Have you noticed the chill in the air? The shorter days? The hint of frost? It can only mean one thing: winter is around the corner. But before you mourn the end of warmer days, why not plan an autumn road trip to one of the best places to see fiery autumn foliage in NSW? The postcard-perfect town of Armidale may be best known for its universities and national parks, but it’s also absolutely stunning when the leaves change colour. Right now, its tree-lined streets, gardens, and parks are ablaze with late-autumn colour — a kaleidoscopic spectrum of red, orange, and yellow. But it won’t last much longer, so plan a getaway to the high-altitude town while the show is still going strong.
Autumn in Armidale
As the primary hub of the strikingly colourful New England High Country, Armidale packs a punch with its diverse offerings. Perched nearly 1,000 metres above sea level, it’s officially Australia’s highest city. The higher altitude means the trees are radiant in autumn, offering a riot of colour, with vivid auburn and golden tones lighting up every corner. You’ll spot Japanese grey bark elm, zelkova serrata, and bright poplars around town. For some of the best photo ops, head to Dangar Street, the University of New England, and Civic Park, all dazzling with late-autumn hues right now.
What else can you do?
There is plenty to do around town. Stop by the Armidale Art Gallery to admire works by local artists, shop for fresh produce at the monthly Armidale Farmers Market, and set off on a self-guided heritage walk to soak in all the autumn colours and beautiful architecture, including the heritage-listed Saints Mary & Joseph Catholic Cathedral and the famous University of New England.
Wondering where to grab a bite and a cuppa? Once you’ve had your fill of the dazzling foliage, settle in with a cup of coffee and wholesome breakfast at Goldfish Bowl Bakery, sample a refreshing brew at The Welder’s Dog Brewery, or treat yourself to freshly baked pastries at Café Patisserie.
The town has another distinction in its repertoire: access to incredible natural wonders. Some of the state’s best waterfalls and national parks are just a stone’s throw from Armidale — including Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, best known for its jaw-dropping gorges, lush rainforest views, and the striking Wollomombi Falls, Australia’s second-highest waterfall. Also nearby is the stunning Dangar Falls, complete with a picture-perfect swimming hole at its base. And don’t miss the vibrant New England National Park, one of the best NSW national parks to visit in autumn.
Explore our full Armidale travel guide here.
Best time to see the autumn foliage in Armidale
The peak autumn foliage window varies each year, but typically, late April to mid-May is the best time to see the autumn colours in full glory. To catch the final burst of vivid autumn displays, plan your visit within the next two weeks. The foliage is at its most vibrant, but it won’t last much longer. Read more about Armidale and find accommodation options here.
Getting there
Armidale is a city in the Northern Tablelands of NSW, along the beautiful Waterfall Way. It is a leisurely 5.5-hour drive from Sydney and roughly around the same distance from Brisbane. Conveniently, you can also catch a direct train from Central to Armidale, with the journey taking around 8 hours. Plan your trip on Transport for NSW.