Geographical Overview
Located just inland of the Great Dividing Range on the Eastern side of Australia, roughly midway between Sydney and Brisbane. The Northern Inland region consists of three distinct geographic areas. The New England Tablelands and gorge country, the North West Slopes and the North West Plains.
The New England Tablelands
The New England Tablelands and gorge country is principally serviced by the regional city of Armidale. Other urban areas include Walcha, Uralla, Guyra, Glen Innes and Tenterfield.
The modern retail facilities of this part of the region contrast with the historic nature of the urban landscapes and settlement in the 1800s.
The Tablelands is recognised for its world heritage national parks, which contain many scenic walks and public lookouts. The gorges often feature spectacular waterfalls following higher rainfall, and a vast array of flaura and fauna.
The higher altitude of the Northern Tablelands means cool summers, colourful autumns, brisk winters and balmy springs.
Log fires are a feature of the New England in winter and give a "European" feel to the urban landscapes, which feature many historic buildings from the past century. Many galleries feature regional artists, and fabulous cafes abound in the various towns.
This part of the region is seeing the emergence of a food and wine industry, with many happy hours to be spent in the vineyards developing across the area.
The North West Slopes
The North West Slopes are serviced by the regional centre of Tamworth. Other urban centres include Quirindi, Gunnedah, Manilla, Barraba, Bingara, Warialda and Inverell.
The Slopes feature landscapes which are attractive to the visitor and residents alike.
To explore the towns and countryside which reflect the symbols of yesteryear, with the convenience of modern day life, is a fantastic experience.
Sporting opportunities abound, and this part of the region is noted for its major sporting events.
Recreational water based activities are not forgotten, with easy accessibility to the major waterways of Keepit, Split Rock, Copeton and Pindari Dams, together with the many attractive rivers which transverse the slopes.
This part of the region is also seeing the emergence of a tourism industry based around agriculture and cultural activities, including leading galleries and musical events.
The North West Plains
This vast area of The North West Plains is the "food bowl" of the region, with agriculture the predominant industry.
The main towns are Narrabri and Moree, with Boggabri to the south.
In a year with normal rainfall, the Narrabri and Moree Shires are the wealthiest agricultural areas in Australia. Large scale cereal crops and cotton provide export industries for the region, with many rural products processed on the plains.
This part of the region has its own physical attraction, from the rugged Nandewar mountain range, extending out to the wide open black soil plains.
Lifestyle is a feature of the region, with icons including Narrabri’s Crossing Theatre and Moree’s Art Gallery.