A short distance to the east of Armidale are heavily forested steep gorges which drop down to the eastern coastal plain. With outstanding natural beauty, scientific interest and challenging terrain, they have long been a natural playground for many of the adventure and leadership programs offered at The Armidale School. Armidale’s elevation gives it a mild climate, with pleasant warm summers, extended spring and autumn seasons, and ‘log-fire’ winters with some frosty nights. With four distinct seasons, it deserves the moniker ‘New England’.
Armidale was proclaimed a cathedral city in 1885, being the seat of the Anglican and Roman Catholic bishops of Armidale. It’s reputation as a regional centre of educational excellence was forged with the founding of Armidale Teachers College in 1928 and a decade later, the New England University College (a college of the University of Sydney) that would become, in 1954, the University of New England, Australia’s first regional university. One of Australia’s leading regional art collections is housed at the New England Regional Art Museum and the city is also the home of the New England Conservatorium of Music.
Armidale is beautiful city and worthy of a visit. Come and see what it has to offer when you come for a tour of TAS.
Finding Us
By Road:
TAS is located in Armidale NSW, approximately halfway between Sydney and Brisbane and two hours inland, it is Australia’s highest city, with an altitude of around 1000m. The New England Highway forms part of the major inland route connecting Sydney and Brisbane and carves through the spectacular New England High Country. Along this drive, you’ll find outstanding eateries as well as a range of breweries, wineries and distilleries. Discover unique attractions, museums and art galleries as well as an abundance of natural wonders before reaching picturesque Armidale.
Waterfall Way: There is no hyperbole in the name of this road: travel on it and you will see many waterfalls. You’ll also cross the dividing range from Coffs Harbour to Armidale, a mountain pass with hairpin bends and long, steep hills. Stop at the many lookouts to enjoy incredible views over the gorges to the coastal flats beyond.
Thunderbolts Way: We’re not short of stunning drives in NSW, but Thunderbolts Way is among the best as it weaves over the Great Dividing Range climbing almost 1000m in altitude and provides spectacular scenery around every bend. Thunderbolts Way is the perfect scenic route for anyone travelling to Armidale from Sydney, Newcastle or the Central Coast.
Oxley Highway: Beginning in Port Macquarie, this epic road tightly winds its way through the tall timbered forests of the mountains to reach the lofty tablelands of New England where the road suddenly transforms into vast prairie-like valleys to Walcha. Along the way explore the incredible Apsley Falls and when you arrive in Walcha take a break at one of the many cafes. From Walcha continue towards Uralla, to join the New England Highway 20km south of Armidale.
By Air:
Numerous flights operate each day between Sydney and Armidale. Brisbane to Armidale flights are also available. Armidale Airport is located only six minutes from the city centre.
By Rail:
If you have more time on hand and want to take the scenic route to New England High Country, why not take the train? Transport NSW TrainLink operates a daily service between Sydney and Armidale that takes about eight hours, while buses operate from Armidale to Guyra.