New England is a big region with no fixed boundaries, so the first step in choosing New England accommodation is deciding which part of it you want to be in. The area covers the Northern Tablelands and the North West Slopes in the north of New South Wales, about 60 km inland from the Tasman Sea.
Here we describe the towns and settings that make sensible bases, and point you to the right pages to plan the rest.
How big is New England, and why does it matter for where you stay?
The narrowest and most common definition is the Northern Tablelands, part of the Great Dividing Range, running from the Moonbi Range in the south to the Queensland border. That highland strip is about 320 km long and roughly 130 km wide. Add the North West Slopes and the region held 185,560 people at the 2021 count, with more than a quarter living in the Tamworth Regional Council area.
The distances are large. Picking one base and expecting to see everything from it is unrealistic, so it helps to choose a town near the things you most want to do. Our New England travel guide gives the wider picture.
The main towns as bases
The region's major settlements are Tenterfield, Inverell, Glen Innes, Moree, Armidale, Narrabri, Tamworth, Gunnedah, Quirindi and Wee Waa. Of these, Tamworth and Armidale are the major commercial centres, both with large shopping centres and tourist attractions. Inverell and Moree are considered semi-major towns.
Tamworth and Armidale
If you want the widest choice of places to eat, shop and sightsee close to where you sleep, these two are the obvious starting points. We'd argue that staying in one of them and driving out for day trips suits most first-time visitors better than moving every night.
Inverell, Moree and the other regional towns
Inverell and Moree are smaller than Tamworth and Armidale but still count as significant towns. Glen Innes, Tenterfield, Narrabri, Gunnedah, Quirindi and Wee Waa suit travellers who prefer a quieter country-town base on the way through.
Villages and goldfields country
Mining shaped many smaller places. Gold was found at Rocky River, about two kilometres west of Uralla, in 1851, and later at Hanging Rock and Swamp Creek. Hillgrove and Halls Peak had gold and antimony mines, and the remains of two hydro-electric schemes can still be seen along the Styx River and at Gara Gorge.
Towns and villages whose fortunes rose and fell with mining include Bingara, Elsmore, Emmaville, Nundle, Tingha and Torrington. Staying in or near one gives you a more rural, historical feel than a regional centre does. Uralla is also tied to the bushranger Captain Thunderbolt, who was shot dead at Kentucky Creek near Uralla in May 1870.
Caravan and holiday park settings
For a caravan park, holiday park or other self-contained stay, the official Visit NSW site is the place to check current listings and availability.
The geography helps you choose. A tablelands park puts you on the Great Dividing Range, among the national parks, waterfalls and gorges the region is known for. A park on the North West Slopes puts you in a large agricultural landscape. The New England Highway is the route for seeing the inland country rather than the Pacific Highway.
Matching your base to your plans
- For national parks, waterfalls and gorges, look at the tablelands towns and see New England attractions.
- For fishing, fossicking and bushwalking, start with New England activities.
- Travelling with children? Try New England holidays with kids.
- Hoping for the autumn colour, often called New England gold? Plan the date first, then check New England events.
Rail history is another consideration. The Main North railway line reached Armidale in 1883 but is now closed north of Armidale, so most visitors will be driving. Check current prices and details with each operator before you book.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to base yourself in New England?
Tamworth and Armidale are the two major commercial areas, with large shopping centres and tourist attractions, so they suit most first visits. Smaller towns suit quieter stays.
Does New England have clear boundaries?
No. The term has several definitions, and the boundaries vary by service. The narrowest definition is the Northern Tablelands from the Moonbi Range to the Queensland border.
Where can I find caravan or holiday parks and offers?
Visit NSW is the place to check current park listings, and our New England specials page covers offers. For background on the region, there is also a Wikipedia entry on New England.