Best Uralla accommodation, cafes and things to do

Halfway between Sydney and Brisbane, the New England town of Uralla has lots of country charms to share in its wide and welcoming streets.

The New England Highway may run through the heart of town, but time seems to slow down when you park your car and walk along Uralla’s main street.

Here you can explore heritage buildings filled with well-curated shops, art galleries, a craft brewery and more, while just off the highway an old aeroplane hangar holds an eclectic mix of businesses.

See Aboriginal rock art, learn about Uralla’s gold rush and bushranging days, stand at the top of a huge waterfall and keep an eye out for fairy houses on your stay in this charming New England town.

When to visit Uralla

Summer in Uralla is relatively mild with average high temperatures of 27°C, providing an escape from the heat and humidity.

Autumn brings changing colours, cooler times and the Seasons of New England festival.

Pack your winter woollies for a mid-year stay, when the overnight temperatures are around freezing and average top temperatures only reach 13°C (all the better for gathering around the fireplace in the pub).

Car driving through the New England countryside in Uralla. — A car driving through the New England countryside in Uralla. (Image: Destination NSW)

Spring brings new life and brightly coloured flowers out in the streets and parklands. It’s also when Thunderbolts Festival – an extravaganza of markets, a parade and carnival fun for families – is held at Alma Park.

How to get to Uralla

When driving, Uralla is around five and a half hours and 450 kilometres from Sydney, and just under five hours and 484 kilometres from Brisbane, making it roughly halfway between the two capital cities.

It takes 20 minutes to drive from Armidale to Uralla, and Armidale airport is even closer; after landing on a Qantas or Rex flight it’s only a 12-minute drive to Uralla.

You can also sit back and watch the scenery go by on the train. It takes a little less than eight hours to travel from Sydney’s Central Station to Uralla’s heritage-listed railway station.

Uralla accommodation

Forget chain hotels – in Uralla, you can pull into a classic Australian motel or find a cute cottage for the night.

Uralla motels

Bushranger Motor Inn

The four-star Bushranger Motor Inn sits in the heart of town and offers spacious rooms, including interconnecting and family options, a disabled access room and a spa suite. Not only do they offer breakfast, they’ll even deliver it to your room.

a room at Bushranger Motel, Uralla — Have breakfast delivered right to your door.

Altona Motel

It may be an older-style country motel, but with its competitive rates and clean rooms, the Altona Motel knows how to welcome back repeat customers. All 16 rooms come with a kettle, toaster and electric blankets, while the super and deluxe family rooms also have microwaves.

Uralla guesthouses

Kings Cottage Uralla

This lovingly restored 1886 cottage combines heritage charm with modern conveniences. As well as having period fireplaces in both bedrooms, Kings Cottage Uralla also features a fireplace in the bathroom so you can watch the flames from your freestanding tub.

Aurelia’s Farm

On the edge of town with countryside views, Aurelia’s Farm is a fully self-contained two-bedroom cottage with a large dining and lounge area, soft comfortable beds and a spa bath.

Breakfast provisions include homemade banana bread, the owner’s homemade toasted muesli, fresh bread, yoghurt, kombucha, tea and freshly ground locally roasted coffee.

Feel the peace of sweeping farm views from your Aurelia’s Farm cottage.

Uralla Caravan Park

On the same grounds as Alma Park and its well-appointed playground, the Queen Street Uralla Caravan Park offers drive-through powered sites, clean amenities, a new camp kitchen, a fire pit, barbecue and picnic facilities.

As it’s off the highway it’s nice and quiet, but it’s still within easy walking distance of the town’s shops and museums.

Uralla cafes and restaurants

While you can find some quick bites in town, it’s much better to slow down and take in your surroundings while enjoying the delicious food in Uralla’s cafes, bars and restaurants.

The Alternate Root

In the old Trickett’s General Store building, built circa 1910, The Alternate Root is a cafe seven days a week, and on Fridays and Saturdays it’s also a restaurant and bar at night.

On reclaimed timber tables under pressed metal ceilings, guests can dine on cafe staples and more unusual finds, including chicken shawarma platters and vegan burgers by day, and pork belly lollipops and swordfish at night.

Patrons purchasing food and drink at The Alternate Root Cafe, Uralla — Enjoy cafe staples and unique culinary delights at The Alternate Root. (Image: Destination NSW)

Top Pub

African spiced lamb back straps, fig and brie roasted chicken and Thai salads join the pub classics on the menu at Top Pub . Get a seat beside the fire on those cold Uralla days, or grab a table next to the colourful murals in the beer garden in the warmer months.

Top Pub is also home to Willmont Restaurant , where degustation dinners and high teas are available for groups of 15 people or more.

New England Brewing Co.

Housed in an old service station and wool store building, the New England Brewing Co . operates a craft brewery and canning line right behind the bar, so you can take a brewery tour without leaving your bar stool.

Go for the tasting paddle option to try a mix of their classics and more unusual brews, which have included Imperial Chai Brown, Pecan Milk Coffee Stout and Pineapple Slices IPA. Beer snacks including cheese, cold meats, crackling and pickles are also available.

Taste a bit of everything aith a New England Brewing Co. tasting paddle. (Image: Destination NSW)

Dobson’s Distillery

Some of the world’s best gins are being created in the village of Kentucky, just a 12-minute drive from Uralla.

Pull up a seat in Dobson’s Distillery’s speakeasy-style bar and chat to owner Stephen Dobson about his award-winning gins, whiskeys and vodkas, including the New England Dry Gin that won double gold medals at the San Francisco Spirits World Cup.

Tastings are available seven days a week, and on the weekends lunch is also served. Bookings are essential for food.

Things to do in Uralla

Step back in time, out in nature and into an unusual store on a day out in Uralla.

Seasons of New England

From the moment the first Seasons of New England Expo was held in Uralla in 2014 it quickly became one of the region’s most popular events.

Thanks to the careful vetting of stallholders you’ll be meeting local makers and creators from the New England region, as well as sipping on local drinks in the bar as you listen to local musicians.

If you miss the festival you can buy handcrafted New England products in the Seasons Store on Bridge Street year-round.

A stallholder at Seasons of New England event in Uralla. — Marvel at the locally crafted goods on offer at Seasons Of New England.

McCrossin’s Mill Museum

In a three-storey flour mill that dates back to 1870, McCrossin’s Mill Museum is an award-winning community owned and run museum.

Explore exhibits on the local Anaiwan people, the Rocky River gold rush, Captain Thunderbolt (local bushranger Fred Ward), and Australia’s first world champion, rower Ned Trickett, who spent his final days in the town.

Ned’s gravestone has been moved into the museum, while Thunderbolt’s grave can be seen in the town cemetery.

Mural on the side of the McCrossin's Mill Museum, Uralla — Immerse yourself in local history at McCrossin’s Mill Museum. (Image: Destination NSW)

Heritage walks

Pick up a heritage walking map from the Uralla Visitor Information Centre ; it lists more than 50 buildings and historical features to look out for as you stroll around town.

You can also download the Uralla Soundtrail for a guided walk that includes local stories from different generations.

Bulagaranda (Mount Yarrowyck) Aboriginal Area

See rock art that’s up to 500 years old at Bulagaranda (Mount Yarrowyck) Aboriginal Area . Around a 20-minute drive from Uralla along Thunderbolt’s Way, the reserve’s Aboriginal cultural walk takes visitors on a three-kilometre return track through natural bushland to the cave painting site.

The parking area includes barbecues, tables and a toilet, so you can bring your lunch to enjoy before or after your walk.

Dangars Falls

A scenic drive through the countryside will bring you to Dangars Falls , one of the most striking waterfalls in NSW.

The falls have several viewing platforms, including one that’s only 100 metres from the car park; another lets you stand at the top of the falls to watch the water disappear over the edge of the cliff.

Bring a picnic or food to cook on the free barbecues, or get a permit and spend the night in one of seven National Parks campsites .

Dangars Falls lookout, Oxley Rivers National Park, Walcha — See the falls from above thanks to the viewing platform. (Image: Josh Armitage/DPE)

Alma Park

First established in the 1880s, Alma Park was given a $500,000 upgrade in 2019 and now features a modern playground with a climbing tower, zip line and a Liberty Swing for children and adults in wheelchairs. There’s a pretty iron lace rotunda and two free electric barbecues.

As well as stretching your legs around the flower beds, visitors can cross the old footbridge for a more challenging walk around Mt Mutton.

Little Birdy

In an old aircraft hangar on Hill Street, Little Birdy houses more than 30 local businesses under its big curved roof.

Stallholders include Sole Purpose, where you can order handmade, made-to-measure vegan shoes, Anna Sutherland Design, where everything is designed, screen printed and sewn in Uralla, and Hillbilly Made, where you can find unusual reclaimed and upcycled homewares.

Little Birdy, Uralla — Find amazing designs inside an old aircraft hangar at Little Birdy.

Uralla art galleries

Get an art fix in one of the town’s galleries. Exhibitions by Australian artists can be found alongside a collection of candles, linen and confectionery at Uralla Gallery .

Barking Dog Gallery showcases handmade ceramics, wood and glass art in an old bakery building, while Chaucer on Bridge Street Gallery offers ceramics classes on Saturday mornings, as well as selling ceramics and jewellery by local artists.

Spot Uralla’s fairy doors

First spotted on the main street in the 2020 Covid lockdowns, the Uralla fairy doors – each with its own unique style – are fun to find for both children and big kids at heart.

A fairy door in Uralla — Spot the man fairy doors scattered around town. (Image: Uralla Fairy Festival)

Pick up a fairy door map at the Uralla Visitor Information Centre or download one here . Expect lots of fairy wings in the streets in December for the Uralla Fairy Festival (wizards are also welcome).

From serene natural beauty to vibrant nightlife, with plenty of arts and culture in between, the NSW Central Coast has been enjoying a serious glow up.

Just one hour from Sydney, the Central Coast has long been the perfect seaside getaway. And with its ECO Destination certification with a focus on sustainability, it’s a trip travellers can feel good about, too. Recently, new and exciting openings have turned the Central Coast into a place where incredible natural beauty is still on the table, but so is a vibrant and sophisticated arts, dining and nightlife scene.

Find out what’s new to discover on the Central Coast.

1. Gosford’s glow up

room at voco gosford — Book into voco and experience the best of Gosford.

Long-time Central Coast lovers will hardly recognise Gosford these days. While always boasting gorgeous water views, a range of revamps and new openings have turned it into a busy hub of arts and culture, with an increasingly diverse and vibrant nightlife.

Landmark lifestyle hotel voco Gosford is the perfect home base for a Central Coast getaway. At this IHG hotel overlooking sparkling Brisbane Water, guests can spend sunny days soaking in the rooftop pool (or just sipping a cocktail beside it). When it comes to meals, you can enjoy multiple venues serving up everything from modern Australian fare to fine-dining Japanese.

Venture out to lay eyes on the Central Coast’s first permanent Moving Image Gallery (MIG) . Opened this year inside the Gosford Regional Gallery , the immersive space is a showcase of screen-based and digital art. While at the gallery, wander around the Edogawa Commemorative Garden, a traditional Japanese strolling garden complete with teahouse, koi pond and an ornamental bridge.

Meanwhile, the revamped Gosford Regional Library has even more than books to discover. Now, it’s one of the best in the southern hemisphere – find exhibitions, historical archives and community initiatives for all ages at this perfect family-friendly escape.

2. Newcomers to the dining scene

table full of food at Amarilla restaurant terrigal — Treat yourself to sundowners and snacks at Amarilla.

The Central Coast has long been the perfect destination for gourmands, with everything from casual eats to fine dining elevating the local offerings. And three new destinations have been added to the map.

Amarilla at The Haven in Terrigal is the perfect seaside venue for sundowners, with blissed-out beats providing the soundtrack. Book in for golden hour and choose bites from a Spanish tapas menu made for sharing. Do as the locals do and wash it all down with sangria – the Sunday Sangria Sessions have become a local institution.

Also in Terrigal, Little Miss has brought a premium Mediterranean menu to the waterfront. Try the wagyu tartare with Greek caviar or butter-poached lobster and tomato bisque, paired with inventive cocktails and a handpicked selection of Lebanese wines.

Over in Ettalong, Bar Toto is perfect for pre- or post-dinner drinks. This award-winning cocktail bar is known for its creative concoctions, along with craft beer, wine and antipasti platters to snack on. The interior sets the mood, with dim lighting and wooden furnishings.

3. New Central Coast experiences

winemaker at Firescreek Botanical Winery — Book an experience at Firescreek Botanical Winery.

It’s entirely possible (and recommended) to spend a Central Coast getaway relaxing on one of its many peaceful and pristine beaches. But for those who crave more, there’s a long list of options to keep you busy.

Pop into the iconic Australian Reptile Park to see the new Weigel Venom Centre, a state-of-the-art facility that’s home to over 200 of the country’s most venomous snakes.

Get out on the water with Sail Central Coast , which offers 20 years of expertise in yacht charters. Book the Sunset Sail & Dine yacht charter for a private afternoon cruising the waterways of Bouddi National Park and Brisbane Water, stopping at Anchor on Hardys for a two-course meal with a cocktail.

For something completely different, Firescreek Botanical Winery is now offering an Aboriginal Storytelling and Wine Tasting Experience. Learn about local cultures, stories and traditions from an Aboriginal Elder, then enjoy a botanical-inspired wine tasting led by a local winemaking expert.

4. Central Coast accommodation

view from a cottage at Noonaweena — Sleep in the hinterland at Noonaweena.

There’s simply too much to experience on the Central Coast to only stay for one day. Turn your trip into a relaxing getaway by the beach.

Allawah , a retreat on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, is accessible only by boat. This secluded two-bedroom cottage is the perfect place to unwind, allowing you to spend lazy days fishing, kayaking, paddling or unwinding with a book on your own private jetty.

In the Kulnura hinterland, Noonaweena features a range of accommodation styles, from a luxe glamping bell tent to cottages and a treetop suite. It’s a leader in green travel, with 10 years of certification from Eco Tourism Australia. Relax in the onsite wellness centre or get active on various courts and in the gym facilities.

To stay by the ocean at Toowoon Bay, book into Kim’s Beachside Resort . This adults-only property offers a luxury escape nestled within a sub-tropical rainforest. Along with 36 private timber bungalows, indulge in massages or reiki treatments at the dedicated spa, or stop by the cocktail bar and à la carte restaurant.

5. Shopping on the Central Coast

Umina’s Centred Ceramics central coast — Try your hand at Umina’s Centred Ceramics’ pottery courses.

For those after unique trinkets, handmade treasures and beautiful homewares, the Central Coast is a haven.

Markets on the Central Coast have a special flavour. Wander the Umina Beach Markets at twilight, where you’ll find small businesses from the local areas, and the Norah Head Ocean View Markets , where you can soak up good food, live music and artisan finds by the beach after sunset. ‘Tis the season for the Christmas twilight edition of the Avoca Beachside Markets, celebrating the season with pop-up bars, tasty treats and plenty of unique gift options from local artists and producers.

Galleria Ettalong has also added to the Central Coast’s recent makers and creators renaissance, wrapping cinemas, a dining precinct and over 40 boutique shops into one area.

Sign up for a pottery course at Umina’s Centred Ceramics , or peruse the shop for a range of one-of-a-kind pottery made on the premises for a special souvenir.

For more eclectic arts and homewares, pop into Blue Bird Collective Co . This marketplace supports over 35 small, local and handmade businesses, artists and creatives. Take the time to check out fashion, jewellery and homewares that won’t be found anywhere else.

Start planning your coastal getaway at lovecentralcoast.com .

accommodation and travel guide Uralla