Your cart is currently empty!
Sprawling rock faces, cascading waterfalls and the colourful hues of autumn – this folks, is the New England region of NSW. You’ve heard of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Great Barrier Reef and the Twelve Apostles, but what if we told you that the New England region harbours some of the best-kept-secret photo opportunities in New South Wales? From Bald Rock and Boonoo Boonoo Falls in Tenterfield to Cathedral Rock and Point Lookout along the Waterfall Way, the New England region is teeming with photo opportunities just waiting to be captured.
1. Bald Rock, Bald Rock National Park
Located just a 25-minute drive from Tenterfield, Bald Rock stands tall at almost 1300 metres above sea level, 500 metres wide and 750 metres in length and resides in one of six national parks in the Tenterfield Shire. Once serving as neutral territory for the Jukambal, Bundgalung and Kamilleroi people, Bald Rock acted as a trade route for meetings and trading between these three Indigenous tribes. Now the biggest granite rock to climb in the whole of Australia, Bald Rock offers sweeping views across the national park and beyond. You can expect great walking tracks complete with stellar barbecue and picnic facilities for a post-walk feast. For an Instagram-worthy photo opportunity, pack a bag and thermos and take The Summit Walk. Said to be at its most breathtaking in autumn and winter when the sun’s rising or setting, this challenging 2.7-kilometres trail starts with 340 metres of easy bitumen track before ascending the face of the granite monolith. This hidden gem is a must to do when visiting the Tenterfield Shire, so be sure to set out with sturdy shoes. Serving up different walking tracks for different levels of experience, Bald Rock is without doubt one of the town’s greatest assets to tick off the list of many great things to do in this northern part of the New England
Bald Rock National Park | Website
2. Boonoo Boonoo Falls
For your next stop, you’ll need to travel just eight minutes back towards Tenterfield and turn off at the sign for Boonoo Boonoo National Park. Boasting stunning waterfalls, hidden swimming holes, camping spots and walking tracks aplenty, this National Park is abundant with breathtaking Insta-worthy photo opportunities. Famously known as the place where poet and songwriter Banjo Patterson proposed to his sweetheart Alice Walker, Boonoo Boonoo National Park oozes romance and charm. Pack a picnic and head out for a day in the sun – and don’t forget your swimmers – the wildflower-lined river is pocketed with rock pools just waiting to be discovered.
3. Autumn leaves
It’s no secret that autumn in Tenterfield is a sight to behold. Hues of greens, oranges, reds, yellows and purples line the streets, transforming the regional town into an enchanting autumn wonderland. If you’re searching for the perfect photo opp, there’s one place in particular the locals recommend. Enter Casino Road, where fallen leaves create a golden carpet at ground level and colourful trees reach toward the crisp blue sky. With sights like this, it’s no wonder all eyes are on Tenterfield.
Casino Road | Tenterfield NSW 2372
4. The Needles, Gibraltar Range National Park
For stunning views of unique rock formations, be sure to check out The Needles in Gibraltar Range National Park. Located just one hour from Glen Innes, Gibraltar Range National Park is packed with Insta-worthy photo opportunities, but the Needles are an absolute must-see. Overlooking the stunning valley below, the six granite columns known as The Needles can be found just a three-kilometre walk from Mulligan’s campground. Pack your swimmers for a refreshing dip in Little Dandahra Creek on the way back!
Gibraltar National Park | The Needles Walking Track | Website
5. Dangars Gorge Lookout – Armidale
If jaw-dropping waterfalls and ancient granite rock faces are your cup of tea, you can’t miss Dangars Gorge Lookout in Armidale. Wheelchair-friendly and close to the car park, Dangars Gorge Lookout offers stunning views of the 120-metre high waterfall cascading from the cliff face. And if the conditions are right, you might be able to snap a picture with the rainbow that often materialises in front of the falls. Fun fact: It’s said that in 1866, a man by the name of Signor Vertelli crossed Dangars Gorge several times on a steel tightrope that stretched across the mouth of the gorge (and was 180 metres high). Signor Vertelli was awarded 11 pounds for his efforts by the awe-struck crowd who watched him do it. Today, you’ll find a pizza restaurant named after him in Armidale. If you’re in town, we highly recommend checking them out!
Dangars Gorge Lookout | Website
6. Point Lookout – New England National Park
Located in New England National Park between Ebor and Armidale, Point Lookout is another place that offers the perfect selfie backdrop. Sitting on the edge of the Great Escarpment, this lookout rewards you with panoramic views of the New England National Park with the coastline visible in the distance. Said to be its most glorious in autumn and winter, Point Lookout is wheelchair accessible and just 200 metres from the car park. Pack a thermos and picnic or make use of the site’s BBQ area.
7. Cathedral Rock – Cathedral Rock National Park
Another photo opportunity lies just up the road from Point Lookout at Cathedral Rock National Park. Standing tall and proud, Cathedral Rock offers panoramic views from 1500 metres above sea level. The rock can be reached via a six-kilometres loop track, starting at either Barokee or Native Dog campground. The first half of the journey will take you through stunning national park filled with tall gums and clear streams, then the last 400 metres requires rock-hoping and a scramble before you reach the summit. If you’re up for an adventure, pack a thermos and make the journey to the top of the rock nice and early so you can watch the sunrise. Trust us when we say, this view is epic.
Cathedral Rock National Park | Website
8. Ebor Falls, Ebor
Recently upgraded, the Ebor Falls viewing platform is back and better than ever. For the picture-perfect photo opp, follow the paved 360m loop from the carpark to an impressive view of Ebor Falls. Dropping 100-metres from above, the waters of Guy Fawkes River make its way down not one but two stunning waterfalls. Follow the path further along to the picnic area and use the onsite barbeque facilities, or head into Ebor using The Village walking track – a 1.1km path that ventures through sprawling meadows. Top tip: The Village walking track is the best during the warmer months when everlasting daisies and rare orchids cover the ground.
9. Dangars Falls, Dorrigo
If you’re a big fan of waterfalls you can swim in, then you’ll love Dangar Falls in Dorrigo. Located a five-minute drive from the town centre, this popular spot offers stunning views from the viewing platform right next to the car park. Once you’ve snapped pictures from above, keep following the paved path and after a short 1-kilometre walk, you’ll arrive at the bottom of the stunning Dangar Falls. Be sure to pack a picnic blanket, snacks and sunscreen – it’s easy to spend the whole day here. PS – fellow caffeine addicts, there’s often a coffee van parked here on the weekends.
10. Crystal Shower Falls, Dorrigo
With ancient trees stretching high into the green canopy above and vines draping across the pathway, the Dorrigo National Park is magical in and of itself, but for something extra special, we recommend taking the Wonga Walk circuit to Crystal Shower Falls. You’ll hear the falls before you arrive – the soothing sound of water rushing over rock face an indication you’re in for something pretty spectacular – cameras at the ready! Your first photo stop? The Crystal Shower suspension bridge – overlooking the falls and creek below, this spot is an A+ location for an impromptu photo shoot. Next up? Take the short side track on the other side of the bridge and find yourself standing behind the falls themselves! Thank us later.
Crystal Shower Falls | Website
There’s no arguing that the New England region harbours beauty in all shades. Now all you need to do is point, focus, and click, and don’t forget to tag us in your snaps from around the region – we want to see where you’ve been!
Meg Miller
Digital Marketing Manager. Adventure seeking writer, free spirit, smitten aunt and dog mum.
