Armidale

Armidale is located on the New England Tableands in northern New South Wales about midway between Sydney and Brisbane. It has a cool temperate climate with the majority of rain falling in the summer months. Armidale's elevation gives it a mild climate, with pleasant warm summers, extended spring and autumn seasons, and a short cold winter with some frosty nights. Snow falls on an average of three to four days a year.

The historic centre of Armidale is small enough to be easily covered on foot. However, some attractions (the University and the New England Regional Art Museum) are on the outskirts of town, making access difficult for the less-mobile traveller.

A bus service (Edwards) does run frequently between the town centre and the University, but the best way to explore the town and surrounding countryside is by car. Car hire is available on arrival at the airport. Taxi services are also widely available. Getting between the town and the university is an easy cycle, with bicycle lanes on the roads, and quiet traffic.

Armidale perhaps enjoys a livelier nightlife than many towns of its size, due to the university student population. It has a selection of nearly 10 pubs to choose from. Each one has a nickname with the locals and students, and knowing the name on the door of the pub won't help you in conversation. Moving between two or three pubs in a night is not uncommon, and running into the same people at another pub later on happens. Try the New England Hotel in the centre of town, right on the main mall.