Armidale to Inverell drive: Distance, time & road trip stops

The best stops on the Armidale to Inverell drive are the Bulagandara Aboriginal Area and Bundarra Lions Park. By car, the distance from Armidale to Inverell is 124km, with a 1h24m driving time.

The drive from Armidale to Inverell connects two of the largest towns in the New England region of New South Wales. This guide should help travellers plot an ideal Armidale to Inverell road trip itinerary.

For accommodation in Inverell, look here.

To pick out the best Armidale accommodation, head here.

Armidale to Inverell distance and driving time

By car along sealed roads, the distance from Armidale to Inverell is 124km. That makes for a driving time of around one hour and 24 minutes.

Where to stay in Armidale

For the best Armidale accommodation, book one of these:

For charm and character: Petersons Armidale Winery & Guesthouse.
For a great value motel: Alluna Motel.
For central location: Tattersalls Hotel.

The quickest route from Armidale to Inverell leaves Armidale along Bundarra Road. This passes the Bulagandara Aboriginal Area – which was formerly known as the Mount Yarrowyck Nature Reserve. The Aboriginal rock art here is thought to be up to 500 years old, and can be reached via a short walking trail from the car park. There are also picnic tables and barbecues available.

After turning onto Thunderbolts Way, the Armidale to Inverell drive is rural and thoroughly uneventful.

Armidale to Inverell drive: Bundarra and Gilgai

There are a few creek crossings, but the multi-arched bridge over the Gwydir River is the prettiest spot for a photo stop. Pull up at the Bundarra Lions Park for the best shot.

Bundarra has a riverside caravan park and a classic country pub in the Commercial Hotel. It’s the best place to get a bite to eat before reaching Inverell, but Bundarra won’t detain most travellers for long.

Gilgai, the next town along the route, has a general store and very little else.

On the way into Inverell, you’ll pass the Inverell Mountain Bike Park, Inverell Golf Club and the Goonoowigal State Conservation Area.

Things to do in Inverell once you arrive include the Inverell Pioneer Village. This open-air museum brings together several heritage buildings from around the region. Other attractions include the McIlveen Park Lookout on Tabletop Mountain.