Car Rental Armidale Airport

The city of Armidale sits around halfway between Sydney and Brisbane, making it a perfect stopping location if you’re on a coastal road trip. However, if you are planning on flying into Armidale Airport and hiring a car, then there are many activities you can do in Armidale and the surrounding region. Armidale has a rich history, both with the local Anaiwan Aboriginal people and colonial settlement, with the town officially existing since 1846. As a result, Armidale is full of everything you expect from a regional New South Wales town, from Aboriginal culture to fine dining, beautiful scenery, heritage sites, and museums.

The site where Armidale now sits is the home of the Anaiwan people. If you’re looking to learn more about their history and the history of the Aboriginal people, then visit the Aboriginal Cultural Centre. The centre is just a 10-minute drive from the airport. The centre is free of charge and offers the chance to see a wide range of Aboriginal artefacts and artworks.

Within your rental car you can take a drive around Armidale to see all of the heritage sites. Armidale has been dubbed the ‘Cathedral City’. See the two main cathedrals of St Peters and St Mary and St Joseph. These stunning buildings have a long and rich history. Fans of architecture must-see St Peters, built in a Victorian Academic Gothic style; it is quite different from most cathedral designs in Australia. There are many more heritage sites in Armidale, from churches, schools, hotels, banks, train stations, and public monuments.

Take a Drive to the Coast in Your Car Hire

Waterfall Way is the most popular road trip in the region. Take the two and a half-hour drive from Armidale to the coast, stopping at Coffs Harbour. Known for the beautiful waterfalls you can see along the way, Waterfall Way offers stops at many other locations. You will pass world-heritage listed rainforests, valleys, nature reserves and more. We highly recommend stopping off at New England and Dorrigo National Parks. Each offers diverse, untouched rainforest full of native species and spectacular flora and fauna. You can stop off at as many or few locations along the way as you wish - you don’t have to walk far from the car park to see spectacular scenery. There are walking trails of every length, from casual strolls to multi-day treks. 

At the end of the drive, you will end up in Coffs Harbour. An incredible coastal town full of activities and food. Take in the pristine sand beaches, zoos, family attractions, whale watching, botanic gardens, street markets, aquarium, and many coastal walks. 

It is hard to resist such a tantalizingly beautiful drive. It packs so much of what makes New South Wales' regional areas great. 

Take in Armidale With a Rental Car

Many of the heritage sites in Armidale offer guided tours and free entry. Take a short drive southwest of Armidale to the Saumarez Homestead, a National Trusted listed mansion built in 1888. The 30 room Edwardian Mansion is complete with the original furnishings, an immaculately maintained garden and outbuildings. It feels like stepping back in time!   

Visit the New England Regional Art Museum (NERAM) and see the stunning collection of over 5,000 pieces of historical, modern and contemporary art. The museum is home to 6 different gallery spaces that hold various exhibitions and events. You can also visit the Museum shop and take part in the art classes and workshops. The museum is just a 10-minute drive from the airport. 

Armidale has so much to offer, and the region is full of activities to explore with a hire car. It doesn’t matter if you have two days or two weeks, you can find enough fun to fill the days in this stunning part of the world.