Experience the authentic heart of the New England High Country at the Glen Innes Showground. Renowned as one of the most beautiful and well-preserved showgrounds in regional New South Wales, this historic site offers a unique camping experience that blends colonial architectural grandeur with the rugged natural beauty of the northern tablelands. Located just a short distance from the town centre of Glen Innes—the “Celtic Capital of Australia”—the showground serves as a premier destination for caravanners, campers, and travellers seeking space, serenity, and a genuine connection to the local community.
The showground’s location is its greatest asset for those who value heritage and accessibility. The site is famous for its stunning Victorian-era pavilions and grandstands, many of which are heritage-listed and provide a magnificent backdrop for your stay. Throughout the year, the grounds serve as the epicentre for major regional events, most notably the Glen Innes Show and the world-famous Australian Celtic Festival. Staying at the Glen Innes Showground allows you to walk through living history, where the expansive grassy areas offer a sense of freedom and space that is increasingly difficult to find in more urbanised holiday parks.
For the modern traveller, the Glen Innes Showground provides an invigorating base to explore the “Land of the Beardies.” A short stroll leads you into the town centre, where you can admire the heritage-listed streetscapes or visit the Land of the Beardies History House, which chronicles the lives of the early Scottish and Irish pioneers. The region is a world-class destination for sapphire fossicking, with the high-altitude volcanic soils producing the legendary “Glen Innes Blue” sapphires. After a day spent sieving for gems at Reddestone Creek or exploring the megalithic Australian Standing Stones, returning to the quiet, elevated sanctuary of the showground allows you to enjoy the crisp, clear mountain air and spectacular highland sunsets.
Accommodation at the Glen Innes Showground is specifically designed for those who appreciate traditional hospitality and generous proportions. The park is famous for its level, grassy sites that can easily accommodate even the largest motorhomes, big rigs, and fifth-wheelers. With exceptionally clean amenities and a friendly on-site caretaker, the showground ensures a comfortable stay whether you are visiting for a single night transit or a multi-week exploration of the New England region. At Glen Innes Showground, you aren’t just booking a campsite; you are becoming part of the seasonal rhythm of a vibrant regional community, where the stars shine brighter in the dark highland skies and the history of the high country is around every corner.
Glen Innes Showground – NSW Location Map
Glen Innes Showground
- Address: Bourke St & Hunter Street MAIN GATE, Torrington St, Glen Innes NSW 2370
- Website: www.gleninnesshowground.com
- GPS Coordinates: -29.74122, 151.74193
Site Specifications & Information
- Location: Elevated heritage showground location, walking distance to the CBD.
- Site Suitable For: Big rigs, fifth-wheelers, caravans, motorhomes, camper trailers, and tents.
- Road Access: Sealed road access via Torrington Street; wide main gate designed for heavy vehicles.
- Site Surface: Level grassy sites and stable hard-stand areas with scattered shade trees.
- Available Facilities:
- Powered and Unpowered Spacious Sites
- Clean Amenities Blocks with hot showers
- Guest Laundry with washers and dryers
- Heritage Pavilions (Used during events)
- Undercover BBQ Area
- On-site Caretaker
- Town water and Sullage at sites
- Dump Point for guest use
- Large open spaces for exercise
- Essentials to Bring: Warm clothing (high country nights are crisp), fossicking equipment, hiking boots, and a camera for the historic architecture.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, pet-friendly year-round on sites (subject to rules and leash requirements).
- Fishing: Fresh water fishing for trout and Murray cod in nearby Beardy Waters (approx. 5.5km).
- Short Walks:
- Showground Heritage Pavilion Loop (Direct access)
- Grey Street Heritage Stroll (1.0km)
- Centennial Park Walk (0.8km)
Local Amenities
Local Pubs
- New England Hotel (1.0km) – Grand heritage pub with popular bistro and local atmosphere.
- The Great Central Hotel (1.1km) – Historic central pub with quality meals and cold beer.
- Railway Tavern (1.4km) – Friendly local pub with a classic country feel.
Places to Eat
- The Local (1.0km) – Specialty coffee and gourmet breakfast in the heart of town.
- Glen Innes Bakery (1.1km) – Famous for traditional meat pies and fresh local bread.
- The Croft (1.2km) – High-quality regional dining and artisanal treats.
Local Attractions
- Australian Standing Stones (3.5km) – Megalithic Celtic monument and panorama lookout.
- Land of the Beardies History House (1.8km) – Extensive regional museum in a historic hospital.
- Reddestone Creek Fossicking Area (11km) – Famous site for finding high-quality sapphires.
- Washpool National Park (75km) – World-heritage rainforest and hiking trails.
- Showground Heritage Grandstand (0.1km) – One of Australia’s finest examples of timber grandstand architecture.
Nearest Caravan Parks
- Poplar Caravan Park (1.1km) – Located south on Church Street.
- Fossicker Caravan Park (1.2km) – Located centrally on Church Street.
Nearest Free/Low-Cost Camps
- Beardy Waters Rest Area (5.5km) – Basic roadside rest stop north of town.
- Deepwater Park (40km) – Low-cost camping in the nearby village of Deepwater.
Nearest Dump Points
- On-site Dump Point (0km) – Available for showground guests.
- Lions Park Dump Point (1.2km) – Public facility for passing travellers.
Nearest Petrol Stations
- Shell Glen Innes (0.8km) – High-flow diesel and easy access for large rigs.
- Ampol Glen Innes (1.1km) – Central town location for easy fuel access.
Drinking Water Resupply
- On-site Taps (0km) – Potable town water available throughout the showground.
- Glen Innes Visitor Information Centre (1.2km) – Public water access.
Public Toilets
- Lions Park (1.2km) – Accessible public facilities near the highway.
- Glen Innes Town Hall (1.1km) – Accessible public facilities in the CBD.
Seasonal Weather Forecast: Glen Innes
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Mild to warm days with cool, pleasant evenings. Daytime highs 24°C–28°C. Perfect for outdoor events.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Crisp mornings and spectacular golden foliage throughout the town. Daytime average 16°C–21°C.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold and bracing. Daytime highs 11°C–14°C. Frost is frequent; occasional snow highlights.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Fresh and vibrant. Daytime average 18°C–23°C. Peak time for native birdlife and regional blossoms.