There are a lot of opportunities for walking in the Armidale and surrounding area, so we have collated this short list of suggestions within 30 minutes of driving from town and UNE (ordered from closer to further away).
Armidale State Forest
The Armidale State Forest is also often known as the Armidale Pine Forest, or simply, the Piney. It’s about a 5 minute drive from the edge of town/10 minutes from UNE. There are 4 main locations you can park your car and enter the forest, one end mostly bushland while the other end is primarily pine trees. There is a large collection of walking and biking tracks throughout the forest, and it’s also a popular place for dog walking. You’re likely to see cattle roaming through, spot kangaroos or echidnas, and come across the scaffolding of medieval structures left behind from the NEMAS Gathering which happens every 2 years.
https://www.forestrycorporation.com.au/visit/forests/armidale
Dumaresq Dam
There is a 2.5km track circling around the dam, which walks through bushland – it’s an easy walk with a little bit of rock-hopping. You’re allowed to swim, paddle, and fish at Dumaresq Dam, making it a great place to hang out with friends or family on a summers day. There are BBQ facilities, firepits, and children’s play equipment. It’s located about 10 minutes from the edge of town and UNE.
https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/country-nsw/armidale-area/armidale/attractions/dumaresq-dam
Imbota Nature Reserve
This is an often overlooked bushland nature reserve with some short tracks for walking throughout. You may see kangaroos, echidna, and other wildlife while there. It’s about 10 minutes from the edge of town/20 minutes from UNE, and the tracks are easy walking.
https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/imbota-nature-reserve
Yina Nature Reserve
Similar to Imbota, this is another hidden nature reserve of open eucalypt bushland with some short walking trails throughout. You’re likely to see kangaroos or wallabies and plenty of birdlife. Be sure to leave any gates as found when visiting this location. It’s about 12 minutes from the edge of town/21 minutes from UNE.
https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/yina-nature-reserve
Gara Gorge
Gara Gorge is generally known as the Blue Hole to locals. There is a picnic area with BBQ facilities and toilets, and opportunities for walking, swimming, climbing, bouldering, and caving. The Threlfall walking track is a popular option, as a 5.5km loop (approx. 2hrs), with some hills and steps, and a beautiful lookout. You’re likely to see kangaroos, and may spot echidnas, with plenty of bug and bird life. It’s located about 15 minutes from the edge of town/25 minutes from UNE.
https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/picnic-areas/blue-hole-picnic-area
Dangars Falls
If you love waterfalls, this is an excellent place to see one near Armidale. It’s located about 20 minutes from the edge of town/30 minutes from UNE. Dangars Falls is quite an impressive waterfall with a 120m drop, especially after some heavy rain, with 4 different lookout views you can access. Dangars Falls also has a picnic area with BBQ facilities and toilets (and camping), with a wide range of bushwalking tracks to suit anyone. There are walks varying from short and sealed tracks to challenging tracks.
Your main designated options for walking are: Dangars Falls walking track (0.6km return), Rock Wallaby lookout (2.1km return), McDirtys walking track (6km return), Mihi lookout (8.8km return), Salisbury Waters walking track (16km return).
https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/picnic-areas/dangars-falls-picnic-area