Get in Here
Now’s the time to Get in Here and explore our stunning World Heritage-listed wilderness areas. Where sweeping views create the perfect backdrop for unforgettable photos—ideal for travelers passing through or stay a few days to explore everything Glen Innes has to offer. A visit to Glen Innes is not complete without a visit to the National Celtic Monument of Australia, the Australian Standing Stones which is the backdrop to our iconic Australian Celtic Festival in May every year. Centennial Parklands is also home to the Glen Innes Highlands Skywalk where you can listen to local voices telling stories about our culture, history and the unique landscape of our region. Glen Innes has fantastic pubs to relax and have a meal as well as bakeries, with cool, air-conditioned summers and warm country hospitality, the Highlands is the perfect escape this summer season!
Glen Innes is a historic town, its CBD is filled with heritage and Historic buildings. Drop into the Visitor Information Centre and grab a copy of the Heritage Walk map for a stroll down memory lane.
Glen Innes Highlands has an array of accommodation options from B&Bs, Farmstays to Luxe and traditional motel and caravan parks with free long bay parking behind the Visitor Information Centre and CBD Parklands.
gleninneshighlands.com
What’s On this Summer
Christmas in the Highlands
This festive season, Glen Innes is set to sparkle with the annual Christmas in the Highlands, transforming the heart of the CBD into a twinkling wonderland from November 29 to 7 January. Visitors and locals alike are invited to stroll through a streetscape brimming with holiday cheer. Plan a festive overnight getaway to explore not only the lights but also the stunning Highland landscapes and cosy local stays, making for an unforgettable start to the holiday season.
What’s on in January
Glen Innes Races – A Day of Country Spirit and Racing Excitement
The Glen Innes Races are set to kick off the new year with an action-packed day of classic country racing and community fun. Join us as the Glen Innes Jockey Club brings together locals and visitors to experience the best of regional racing with an array of thrilling track events. Set against the scenic backdrop of the New England Highlands, this race day offers everything from traditional bookmakers and on-course TAB facilities to delicious food stalls and an authentic country can bar. With the Fashions on the Field competition adding a touch of glamour, racegoers can show off their finest country style and win fabulous prizes. Soak up the lively atmosphere from the grandstand, and enjoy the camaraderie, cheers, and thrills that only a country race meet can provide. Plan to stay and discover the local charm of Glen Innes while you’re here! Official after party at the New England Club.
Deepwater Races – Celebrating 160 Years of Tradition
Mark your calendars for Saturday, January 25, 2025, as the Deepwater Races celebrate a remarkable 160 years, honouring one of Australia’s oldest racing traditions. This historic event brings together racing enthusiasts for a day of unforgettable country spirit, featuring six exhilarating races, including the celebrated 1200-meter Deepwater Cup. From cheering on the horses from the grandstand—an iconic structure built in 1876—to placing your bets with traditional bookmakers or the on-course TAB, the Deepwater Races capture the essence of country racing heritage. Dress to impress for the Fashions on the Field competition following the final race, and keep the excitement going as live music, food, and drinks continue until 9 p.m. To make the experience easy and enjoyable, a free community bus will run from the Deepwater Hotel, the Jockey Club Calcutta’s headquarters. This is a race day you don’t want to miss, so come and celebrate the legacy and charm of the Deepwater Races!
For details go to: Glen Innes – gleninnesjockeyclub.com
Deepwater – deepwaterjockeyclub.com.au
Glen Innes Agricultural Show and Gourmet Fiesta
February 14th – 16th
The annual Glen Innes Show is a vibrant celebration of country life and community spirit, filled with events and attractions for all ages. Held over three exciting days, the show features an incredible range of 39 sections, from livestock and show jumping to folk art and horticulture. Visitors can enjoy nonstop livestock exhibits, top-tier horse events, and the best in regional show jumping and campdraft competitions. Friday kicks off with an official opening ceremony, while Saturday brings the grand spectacle of the Grand Parade, highlighting the show’s finest exhibits around 4 p.m. As night falls, the sky lights up with impressive fireworks display each evening at 9 p.m., adding a magical touch to the showgrounds.
This year, the much-anticipated Gourmet Fiesta returns, bringing culinary flair to the Glen Innes Show with a return visit from renowned Celebrity Chef Matt Golinski leading the charge. Known for his farm-to-table expertise, Matt will showcase local ingredients through cooking demonstrations and tastings, allowing visitors to savour the best of New England Highlands produce. Friday 14th and Saturday 15th February.
The showgrounds also feature arts and crafts, thrilling fairground rides, sports shearing, an extensive cattle pavilion, a demolition derby, and a trade expo that brings together the latest in farm machinery and local goods. For a perfect break, visitors can unwind at the show bar, indulge in a hearty steak sandwich, or savour a pot of tea at the historical Tea Room under the beautiful avenue of trees.
The highlight of the weekend is the Saturday Night Extravaganza, a high-energy line-up featuring awe-inspiring circus stunts, Aussie FMX motocross, a thrilling demolition derby, and a grand finale of fireworks lighting up the night sky. Known as the “Royal of the North,” the Glen Innes Show truly brings together the best of country life, offering something memorable for everyone.
For more events in Glen Innes all year round visit gleninneshighlands.com
Combining the very best of cultural and Celtic history with rolling countryside and adventure around every corner, Glen Innes Highlands is calling you.
gleninneshighlands.com