Road Trip Guide
New England Highway: High Country Loop
Tamworth to Glen Innes
Start Your Engine
Tamworth
The Finish Line
Glen Innes
275km
Miles
4 hours driving time excluding stops
Days
Trip Essentials for Tamworth
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Gas & Juice: Critical Pit Stops
Don't get stranded. These are your essential fuel and supply points.
Kentucky Store
Fuel & Snacks
Great for a quick coffee and a classic Aussie meat pie.
Armidale Visitor Centre
Information
Essential for maps and advice on road conditions in the surrounding national parks.
Ben Lomond Rest Area
Rest Area
A scenic spot to stretch your legs and breathe in the fresh, cold mountain air.
Always carry a paper map & physical emergency kit for remote stretches.
Insider Driving Tips
Always check the Bureau of Meteorology for fog warnings, as the tablelands are notorious for thick morning mist that can reduce visibility to near zero.
Fill your tank in Tamworth or Armidale, as fuel stations become sparse once you head into the deeper highland passes.
Pack layers. Even in summer, the elevation gain means temperatures can drop significantly once the sun dips below the horizon.
Respect local wildlife. Kangaroos and wallabies are highly active at dawn and dusk; avoid driving during these hours if possible to ensure safety.
Download offline maps. While the highway is well-marked, mobile reception can be spotty in the valleys between towns.
The Journey: Stop-by-Stop
Tamworth
The Workshop Kitchen
“A refined dining experience featuring locally sourced ingredients and a sophisticated menu that elevates regional produce.”
The Big Golden Guitar
The iconic monument standing as a proud symbol of the city's musical identity.
Peel Street
Capturing the vibrant street life and historic storefronts of the main commercial hub.
Oxley Lookout
Perched high above the city, this spot offers a panoramic view of the Peel River Valley, particularly breathtaking during the golden hour.
Uralla
Thunderbolt’s Inn
“A historic pub serving hearty, traditional Australian meals in a setting that oozes colonial atmosphere and charm.”
Bridge Street
A perfectly preserved streetscape featuring Victorian-era buildings and local boutiques.
Thunderbolt's Grave
The final resting place of the legendary bushranger, located in the local cemetery.
McCrossin's Mill Museum
A multi-award-winning museum housed in an 1870s flour mill, detailing the fascinating story of the local gold rush and bushranger history.
Armidale
Tattersalls Hotel
“An elegant establishment offering a fusion of classic pub staples and modern Australian cuisine in a beautifully restored historic building.”
St Peter’s Cathedral
A stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture that dominates the city skyline.
Armidale Bicentennial Arboretum
A sprawling garden space that transforms into a kaleidoscope of colors during the autumn months.
Saumarez Homestead
A National Trust-listed property that provides a profound insight into the lives of the early pastoralists who shaped the region.
Guyra
The Gs Cafe
“A cozy, welcoming spot famous for its homemade pies and warm hospitality, perfect for a cold highland day.”
Lonsdale Street
The main thoroughfare which captures the essence of a high-altitude country town.
Guyra Memorial Park
An excellent vantage point to view the rolling hills that characterize this high-country region.
Mother of Ducks Lagoon
A stunning wetland sanctuary perfect for birdwatching, offering peaceful walking paths and serene water views.
Glen Innes
The Locale
“A modern cafe focusing on regional produce, offering artisanal coffees and gourmet lunches that rival city standards.”
Australian Standing Stones
The stones at sunset create a dramatic, ethereal silhouette against the highland sky.
Glen Innes Town Hall
A grand, historic structure that anchors the town’s architectural heritage.
The Australian Standing Stones
A massive, mystical monument that pays homage to the Celtic ancestors of the region, set against a backdrop of sweeping plains.
The Detour Index
Worth the extra mileage for these iconic side-quests.
Wollomombi Falls
A short drive east of Armidale into the Oxley Wild Rivers National Park.
Why It's Worth It
“It is one of the highest waterfalls in Australia, offering dramatic canyon views that are absolutely world-class.”
Inverell
A detour west to the 'Sapphire City' known for its rich mining history.
Why It's Worth It
“Perfect for those interested in fossicking for gems and learning about the pioneering history of the region.”
Thunderbolt's Lookout
A detour through the backroads near Uralla.
Why It's Worth It
“Provides an intimate look at the rugged terrain where the famous bushranger allegedly hid from the law.”
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Frequently Asked Questions
Autumn is spectacular for the changing leaves, while spring offers lush green hills. Winter is cold but beautiful if you enjoy a crisp, frost-covered landscape.
Yes, it is a major arterial road and is very well-maintained, though some mountain sections require careful driving.
Yes, major towns like Tamworth, Armidale, and Glen Innes have plenty of fuel, but it is wise to keep your tank topped up between these hubs.