Our favourite places in Armidale
Photo from Goldfish Bowl Facebook
It can be hard to break the ice with a new town when you have no idea where all the fun things are… and the essential things too. So, we did a deep dive into some of our favourite things to see, do, eat and drink in Armidale and the New England region so you can become a little more acquainted with your new home when you have time away from the books. Check it out!
For the hungry ones
We’ve all got to eat, right?!
Goldfish Bowl $$ – $$$
Open: Mon-Sat from 7:00 – 15:00
It’s pretty hard to say where the best brunch may be… but the Goldfish Bowl really know how to do it. Their woodfire pizza oven is fired up every Friday evening for dinner too!
Café Patisserie $$ – $$$
Open: Weds-Sun from 8:00 – 16:00
Ooh la-la! If a cabinet full of fresh croissants, eclairs, tarts, and other French patisseries is your kind of a dream come true, then look no further than this spot for brunch! They also transform into a spot for dinner on weekends – bookings essential.
Paper Tiger $ – $$
Open: Mon-Sat from 6:00 – 14:30
This café is a must for anyone who looking for a quick and fresh Japanese style lunch! They are also open for dinner Friday and Saturday’s – bookings essential.
The Wicklow $ – $$
Open: Daily 10:00 – 00:30
Located on our main street, the Wicklow is the perfect pub for large groups with daily specials. There is also live music in their courtyard during the weekends.
Whitebull Hotel $ – $$$
Open: Daily 10:00 – 22:00
Perfect for lunch or dinner. Casual or fancy, take your pick. The downstairs bar is perfect for a classic pub style or steakhouse meal and the upstairs restaurant is for those who feel like getting a little swanky. They host a weekly trivia night every Tuesday, so make sure to bring your group along!
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What A Fantastic Weekend! Thanks to all who came and supported the @tasarmidale Rugby Weekend! 🎉🍻
Open: Front bar from 10 am daily. Foodservice from 12:00 till 14:00 and 17:00 till 20:30
Okay this is for those who have saved up a few dollars to splurge on a fine dining experience… They also have an amazing pizza oven in their garden bar if it’s a laid-back meal and drink with friends you’re after.
For more restaurant suggestions check out our blog here
Happy hour
Charlies Last Stand $$ – $$$
Open: Tues – Sun from 15:00 – 00:00
The perfect place to start an evening out, or to end one. Their list of seasonal cocktails has something for everyone. They also host awesome activities from time to time, like pinot and pilates – follow their social for more info!
The Welders Dog $$ – $$$
Open: Daily from 14:00 – 00:00
Try some of the New England’s local brewery craft beers. Located on the main street in Armidale, you can’t miss it! Welder’s also have their own trivia night every Wednesday at 7.30pm – it’s one you’ll not want to miss!
New England Brewing Co $$
Open: Sun-Tue 11:00-17:00 and Wed-Sat 11:00-18:00
Take a mini road trip to Armidale’s neighbour town, Uralla, and get lost in a selection of local craft beers from the New England Brewing Co. It’s an awesome afternoon chill spot!
Great Hops Brewery $$
Open: Fri 16:30-19:00, Sat/Sun 12:30 – 17:00
Great Hops know how to make good beer great. They have a passion for taking classic style beers from around the world and putting their own unique Australian spin on them.
Fun things
For when you feel like switching off from study mode and doing something with friends.
Armidale Sport and Rec $
Open: Daily from 10:00-21:00 (closes 6pm on Sundays)
Fancy some roller skating or a friendly round of ten-pin bowling with friends?
Belgrave Cinema $-$$
Open: Daily from 8:00am
Our local cinema hosts mainstream and blockbuster movies alongside quality art-house movies. PS: UNE students get a discount so make sure to bring along your student ID… oh and did we mention they have the biggest choc-tops you’ve ever seen!? Yummo! 😋
Armidale Farmers Markets $-$$
When: every second Sunday from 8:00-13:00pm
Come along and try fresh local produce, gourmet food and coffee by the historic Saumarez Homestead grounds (it’s seriously spectacular!) Saumarez Homestead is a gorgeous heritage-listed homestead located next to Armidale Airport on the New England Highway and is open for tours during the markets too. There is better way to start off a Sunday morning!
Armidale Community Markets $-$$
When: every other Sunday after the Armidale Farmers Markets
We love our community markets in Armidale! They are held every second Sunday when they aren’t at Saumarez. Located in Curtis Park there are a selection of local produce, gourmet food, body products, kombucha, coffee, and so much more to browse!
Armidale Markets in the Mall $-$$
When: every last Sunday morning of each month
Browse over fifty different stalls that include a range of quality handmade and handcrafted items, candles, body products, clothing, pottery, woodwork, plants, food and so much more!
Bellingen Markets $-$$
When: every third Saturday of the month
Bellingen is a small village an hour between Armidale and the coast. It is definitely worth the day trip to their community markets to explore the oldest, largest and most diverse arts and craft stalls in the north coast.
Get cultured
Immerse yourself in the local culture around Armidale.
New England Regional Art Museum (NERAM)
Open: Tue – Sun 10:00 – 16:00
Home of the Howard Hinton Collection (featuring works by Arthur Streeton, Tom Roberts, Margaret Preston and many others), the local art gallery has many other exhibitions, displays and gift shop for you to explore. There are also art classes held each term for those who feel like getting their craft on!
Armidale Regional Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Keeping Place
Open: Mon – Saturday 9:00 – 16:00 (closes at 2pm on Saturdays)
Expand your understanding of the Indigenous Culture and history at this community centre.
Get your hands dirty with the Armidale pottery club! Or visit their beautiful studio and explore amazing artworks straight out of the kiln!
Roadtrip!
Nothing beats a day trip to explore the natural wonders of the New England.
The Blue Hole
Distance from Armidale: 30 – 45 minutes
Grab your swimmers and hiking boots and explore this popular spot with the locals. Offering swimming and walking in a scenic bush setting near Armidale.
Dangars Falls
Distance from Armidale: 20 – 30 minutes
A perfect spot for a picnic. Dangars Falls offers scenic waterfall and river views with various hiking tracks, make sure to bring along the camera!
Gostwyck Chapel
Distance from Armidale: 20 minutes
Built in 1921 in memory of Major Clive Collingwood Dangar who lost his life during World War I. This little chapel is spectacular in every season, but we recommend going for a little picnic or Sunday drive past during Autumn when all vines that cover the chapel burn crimson – it’s spectacular!
Point Lookout
Distance from Armidale: 60 minutes
Point look is a must-see destination! It offers panoramic views across New England National Park to glimpses of the ocean beyond. There are also various walking tracks nearby to explore.
The Armidale Visitor Information Centre is located on Marsh Street and has all the information you need when exploring the wider National Parks.
All things shopping
From local boutiques to the essentials – we got you covered!
The New England Collective $$-$$$
Open: Mon-Sat 9:00 – 16:30pm
Browse the gorgeous range of New England based designers and artisans items across a range of media. This store is sure to have something for everyone.
The Shop. $-$$
Open: Mon-Sat 9:00 – 17:00pm
Located on our very own University campus, The Shop. has a variety of beautiful stationery, gifts, snacks, and merch. It is more than just a campus shop!
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Going Overseas and need a gift? We have a great Australiana range to suit all your needs.
Reader’s Companion $-$$
Open: Daily from 8:30-17:30 (earlier on weekends)
One of our favourite local bookshops. They have a huge range of novels for you to explore and they even host visits from authors so make sure to follow their event page.
Little Birdy $$
Open: Daily Mon – Friday 9:00 – 16:30, Saturday 9:00 – 15:00, Sunday 9:00 – 13:00
Little Birdy is a beautiful boutique giftshop located in Uralla. They host a wide range of products that have been seen on #buyfromthebush. and support many local artisans!
We hope you enjoy your time on our Armidale campus and exploring what the wider community has on offer.
As a new student at UNE you might also want to consider joining a Club or Society… why not check them all out!
