Nundle Woolen Mill, New England, New South Wales © Tourism Australia
New England food and farm experiences
New England — the cool-climate food bowl where lavender, trout and stone fruits are top of the menu.
Get hands-on from fleece to field
Get hands-on from fleece to field
Every November and December, 12,000 lavender plants hit full bloom at the Aloomba Lavender Farm. Walk the fragrant fields, then exit through the farm shop to stock up on lavender tea and soaps. Over in the town of Nundle, pay a visit to one of Australia’s last working woollen mills and see a bale of Merino wool transformed into yarn. For the keen anglers, cast a line into the well-stocked lakes at Dunmore Trout Waters to catch rainbow and brown trout.
Find your farm escape
Find your farm escape
Fabulous farm stays in New England abound. To rest among 120 acres of native forest, walk the onsite bush tracks, soak in the outdoor mineral baths and fry up farm fresh eggs every morning, pull into Dorrigo Bush Pepper Retreat. For comfort and tranquillity within a two-minute walk from crashing waterfalls, book a stay at Oaktree Farmhouse. Or to make friends with a friendly cast of animals and feast on homemade sourdough, look no further than Red Shed Farm Stay.
Make friends with cows
Make friends with cows
Beyond the creature comforts included with a stay at The Barn, there’s also the chance to get a taste for life on the land. This tiny farm is surrounded by stunning mountain views and is home to friendly Scottish Highland and Mini Galloway cows ready to make your acquaintance. Walk the paddocks, sit by the fire pit, cook outdoors and bathe in a claw-foot tub beneath the stars. To take your agricultural journey a step further, book a tour of New England farming with Quadrant.
Graze your way through the markets
Graze your way through the markets
On the second Sunday of every month, a leafy, rural park is transformed into a traditional marketplace for the Armidale Farmers Market. It’s here you’ll meet the makers and producers of seasonal produce, homemade food and local wine. Stallholders here pride themselves on sustainable agricultural practices and healthy living. Fill your cup with an organic fair-trade coffee, then pack your basket full of free-range eggs, mushrooms, garlic, stone fruit and honey.
