When the crisp winter air rolls across the New England Tablelands, Glen Innes transforms into a frost-kissed wonderland. Known affectionately as Celtic Country, this high-altitude haven embraces the chilly season like nowhere else in Australia. From roaring open fireplaces and hearty winter feasts to misty mornings spent exploring ancient standing stones, winter is undoubtedly one of the most atmospheric times to visit. So pack your thickest coat, your woolliest scarf, and get ready for the ultimate winter escape with this comprehensive guide on where to eat, stay, and play in Glen Innes.
Ben’s Falls Retreat.
Eat – Cosy winter feasts and hearty fare
Winter in the New England High Country demands serious comfort food, and Glen Innes delivers with a thriving local food scene designed to warm you from the inside out.
Special winter culinary events
If you time your winter visit right, you can join in on unique, festive dining experiences that fully embrace the chilly weather. On 12 July, the new Longhorn Bar and Grill hosts a Medieval Feast, inviting you to a three-course banquet menu complete with a hilarious jester, entertainment, and plenty of mead and merriment. Then on 19 July, you can celebrate Christmas in July at Ben’s Falls Retreat with a festive long lunch overlooking the gorge, featuring crackling fires and a seasonal menu.
The local pub scene
Nothing says winter country hospitality quite like an open fire in a historic pub. For a classic Aussie counter meal, head to the Great Central Hotel or the Tattersalls Hotel. Here, you can tuck into robust winter staples like slow-cooked beef pot pies, massive chicken schnitzels, and perfectly grilled local steaks, all while washing it down with a crisp regional ale or a heavy red wine.
Cafes and sweet treats
For your morning caffeine fix, The Local and The Coffee Incident serve up exceptional, barista-made coffee alongside decadent breakfast options. Think loaded Eggs Benedict, French toast stacks and massive gourmet toasties. If you have a sweet tooth, a stop by Sweetie Pie’s is mandatory for a warm, flaky meat pie or a freshly baked pastry treat to fuel your morning stroll.
Sweetie Pie’s Bakery.
Stay – Fireside cabins and historic charm
Whether you’re looking for a romantic couples’ retreat or a central base rich with heritage character, the accommodation options here ensure you’ll stay warm on the frostiest winter nights.
Waterloo Station
For a truly unforgettable country experience, book a stay at the historic Waterloo Station. Located just a short drive out of town, this sprawling pastoral property offers beautifully restored cottages and shearers’ quarters. Featuring magnificent stone fireplaces and stunning rural vistas, it’s the ultimate place to unplug, pour a glass of red wine, and watch the winter mist settle over the hills.
Waterloo Station.
Boutique motels and inns
If you prefer to be closer to the action, the town boasts excellently appointed boutique motels like the Rest Point Motor Inn, which features a divine on-site restaurant so you don’t have to brave the evening chill for dinner. Alternatively, check into the New England Motor Lodge, where you can easily couple premium accommodation with top-tier, locally-sourced dining at The Highlands Restaurant.
Local holiday rentals
For a more personalised, character-filled stay, explore the town’s charming private rentals. You can snuggle up in unique settings like The Counting House, The Little Gatehouse, a cosy rural farm stay, or an authentically restored 1870s house, all offering the perfect setup to keep the winter chill at bay. For a more personalised, character-filled stay, explore the town’s charming private rentals. You can snuggle up in unique settings like The Counting House or The Little Gatehouse, both offering the perfect setup to keep the winter chill at bay. For a truly central heritage experience, Flemish Bond is a beautiful 1870s house right in the centre of town that features a large modern extension with heated floors and an open fireplace to easily keep six adults toasty when temperatures plummet. If you would prefer a tranquil rural escape just three kilometres south of town, Glen Waverly Farm Stay offers a beautifully appointed one-bedroom cottage nestled in park-like gardens.
The Australian Standing Stones.
Play – Celtic magic and outdoor adventures
Don’t let the chilly temperatures keep you indoors – Glen Innes is alive with activity during the winter months, offering a unique mix of cultural heritage and natural beauty.
The Australian Standing Stones
No trip to Glen Innes is complete without visiting the Australian Standing Stones. Appearing out of the winter mist on the edge of town, this national monument pays tribute to the area’s Celtic pioneers. On a crisp, frosty morning, walking among these giant megaliths feels next-level mystical. Afterwards, warm up at the onsite Crofters Cottage with a hot chocolate.
Indoor sports
If you want to fine-tune your golfing technique while escaping the elements, book a virtual round using the Trackman golf simulator. Available at The New England Club, it’s a fantastic high-tech indoor setup to keep you active on particularly frosty days.
Fossicking for gemstones in Reddestone Creek, Glen Innes.
Fossicking and gemstones
The New England region is world-famous for its deep-blue sapphires and winter is a fantastic time to try your luck at the Glencoe Fossicking Area or Billabong Blue Sapphire Park. The crisp air makes the physical work of panning through the gravel a breeze, and there’s nothing quite like the thrill of spotting a flash of brilliant blue glittering in your sieve.
Explore world heritage wilderness
For the nature lovers, pack your hiking boots and head to the nearby Washpool and Gibraltar Range National Parks. Winter offers crystal-clear, blue-sky days perfect for bushwalking. You’ll marvel at ancient rainforests, dramatic granite tors, and spectacular waterfalls like Boundary Falls. The walking tracks are quiet, the air is extraordinarily clean, and you won’t have to worry about the summer heat.
Top tip: Glen Innes sits at over 1000 metres above sea level, meaning occasional winter snowfalls do happen! Keep an eye on the weather forecast – catching the Standing Stones dusted in a layer of white snow is an absolute bucket-list experience.
The Needles, Gibraltar Range National Park.
Plan your winter escape
Glen Innes captures the absolute best of a classic Australian country winter. With its rich Celtic history, stunning natural landscapes, and warm hospitality, it’s the perfect place to embrace the chill.
