Orange to Armidale road trip: Distance, time & best stops
Orange to Armidale road trip: Gulgong to Coolah
At Gulgong, you join the Castlereagh Highway past Yarrobil National Park. This isn’t set up for visitors, alas – just conservation.
Outside Dunedoo, there’s a short spell on the Golden Highway before turning north on Black Stump Way towards Coolah.
From Coolah, you can potentially make a detour into Coolah Tops National Park a potential detour from here. There are several waterfalls, lookouts, walking trails and campgrounds to enjoy.
Orange to Armidale drive: Coolah to Tamworth
Otherwise, continue along the uneventful Black Stump Way before eventually turning right down Purlewaugh Road. This becomes Coonabarabran Road and passes the Spring Ridge Rifle Range.
Just after the Mooki River crossing in Caroona, you’ll need to branch left onto Waverley Road, cross the Kamilaroi Highway and continue east along Gap Road.
This will take you to Werris Creek, arguably the most interesting town between Orange and Armidale.
The Rail Journeys Museum here is devoted to all things train travel. There’s also the Australian Railway Monument, which pays tribute to 2,700 railway workers who died in the course of duty.
Werris Creek Road will take you north-east into guitar-twanging Tamworth.
Things to do in Tamworth include the Australian Country Music Hall of Fame and the Armidale Powerstation Museum, which explores electricity and electronics. For natural beauty in the vicinity, try Chaffey Dam near Nundle.
The best places to stay in Tamworth
There are several Tamworth accommodation options. These, however, are the best picks…
- For excellent value and a pool: Roydons Motor Inn.
- For design flair: CH Boutique Hotel.
- For central location: City Sider Motor Inn.
- For spacious apartments: Cadman Motor Inn and Apartments.
- For heritage and charm: Quality Inn Ashby House.
Click through to the next section: Tamworth to Bendemeer.