New England is about 320 kilometres long and roughly 130 kilometres wide on its Northern Tablelands core, so the first job for any family is to pick a base and not try to see it all. Our notes on New England holidays with kids are built around that idea.
We cover the region's towns, national parks, waterfalls and gorges, bushland walks and goldfield history. Check current prices and times with local operators before you book.
Where New England is and how big it feels
New England sits in the north of New South Wales, about 60 km inland from the Tasman Sea. It takes in the Northern Tablelands and the North West Slopes. The narrowest definition runs along the Great Dividing Range from the Moonbi Range in the south to the Queensland border in the north.
The region has no clearly defined boundaries, so maps and brochures may draw it differently. For children, the practical point is distance. Plan shorter hops between stops, and keep one town as home for a few nights. Our New England travel guide gives the wider picture.
Choosing a town as your base
The major settlements are Tenterfield, Inverell, Glen Innes, Moree, Armidale, Narrabri, Tamworth, Gunnedah, Quirindi and Wee Waa. Tamworth and Armidale are the main commercial centres, both with large shopping centres and tourist attractions. That makes them handy for families who want supermarkets, chemists and a choice of places to eat. Inverell and Moree are semi-major towns.
Over a quarter of the region's 185,560 people live in the Tamworth Regional Council area, so Tamworth is the busiest hub. Smaller towns give a quieter, more authentic country feel, which we reckon suits families who like to wander. You can compare places to stay on our New England accommodation page.
Waterfalls, gorges and bushland walks
New England has rich national parks, spectacular waterfalls and gorges, and pleasant bushland walks. This is the heart of a family trip. We would keep walks short and flexible with young children, and save the bigger gorge country for older kids.
Apsley Falls, near Walcha, is a named landmark in the region's history: explorer John Oxley crossed the southern part of the New England Range near there in 1818. Gara Gorge and the Styx River are also part of the region's story, and the remains of old hydro-electric schemes can still be seen at both. Fishing is another drawcard.
For more ideas, see New England activities and New England attractions.
Gold, mines and history children can picture
Gold was discovered in 1851 at Rocky River, about two kilometres west of Uralla, and started a rush. More gold followed at Hanging Rock and Swamp Creek in 1852. The region also offers fossicking, a natural fit for curious kids.
The bushranger Captain Thunderbolt robbed properties, mail coaches and hotels across the region in the 1860s. He was shot dead in May 1870 at Kentucky Creek, near Uralla. It is a good story for school-age children.
Mining also shaped towns such as Bingara, Emmaville, Nundle, Tingha and Torrington. Convicts built Major's Line from 1838 to link Walcha with Port Macquarie, and it later became the Oxley Highway.
Museums, markets and autumn colour
The region has heritage landmarks, museums, famous art collections, marketplaces, pubs, clubs and restaurants. Autumn brings the New England gold, which makes it a pretty season for a family drive. Look at New England events before you lock in dates.
What to plan for
Getting around
To see inland Australia properly, leave the Pacific Highway and travel along the New England Highway. Distances are large, so build in breaks for children. The Main North railway line is closed north of Armidale, so do not plan around trains for the northern part. If you would rather not drive everywhere, look at New England tours.
Weather and flooding
The Northern Tablelands forecast from the Bureau of Meteorology covers the region, along with part of the North West Slopes and Plains. Floods have hit parts of the region before, including flash flooding around Tamworth, Gunnedah and Weabonga in November 2008, so check conditions before you travel, especially on the slopes and plains.
Where to stay
Options range from motels and apartments to boutique stays. Choose family-friendly space and check what each place allows for children. Visit NSW, the state tourism site at visitnsw.com, is a good starting point for current information. Background on the region is also on Wikipedia.
Frequently asked questions
Is New England easy to see in one trip with kids?
Not all of it. The Northern Tablelands alone are about 320 kilometres long, so pick one or two towns and explore from there.
What can children do in New England?
Families can try bushland walks, waterfalls and gorges, fishing, fossicking, museums and markets. Autumn colour is a bonus.
Which towns suit a family base?
Tamworth and Armidale are the major commercial areas, with large shopping centres and tourist attractions. Smaller towns such as Glen Innes, Inverell and Tenterfield offer a quieter feel.