Best Camping and Caravanning Sites in Australia

A great place to start your adventure

Armidale Tourist Park – Discover the Sophisticated Heart of the New England High Country

xperience the invigorating atmosphere of Australia’s highest city at Armidale Tourist Park. Ideally located on the eastern edge of Armidale, just a few minutes from the historic CBD and the University of New England, this park offers a premier base for travellers exploring the spectacular Northern Tablelands. Armidale is a city of distinct seasons, heritage architecture, and world-class educational institutions, often referred to as the “City of Cathedrals.” Staying at Armidale Tourist Park allows you to immerse yourself in this sophisticated regional hub while enjoying a tranquil, leafy sanctuary that serves as the perfect gateway to the legendary Waterfall Way.

The park’s location is its greatest asset for culture seekers and nature enthusiasts alike. Armidale is a town that prides itself on its artistic soul, most famously embodied by the New England Regional Art Museum (NERAM), which houses the Hinton Collection—one of the most significant regional art collections in Australia. Exploring the town centre reveals grand Victorian streetscapes, twin cathedrals, and boutique shops that reflect the prosperity of the region’s agricultural and educational history. During autumn, the city transforms into a spectacular tapestry of gold, crimson, and burnt orange as the many European trees react to the crisp highland air.

For adventure lovers, Armidale Tourist Park is the starting point for a journey through the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area. A short drive east along the Waterfall Way leads you to some of the most dramatic landscapes in the country, including the awe-inspiring Dangars Falls, Wollomombi Falls, and the rugged wilderness of the New England and Oxley Wild Rivers National Parks. Whether you are photographing the misty gorges, hiking through ancient cool-temperate rainforests, or visiting the historic Saumarez Homestead, the region offers a wealth of experiences. The high altitude ensures that even in the height of summer, the nights remain pleasantly cool, making it a favourite destination for those seeking relief from the humidity of the coast.

Accommodation at Armidale Tourist Park is meticulously designed to cater to the practical needs of the modern traveller. The park is renowned for its spacious, level sites that can easily accommodate the largest motorhomes and caravans, featuring stable surfaces and easy-access drive-through options. With exceptionally clean facilities, a resort-style swimming pool, and a commitment to providing a safe, community-focused environment, the park ensures that your stay in the High Country is both comfortable and authentic. Whether you are using Armidale as a strategic base for a graduation at the university or as a multi-day retreat to explore the waterfalls and galleries, Armidale Tourist Park delivers a quintessentially Australian regional experience defined by elegance, history, and genuine highland hospitality.

Armidale Tourist Park – NSW Location Map

Armidale Tourist Park

Site Specifications & Information

  • Location: Eastern approach to Armidale on Grafton Road, near the Waterfall Way turnoff.
  • Site Suitable For: Big rigs, fifth-wheelers, caravans, motorhomes, camper trailers, and tents.
  • Road Access: Sealed highway access; easy entry/exit for large vehicles.
  • Site Surface: Level grassy sites and stable gravel hard-stand areas with abundant shade.
  • Available Facilities:
    • Modern Self-Contained Cabins (Standard to Luxury)
    • Powered and Unpowered Sites (Drive-through available)
    • Swimming Pool and Children’s Playground
    • Tennis Court and Mini-Golf
    • Camp Kitchen with full cooking facilities
    • Modern Amenities Blocks with hot showers
    • Guest Laundry with washers and dryers
    • Free Wi-Fi (Limits apply)
    • Dump Point for guest use
  • Essentials to Bring: Warm clothing (even in summer, nights can be cool), hiking boots for the gorges, and a camera for the autumn colours.
  • Pet Friendly: Yes, pet-friendly year-round on sites (subject to park rules and leash requirements).
  • Fishing: Fresh water fishing for trout in nearby Gara River (approx. 10km) and Dumaresq Dam (12km).
  • Short Walks:
    • Park Perimeter Stroll (Direct access)
    • Armidale Pine Forest Walks (3.5km drive)
    • Armidale Heritage CBD Trail (2.5km drive)

Local Amenities

Local Pubs

  • The White Bull Hotel (2.4km) – Popular historic pub with award-winning steakhouse.
  • Stoker’s Hotel Armidale (2.6km) – Classic heritage hotel with regional charm.
  • Imperial Hotel (2.5km) – Historic central pub with a friendly atmosphere.

Places to Eat

  • The Goldfish Bowl (2.8km) – Famous wood-fired bakery and specialty coffee.
  • Daily Ritual (2.5km) – High-quality cafe known for extensive tea and coffee selections.
  • Tattersalls Hotel Restaurant (2.6km) – Fine dining in a beautifully restored Art Deco setting.

Local Attractions

  • NERAM – New England Regional Art Museum (3.8km) – Significant regional art collections.
  • Dangars Falls (21km) – Spectacular waterfall and canyon views.
  • Saumarez Homestead (10km) – Heritage-listed Edwardian mansion and farm.
  • University of New England – UNE (6km) – Beautiful park-like campus and Booloominbah House.
  • Armidale Pine Forest (3.5km) – Extensive network of walking and mountain bike trails.

Nearest Caravan Parks

  • BIG4 New England Holiday Park (3.2km) – Located on the southern side of town.
  • Armidale Showground (3.5km) – Heritage low-cost camping option.

Nearest Free/Low-Cost Camps

  • Mother of Ducks Lagoon, Guyra (38km north) – Low-cost camping on the highway.
  • Dumaresq Dam (12km) – Basic overnight rest area (check current council status).

Nearest Dump Points

  • On-site Dump Point (0km) – Available for park guests.
  • Armidale Visitor Information Centre (2.2km) – Public facility for travellers.

Nearest Petrol Stations

  • Shell Armidale (1.2km) – High-flow diesel and easy access.
  • Ampol Armidale (2.1km) – Central town location.

Drinking Water Resupply

  • On-site Taps (0km) – Potable town water available throughout the park.
  • Armidale Visitor Information Centre (2.2km) – Public water access.

Public Toilets

  • Curtis Park (2.3km) – Accessible public facilities in the CBD.
  • Armidale Arboretum (4.5km) – Public facilities in the parklands.

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Armidale

  • Summer (Dec-Feb): Mild to warm days with low humidity. Daytime highs 24°C–27°C. Nights are pleasantly cool.
  • Autumn (Mar-May): Crisp mornings and world-famous golden foliage. Daytime average 16°C–21°C.
  • Winter (Jun-Aug): Bracingly cold with frequent frosts. Daytime average 11°C–14°C. Perfect for cozy pub meals.
  • Spring (Sep-Nov): Fresh and vibrant. Daytime average 18°C–23°C. Peak time for blossoms and waterfall flow.

 

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