New England cruises are not what most people expect from a New South Wales holiday. The region sits about 60 km inland from the Tasman Sea, on the Northern Tablelands and the North West Slopes, so there is no harbour or open-water ferry route to board.
What shapes the region instead is its inland rivers. Here is a plain account of those waterways, plus pointers to the pages where current tours and activities are gathered.
Why New England cruises are rare
New England is a highland region in the north of the state. Its narrowest definition covers the Northern Tablelands, part of the Great Dividing Range, from the Moonbi Range up to the Queensland border. That tableland runs about 320 kilometres long and roughly 130 kilometres wide.
Inland country like this is known for rivers, creeks and gorges rather than big navigable water. If a guided boat trip is what you are after, we reckon it is worth checking current listings with the operator before you plan a day around one.
The rivers the region is known for
Several rivers appear in the region's history, and they give a sense of where the water is.
- The Gwydir River, which Thomas Mitchell found as a deep, broad river in 1831, and reached again near Moree in 1832.
- The Namoi River, which Mitchell followed from near Tamworth to Narrabri.
- The Barwon River, whose tributaries Mitchell's team spent several weeks charting.
- The Peel River, which flooded in February 1956.
- The Macleay River, whose headwaters drew red cedar cutters in the early 1830s.
- The Hastings River, which rises near Werrikimber Mountain and marked the eastern boundary of the New England District gazetted in 1839.
- The Styx River, where the remains of a hydro-electric scheme built for the old mines can still be seen.
These are working inland rivers. Several of them flood heavily, which is a fair reason to be cautious about any water activity after rain.
Flooding and water safety
The region's flood record is sobering. The Barwon, Peel and Namoi have all risen dangerously at different times, including the Namoi floods of 1971 and 1974, and the worst floods in half a century at Gunnedah, Narrabri and Wee Waa in November 2000. Flash flooding hit Tamworth, Somerton, Gunnedah and Weabonga in November 2008.
The practical lesson is simple. Check local conditions before any trip on or beside a river, and follow local advice.
Gorges, falls and old mining water
Much of New England's water is best seen from the bank. The region has spectacular waterfalls and gorges, and John Oxley crossed the southern part of the New England Range near the Apsley Falls. At Gara Gorge and along the Styx River you can still see the remains of the hydro-electric schemes that once powered the gold and antimony mines at Hillgrove and Halls Peak.
Our New England attractions page is a good place to start for falls, gorges and heritage sites.
Where to look for tours and things to do
If you want a guided day out, our New England tours page is the place to look, and our New England activities page covers other ways to spend time outdoors, including fishing, which the region is known for. For wider planning, the New England travel guide sets out the region as a whole.
For official state-wide information, Visit NSW is the state tourism site. Background on the region's geography and history is also on Wikipedia.
Frequently asked questions
Are there cruises in New England?
The region is inland, about 60 km from the Tasman Sea, so ocean cruising is not part of it. Its waterways are rivers, creeks and gorges.
Which rivers run through New England?
The Gwydir, Namoi, Barwon, Peel, Macleay, Hastings and Styx rivers all feature in the region's story.
Where can we find current boat trips or tours?
Start with our New England tours and activities pages, and confirm current details with the operator.
