Welcome to Armidale

LOCATION –Set in the heart of the New England Tablelands. Ideally located midway between, Sydney and Brisbane on the New England Highway, and two and a half hours from the Coast along the scenic touring route Waterfall Way.

CLIMATE – The average maximum monthly temperature in Armidale ranges from 11.5ºC in the winter through to 24.1ºC in the summer and the average minimum monthly temperature ranges from -1.8ºC to 13.1ºC. The monthly rainfall for Armidale over the last 12 months ranges from 5.4mm to 118.2mm with the average monthly rainfall being 52.2mm.

AREA - Armidale Dumaresq Council covers 4,235 square kilometres. Passive recreation area in the city covers 35 hectares,
Population of 24,000

CITY LIFESTYLE – Armidale is a diverse community, with a cosmopolitan atmosphere. Within the city centre there is a pedestrian mall. Surrounding the mall are many fine cafés and wonderful shopping arcades, from large department stores to small gift shops and more.

MARKETS are held on the last Sunday in the month with art, craft, outdoor products and fresh local produce. These markets are a must.

NATIONAL PARKS – Surrounded by some of mother natures best creations. Oxley Wild Rivers, New England National Park and Cathedral Rock National Park are located within 1 hours drive of the city. Enjoy bushwalking, swimming, fishing and bird watching. No matter what your level of fitness, each of these has easy access.

HISTORY – John Oxley was the first European to cross the area in 1818. Commissioner MacDonald named the town Armidale after the MacDonald family seat on the Isle of Skye in Scotland.

Prior to white settlement, the Anaiwan Aboriginal people occupied the Armidale district. Enjoy the history of the Anaiwan tribe by visiting the Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Keeping Place located next to the New England Regional Art Museum in Kentucky Street.

Armidale was gazetted a town in 1849. During the late 1800s the opening of the railway and the discovery of gold at Hillgrove saw many of Armidale fine churches, cathedrals, hotels and private homes established. The New England Regional Art Museum (NERAM) houses some of Australia’s finest art collections, those of Howard Hinton and Chandler Coventry. It is open 6 days. (Tuesday - Sunday)

Enjoy the beauty and history of Armidale by guided Heritage Bus Tour, departing the Visitor Information Centre daily at 10.00am until 12.30pm. Bookings are essential. Call 02 6770 3888

EDUCATION - Country education: what more could you ask for? Armidale prides itself on education with the University of New England, three private schools, two Catholic schools, two public high schools, six state primary schools, a Steiner school and several pre-schools and day care centres.

SPORTS - Armidale has some of the best sporting facilities in the New England. The University of New England sporting complex is open to the public. There are many playing fields for netball, soccer, cricket, rugby league and rugby union.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT - For more information on Economic Development, please download the Armidale Facts and Figures and the Armidale Life Booklet here.

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City Ambience with a Country Lifestyle