Tamworth to Grafton road trip: Distance, time & stops
The best stops on a Tamworth to Grafton road trip include Armidale, Ebor Falls, and the Nymboida River. By car, the distance from Tamworth to Grafton is 309km. That makes for a driving time of around 3h56m.
The Tamworth to Grafton drive is one of the most scenic road trips in Australia. It passes through the Great Dividing Range, taking in some of New South Wales’ national parks, rainforests and waterfalls.
Tamworth is the country music capital of Australia. You can look at the Tamworth accommodation options here.
Grafton has an impressive cathedral and is known for its gorgeous jacaranda trees. For Grafton accommodation picks, head here.
Use this guide to help you plan out the perfect Tamworth to Grafton road trip. Click through on the links for more detailed information on the towns and attractions.
Tamworth to Grafton distance and driving time
By car, the distance from Tamworth to Grafton is 309km. That makes for a driving time of around three hours and 56 minutes.
On the way north out of Tamworth, you’ll go past the Oxley Scenic Lookout and the city’s Botanical Gardens.
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.
Before joining the New England Highway, it’s worth pulling over at the Moonbi Lookout, a massive granite outcrop with great views over the New England countryside.
There are more such outcrops further along, including Captain Thunderbolt’s Rock. This picnic site and photo stop was where a notorious bushranger was shot by police in 1863.
Tamworth to Grafton road trip: Uralla to Armidale
The town of Uralla is somewhat obsessed with Captain Thunderbolt, who is buried in the Old Uralla Cemetery on John Street. You’ll find out more about the story in the McCrossin’s Mill Museum – a converted flour mill.
Also in Uralla, you can try your luck panning for golf at the Wooldridge Recreation and Fossicking Area. Don’t expect too much of the shiny stuff to be left behind, though.
The next worthwhile stop is the New England town of Armidale. Things to do in Armidale include helicopter flights over the Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, visiting the Saints Mary and Joseph Catholic Cathedral and browsing the New England Regional Art Museum.
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.
Click through to the next section: The Waterfall Way scenic drive.