Armidale Showground Camping | New England High Country Base
For travellers exploring the beautiful and unique New England High Country, the Armidale Showground offers a convenient, affordable, and centrally located camping solution. Situated in Australia’s highest city, this classic showground provides a spacious and practical base for all kinds of campers. The grounds feature large, level, grassy areas suitable for everything from big rigs and large caravans to smaller camper trailers and tents. With a good selection of powered and unpowered sites, it’s a popular and reliable stopover for those wanting to experience Armidale’s rich heritage, vibrant academic culture, and stunning natural surroundings.
The key benefit of staying at the Armidale Showground is its fantastic location. You are within easy reach of the city centre, with its heritage-listed buildings, impressive cathedrals, and a wide array of shops, pubs, and cafes. This makes it incredibly easy to restock on supplies or enjoy the city’s amenities. Armidale is renowned for its four distinct seasons, and the showground is the perfect place to base yourself to experience them all, from the magnificent autumn colours to the occasional winter snowfall. It’s also an ideal launchpad for exploring the dramatic gorges and spectacular waterfalls of the nearby Oxley Wild Rivers and Cathedral Rock National Parks. With clean, well-maintained facilities ensuring a comfortable stay, the Armidale Showground is a smart choice for a value-for-money stop that puts the best of the New England region right at your fingertips.
Campground Details
- Name: Armidale Showground
- Address: 5 Dumaresq Street, Armidale NSW 2350
- Website: www.armidaleshowground.org.au
- GPS Coordinates: -30.51421, 151.67902
- Location: In the city of Armidale, close to the town centre and all major services.
- Site Suitable For: All vehicle types, including large motorhomes, caravans, and tents.
- Road Access: Sealed road access to the showground entrance.
- Site Surface: Mostly grass with some gravel/dirt areas.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, paid camping is available. Contact the caretaker on arrival.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Flexible, but it’s best to check with the caretaker for long-term stay policies.
- Number of Powered Sites: Yes, a large number of powered sites are available.
- Number of Un-powered Sites: Yes, extensive unpowered camping areas.
Facilities
- Picnic Tables: Limited. Self-sufficiency is recommended.
- Potable Water: Yes, available on site.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Excellent coverage for all major carriers.
- TV Reception: Excellent digital TV reception.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, amenity blocks with toilets and hot showers are available.
- Drive Through: Yes, many sites are suitable for drive-through access.
- Rubbish Bins: Yes, bins are provided.
- Open Fires: Strictly prohibited.
- Generator Use: Permitted during respectful hours, but check with the caretaker.
Activities & Important Information
- Essentials to Bring: Warm clothing, even in summer, as nights can be very cool at this altitude. Long power lead and water hose.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are generally welcome but must be on a leash at all times.
- Fishing: Trout fishing is popular in the streams and rivers of the New England region. A NSW fishing licence is required.
- Short Walks: Easy walks around the showgrounds and into the city centre to explore the heritage buildings.
Local Amenities (in Armidale)
Pubs & Places to Eat
- The Wicklow Hotel: A popular and historic pub with a great bistro, approx. 1.5 km.
- The New England Hotel: Another iconic local pub with a classic atmosphere and meals, approx. 2 km.
- Armidale Services Club: A large club offering multiple dining options, from a cafe to a bistro, approx. 2.5 km.
Local Attractions
- Waterfall Way: A scenic drive east of Armidale featuring spectacular waterfalls like Wollomombi Falls and Ebor Falls.
- New England Regional Art Museum (NERAM): Home to the impressive Howard Hinton and Chandler Coventry collections.
- Saumarez Homestead: A beautifully preserved Edwardian mansion and gardens managed by the National Trust.
- Armidale’s Cathedrals: Explore the stunning architecture of the St Peter’s Anglican and Saints Mary and Joseph Catholic Cathedrals.
Camping & Services
- Nearest Caravan Parks: This is a major camping ground. Several other commercial caravan parks are located in Armidale.
- Next Free Camps: Some free camps are available in nearby national parks (check conditions) and at rest areas on the New England Highway.
- Nearest Dump Points: A dump point is available on-site for registered campers.
- Nearest Petrol Station: Numerous 24/7 service stations are located throughout the city.
- Drinking Water Resupply: Available on-site.
- Nearest Public Toilets (Flush): Available on-site.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
Note: Armidale’s high altitude (nearly 1,000m) gives it a unique climate with four very distinct seasons.
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Generally mild to warm with cool nights. Temperatures are pleasant compared to coastal areas.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Famous for its spectacular autumn colours as the deciduous trees change. Days are crisp and sunny, nights are cool.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold. Days are often clear and sunny but chilly, while nights are very cold with heavy frosts. Snowfalls are not uncommon.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): The city’s gardens come alive with colour. Weather is typically mild and sunny.