BIG CHILL FESTIVAL

The Armidale region has something for everyone, offering adventure, cultural experiences, sporting endeavours and academic pursuits. The economy is built around education and agriculture, giving the Armidale region its unique character.

Each year the city celebrates the change of seasons with the annual Autumn Festival, and Big Chill Festival. The city is home to the University of New England, which has a significant presence in the region, and has attracted students from across the globe since its establishment in 1938, and a major reason for the cosmopolitan and sophisticated feel of the place.

Visitors can enjoy stylish cafes and fine dining at a variety of locations, including the awardwinning, recently renovated art-deco hotel and restaurant, Tattersalls. There are a variety of accommodation options, from historic country homesteads, motels, hotels, bed and breakfasts and self-catering apartments.

Visitors can enjoy the New England Regional Art Museum, home to more than 5,000 works of art including the Howard Hinton and Chandler Coventry Collections. Aboriginal art is showcased in two first-class galleries within the Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Keeping Place.

Armidale is also home to the New England Conservatorium of Music, a major drawcard for musical talent throughout the region. There is also a vibrant theatre scene where local and interstate acts perform at the Armidale Playhouse and the Hoskins Centre. Sitting atop the New England plateau and surrounded by spectacular waterfalls, awe-inspiring gorges and World Heritage listed national parks, the setting is unique.

The Waterfall Way, stretching from Armidale to the coast, is one of the most scenic drives in Australia, taking you past iconic waterfalls just off the main road where you can relax at one of the viewing platforms and soak up the ambience.

Come up and visit soon!