Almost half way between Brisbane and Sydney, Armidale sits on the banks of Dumaresq Creek. You could say it’s the tablecloth on the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales. Research tells me that the main street is called ‘Beardy Street’, named for two of the founding settlers who had beards. As such, it may pay to pack a temporary beard for emergencies, and to assist in blending in with the locals when you’re doing your shopping.
If you’re chasing notable Armidale celebrities, you will be delighted to walk in the footsteps of songbird Peter Allen and Aussie poet Judith Wright:
"When summer days grow harsh
my thoughts return to my river,
fed by white mountain springs,
beloved of the shy bird, the bellbird,
whose cry is like falling water.
O nighted with the green vine,
lit with the rock-lilies,
the river speaks in the silence,
and my heart will also be quiet."
-- 'Northern River' Judith Wright
After visiting the New England Regional Art Museum, the Waterfall Way scenic drive and the Wollomombi Falls, you’ll be keen to check in to some relaxing accommodation. Welcome to Moore Park Inn located 1.5km from the Armidale Airport on the Waterfall Way (also called Uralla Road).
What are you waiting for? Let’s check it out!
We’ve enjoyed staying at the Moore Park Inn on previous visits to Armidale, and were looking forward to staying again. Arriving back for our most recent stay, we felt a sense of calm and peace that’s rare for motel accommodation.
This visit we booked into a Deluxe Queen Suite, however there are a variety of room arrangements from Executive Suites through to Family Suites – even a Homestead Cottage for those looking for a quiet romantic getaway.
As you come up the drive, you’re surrounded by beautiful trees and open space. We didn’t hear any noise from guests or road noise – just the sound of the leaves blowing in the breeze. Each unit has an allocated parking spot right outside the door, which makes for easy packing and unpacking.
All rooms are on the ground floor and have a sliding glass door that opens onto the gorgeous green yard and neighbouring paddocks. Wheelchair accessible accommodation is available, and if you have a friend with you that likes bones – dog-friendly rooms can pre-arranged upon request.
When you check in, you may be offered a delicious brownie to have with your afternoon cuppa! We suggest saying please and thank you – it’s delicious! If for whatever reason you hate brownies, take it anyway and post it to us.
There is a restaurant on site – Archie’s on the Park – which is open for breakfast (bookings recommended). Continental and/or a cooked breakfast are available 7.30am to 9.15am every day.
By the time you enter your unit, you may have already spotted some animals! There are some Guinea Fowl onsite that squark a welcoming cackle, and the owners have a friendly doggo. There’s even a horse in the neighbouring field for those that like to snoop from a distance.
If we know one thing, it’s how exhausting it is looking at a solitary horse in a field – so why not have an early dinner at the little table outside your unit? It’s only a short drive into the town centre, where you can grab something to eat. We’ll wait.
After dinner (or before, if you’re a youth that eats after 5pm) take a walk around the grounds to enjoy the beautiful afternoon/late evening and the pretty trees and flowers. Near the front gate, an army of small corgies had a lot of questions about what we were doing there on foot. Six corgies make an army, right?
How can you be unhappy in a room that has sufficient power points and provides you with complimentary tea and coffee provisions?! We will warn you that there were no hot chocolate sachets, however this is not our first rodeo so we had some in our bag. I’m sure you’re all relieved!
Plates, bowls, spoons and the like are all provided for your amusement. There’s a little fridge with some mini bar supplies that you can also help yourself to for a small fee.
There was no microwave in the room which was a mild stumbling block for us, considering that’s our main way of surviving – but there are plenty of food options close by. Signor Vertelli’s Pizza was recommended if you’re looking for a tasty dinner in a circle shape.
The bed is firm & comfy, though if you like to sleep sitting upright like a Victorian Vampire, there’s an arm chair off to the side of the bed that may fit the bill.
If your companion (or Renfield) is sitting on the bed, the large lamps provide a modesty screen, so you can’t see your loved ones head when they’re sitting in the chair. This may or may not matter to you. Who can tell with vampires …
Anyway, I digress. The shower was good – hot with great water pressure though a bit snug as the shower’s over the bath. However, I am a powerful woman who flails about so it’s probably fine for most.
We really enjoyed our night at the Moore Park Inn, and think you will too. Relaxing surrounds, friendly staff and plenty to see and do in Armidale.
When we go away, we always take a few books with us so that we’ve got something on hand to read 🙂
We encourage you to always source books from your local independent bookshop or library – however, we understand this is sometimes not practical based on location or budget.
Therefore, this part of the post contains Amazon affiliate links. This means, if you click on the link and purchase the book from that link, I get a few dollars at no extra cost to you! This way we can both stock up on holiday reads! 😀
The books we bought with us on this trip included:
