Travel

So many reasons to spend Autumn in the Glen Innes Highlands!

16 April 20254 min read

Colours of the Highlands: An Autumn Wonderland

In Glen Innes, autumn paints the landscape in breathtaking shades of amber, gold, and ruby. Crisp, frost-kissed mornings give way to warm fires and cosy gatherings, creating a picture-perfect escape for photographers, nature lovers, and adventurers.

Wander through town as leaves crunch underfoot or experience the season’s magic at signature events like Minerama in March and the Australian Celtic Festival in May. The striking contrast of frost-dusted fields and fiery foliage invites exploration, while local firesides offer a welcoming retreat.

From pop-up activities and hidden gems to stunning seasonal vistas, Glen Innes is autumn at its finest. Whether you’re chasing the perfect shot or simply soaking in the rustic charm, this is the place to embrace the beauty of the Highlands.

Minerama: A Treasure Trove of Gems & Minerals

The Minerama Gem, Jewellery & Fossicking Show brings the Highlands’ rich mining history to life, drawing traders from across Australia. This year’s redesigned Outside Traders area offers a seamless experience, featuring uncut rocks, opals, fossicking tools, fossils, and stunning jewellery. Inside, pavilions dazzle with crystals, elegant pieces, and rare specimens.

The Centenary Pavilion will also highlight daily cabochon polishing, gem cutting, and faceting demos by the Glen Innes Mineral & Gem Club. Check the schedule on the day! The club also sells gem wash bags at their dedicated meeting area next to the Bourke Street entrance and host workshops and pre booked fossicking field trips.

Kids can enjoy free arts and crafts in the Rockhound area, plus family-friendly fun like the UNE Discovery Voyager Crew, Climbing Wall and Jurassic Jack on Saturday.

minerama.com.au

Australian Celtic Festival: A Journey Through Heritage & Culture – May 1-4

Step into a world of tradition and celebration at the Australian Celtic Festival, where the spirit of the Celtic nations comes alive through music, dance, and storytelling. Set against the stunning backdrop of Glen Innes, this annual highlight invites visitors to experience the energy of pipers, reenactors, and performers, while artisan markets, craft workshops, and local delicacies offer a deeper connection to Celtic heritage.

Beyond the festivities, food lovers can embark on the Australian Celtic Food Trail, where traditional flavours meet a modern Australian twist, enriching the region’s vibrant food scene. This fusion of culture, music, and cuisine unites communities, blending history with innovation for an unforgettable festival experience.

More information australiancelticfestival.com

Goodness Gravel Embrace the Ride – April 12

Prepare for the Goodness Gravel Cycle Event where cyclists unite for an exhilarating ride across champagne gravel roads throughout Glen Innes. With nature’s breathtaking beauty as a backdrop, participants will test their endurance and compete in a spirited community event. Celebrate the scenic landscapes of Glen Innes and gain new perspectives while being part of a wellness-driven cycling adventure that unites participants in camaraderie and healthy competition.

Find more details and register for this unforgettable event by visiting goodnessgravel.com/glen-innes-rides

Easter in Glen Innes: Celebrate the Season in Style

Easter in Glen Innes is a time to slow down, soak in the crisp Highland air, and explore a region rich in history and culture. Wander through the Land of the Beardies History House or the Emmaville Mining Museum for a glimpse into the past or visit the Glen Innes Highlands Skywalk and iconic Australian Standing Stones, where Celtic heritage comes to life with flag-lowering ceremonies and Solstice celebrations.

Enjoy peaceful accommodations, open green spaces, and a relaxed atmosphere and lively attractions that showcase the region’s unique history and endless charm. It’s a perfect getaway.

gleninneshighlands.com/visit

Challenge Yourself at the Australian Standing Stones Parkrun
Australia’s Highest Altitude Parkrun Course

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Australia’s National Celtic Monument, Glen Innes’ Australian Standing Stones Parkrun takes your weekly run to new heights—literally! As Australia’s highest altitude Parkrun course, it offers a thrilling challenge with 5km of steep inclines and rugged terrain, rewarding every effort with sweeping panoramic views.

But it’s more than just a run—it’s a celebration of community, resilience, and achievement. Whether you’re chasing a personal best, enjoying a scenic walk, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, everyone is welcome. Walk it, jog it, dance it, or cheer from the sidelines—this is an event where every step is an experience.

Join the friendly crowd each Saturday and embrace the spirit of the Highlands—where the views are as uplifting as the people.

facebook.com/AustralianStandingStonesParkrun

Glen Innes: Where Creativity Meets Nature

Glen Innes is a vibrant hub of creativity and culture, where arts and craft workshops welcome both beginners and seasoned makers. From pottery and painting to traditional crafts, these hands-on experiences inspire and connect. Stroll through weekly and monthly markets or explore galleries showcasing contemporary and heritage art that celebrates local talent and history.

Food lovers can savour farm-to-table dining, with fresh, locally sourced ingredients bringing the region’s flavours to life. Beyond the town, the World Heritage wilderness areas of Gibraltar and Washpool National Parks offers breathtaking escapes—hike through ancient rainforests, stargaze under pristine night skies, and immerse yourself in nature’s untouched beauty. With vibrant events year-round, Glen Innes blends art, food, and wilderness into an unforgettable experience.

Stay updated on the latest happenings: Facebook: GlenInneshighlands, Instagram: gleninneshighland

Wellness Meets Luxury

The newest jewel on the Gold Coast’s coastline offers cutting-edge wellness treatments that perfectly complement the hotel’s luxurious rooms and standout dining. Lying on the touchless treatment bed at CIEL Spa, I feel as though I’m floating somewhere between sleep and weightlessness. The room is quiet except for the soft pulse of music and the gentle warmth surrounding my body. There are no hands, no pressure points, no oils – just a sensation of suspension as the dry- float technology cradles my body, gently pummelling tight knots in my shoulders and removing gravity from the equation entirely. It is an unusual experience at first. Typically, a spa treatment involves little clothing and a therapist. Here, your treatment is solitary, with only the sound of rushing water and a calm voice in my headphones prompting me to breathe slowly in and out. The absence of touch is precisely the point. Without another person to interact with, I surrender completely to the relaxation experience, knowing that this is exactly where I need to be. During the course of the 30-minute treatment my breathing slows, my muscles soften, and I hover somewhere between meditation and deep rest. It’s the perfect reset. Welcome to CIEL Spa, the wellness sanctuary inside the new Mondrian Gold Coast at Burleigh Heads, a haven of relaxation that’s now on our doorstep. Unlike traditional day spas built around massage and facials alone, CIEL takes a contemporary approach to wellbeing. The concept blends restorative spa rituals with emerging bio-wellness technologies designed to support recovery, relaxation and skin health. Guests can move between infrared sauna sessions, cryotherapy, LED light therapy and the zero-gravity dry float treatment that begins my visit. But technology is only part of the experience. The spa’s interiors mirror the coastal calm just outside the hotel’s doors. Soft curves, pale stone, textured walls and muted lighting create a cocoon-like environment that feels far removed from the energy of Burleigh’s busy beachfront. From the moment we stepped through the door, we left the real world behind, with our focus on wellness and relaxation. Traditional treatments abound, too. Facial treatments use luxury skincare brand Augustinus Bader, whose patented cellular renewal technology focuses on stimulating the skin’s natural repair processes. Massage therapies draw on restorative techniques designed to calm the nervous system and improve circulation – particularly welcome after a day exploring the Gold Coast’s beaches and hinterland. The best news? You don’t need to be a hotel guest to experience the spa. Non-guests are welcome to book treatments and linger in the relaxation lounge afterwards. Or head up a level to stretch out beside the pool and truly feel as though you’ve embarked on a mini holiday. This welcoming approach is a thoughtful addition to the Mondrian Gold Coast, the breathtakingly stylish new hotel that has quickly become one of the most talked- about openings on the coast. Rising above Burleigh’s iconic Norfolk pines, the twin-tower property has brought the brand’s signature design aesthetic to Queensland. Rooms are spacious and light-filled, with natural stone, warm timber and curved architectural lines echoing the surrounding landscape. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the breathtaking ocean views, while generous balconies encourage guests to slow down and settle into the rhythm of the coast. One standout detail is the television cleverly hidden within the ottoman at the foot of the bed – stylish, discreet and surprisingly practical. Where to eat Dining is every bit as impressive as the décor and spa experience. Italian restaurant LiTO anchors the hotel’s culinary offering, celebrating wood-fired cooking and Mediterranean flavours designed for sharing. The open kitchen centres around a custom wood-fired grill and oven, where chefs prepare dishes that lean into coastal Italian simplicity. Expect freshly shucked seafood, handmade pasta and beautifully charred meats, alongside vibrant seasonal vegetables and citrus-driven salads perfectly suited to the Gold Coast climate. The menu encourages long, leisurely meals. Start with antipasti such as the Byron Bay burrata with roasted peppers or yellowfin tuna crudo before moving into house-made pasta and wood-fired dishes like grilled king prawns, market fish or slow-roasted meats, served alongside Currumbin Valley salads. The lamb ragu saffron pappardelle is a trip to Italy in a bowl, and the steak was perfectly cooked as requested, dished up with grilled broccolini. The drinks list is equally considered, with Italian varietals, coastal Australian wines and spritz-style cocktails that feel made for warm evenings overlooking Burleigh. Service is impeccable and friendly, encouraging you to linger longer than you intended, especially when a serving of their famous tiramisu is offered! Upstairs, Haven Pool Club offers a completely different energy. Framed by sweeping ocean views, the rooftop venue channels the relaxed glamour of an international beach club, complete with cabanas, daybeds and a sparkling pool overlooking the Pacific. The Haven restaurant is a set above in dining, blending homegrown favourites with nostalgic flavours, focusing on fresh seafood, light Mediterranean-style plates and shareable dishes designed for long afternoons that effortlessly stretch into sunset drinks. Whether you choose to stay for a spa visit, swim or a delicious meal, the Mondrian is the ideal destination… for however long you want to stay. Book me in: mondrianhotels.com or cielspaburleighheads.com

Travel

A Taste of the Highlands: The Australian Celtic Food Trail

A Taste of the Highlands: The Australian Celtic Food Trail There are festivals you attend and then there are experiences you simply savour. This autumn, the Australian Celtic Festival in Glen Innes Highlands invites lovers of culture, food and beautiful places to indulge in something truly special: the Australian Celtic Food Trail. Set among the golden colours of the New England High Country, this year’s culinary program offers a delicious journey through Celtic flavours, local produce and unforgettable settings. For those who appreciate a refined escape from the coast, it is the perfect excuse for a stylish autumn road trip. A Not-to-Miss Luncheon at Ben’s Falls Retreat The ACF Celtic Food Trail opens with a signature event on Thursday 30 April at the stunning Ben’s Falls Retreat, a hidden gem nestled beside the iconic Severn River. Guests will gather in this breath-taking natural setting for a luncheon of stories, flavour and Celtic inspiration hosted by Celebrity Cook (The Roving Haggis) Ali Stoner and celebrated food and travel writer Roberta Muir. Attendees tickets include transport from the Glen Innes Visitor Information Centre, welcome drink, canapes, main and dessert buffet brought to you by the Bens Fall’s culinary team and inspired by Ali Stoner. A Culinary Trail Through Glen Innes Throughout the festival weekend, ACF Celtic Food Trail Ambassador Roberta Muir will be joined by Australian Celtic Festival honoured guest Ali Stoner (The Roving Haggis) and will be exploring the cafés, bakeries and restaurants of Glen Innes’ charming CBD, sampling Celtic-inspired dishes created especially for the festival. From traditional recipes passed down through generations to imaginative modern interpretations, local chefs are embracing the spirit of Celtic cuisine with creativity and flair. Visitors can follow along, tasting their way through town while discovering local produce and warm country hospitality. Roberta and Ali will also share their discoveries during inspiring talks at the festival site, offering visitors insights into Celtic culinary heritage and the flavours shaping the Highlands’ emerging food scene at the Celtic Cauldron at the Festival site Saturday and Sunday. More Than a Festival Of course, food is just the beginning. Across the weekend, the Australian Celtic Festival bursts into life with a spectacular program: colourful street parade, thrilling Highland Games, the stirring sound of pipes and drums, medieval reenactors and jousting, lively children’s activities, and an extraordinary lineup of Celtic music and dance. It is an immersive cultural celebration with the backdrop of The Australian Standing Stones, National Celtic Monument, unlike anything else in Australia. For more information go to page 44 of the latest issue of getit-magazine.com.au/magazine Plan Your Highlands Escape Accommodation during festival weekend can book quickly, so many visitors choose a day trip through the beautiful towns of the New England High Country. Scenic drives from Tenterfield, Armidale, Guyra, Inverell, Walcha, Deepwater and Emmaville offer a relaxed way to explore the region while dipping into festival events across the weekend. Held during the spectacular autumn season, when the Highlands glow with crisp air and golden leaves, the festival is the perfect excuse to immerse yourself in culture, indulge and discover. For those seeking culture, flavour and a little Celtic magic this autumn, the invitation is simple: Visit gleninneshighlands.com.au

Travel

Inverell in Autumn—A Golden Escape to the Sapphire City

There’s something undeniably magical about Inverell in autumn. As the New England High Country shifts into cooler days, the town transforms into a canvas of gold, amber and rust-toned leaves, creating a dreamy, almost nostalgic atmosphere that feels worlds away from the coast. Just a scenic five-hour drive from the Gold Coast, Inverell—affectionately known as the Sapphire City -offers the perfect seasonal escape. Autumn brings crisp mornings, clear blue skies and mild afternoons, making it one of the most enjoyable times of year to explore everything this charming regional town has to offer. The first thing visitors notice is the colour. Tree-lined streets throughout the heritage- listed town centre glow with vibrant autumn foliage, while nearby towns like Glen Innes and Tenterfield add to the region’s reputation as one of NSW’s most picturesque cool-climate destinations. It’s the kind of place where a simple stroll turns into a slow, lingering experience – coffee in hand, leaves crunching underfoot, and historic architecture providing the perfect backdrop. Beyond its beauty, Inverell’s personality really shines in autumn. This is gemstone country, after all, and the cooler weather makes fossicking for sapphires not just bearable, but genuinely enjoyable. There’s a certain thrill in getting your hands dirty, sifting through gravel and water, knowing you might uncover something extraordinary. It’s an experience that connects visitors to the town’s rich mining heritage in a hands-on, memorable way. For those who prefer a slower pace, Inverell delivers just as effortlessly. Lake Inverell Reserve becomes a peaceful haven during autumn, ideal for morning walks, picnics or simply soaking in the stillness of the season. A little further afield, Kwiambal National Park offers rugged landscapes, scenic lookouts and walking tracks that are far more inviting without the intensity of summer heat. Waterfalls, granite outcrops and native bushland create a raw, natural beauty that feels both grounding and invigorating. Autumn is also a time to indulge. The New England region is known for its rich agricultural produce, and Inverell proudly showcases it. The town boasts a growing food scene of cosy cafés, hearty country pubs and relaxed dining spots serving seasonal fare with genuine country hospitality. That sense of welcome is what truly sets Inverell apart. It’s not just a destination – it’s a feeling. Friendly locals, boutique shopping, small galleries and a laid-back pace create an environment where visitors can truly unwind. By day, you might be exploring heritage streets, fossicking for gems or hiking through national parks; by night, enjoying a great meal and a glass of local wine under a sky scattered with stars. Inverell in autumn is more than just a pretty place – it’s an experience that engages all the senses. It’s the colour of falling leaves, the coolness of the air, the excitement of discovery and the warmth of country hospitality all rolled into one. If you’re looking for a seasonal escape that blends natural beauty, adventure and charm, Inverell in autumn might just be your perfect getaway. For information and to plan your next escape visit inverell.com.au

Travel

Bubbles & Bushwalks: A Glen Innes Highlands Weekend

There’s a sweet spot where adventure meets a touch of indulgence, and it lives on the road between the coast and the cool air of the New England High Country. Pack a picnic, gather a few favourite friends, and point the bonnet to the Gwydir Highway toward World Heritage wilderness, charming boutiques, and slow, soul-filling moments. What you’ll experience: A beautiful scenic drive through quaint country towns and delightful countryside, and its less than a five-hour drive from the Gold Coast. Three Perfect Days in the New England High Country Day One — Canopy, Creeks & Big-Sky Lookouts As the highway climbs, the temperature falls and the air turns crisp. In Washpool National Park and Gibraltar Range, freshwater creeks thread through ferny gullies, and the canopy keeps the sun gentle. Slip off your shoes for a refreshing wade before a gentle stroll on the Coombadjha Walk, where birdsong and leaf-filtered light set the pace. Continue to Gibraltar House and the Platypus Pool; linger quietly, and you might spot a whiskered ripple at the surface. Then it’s on to Raspberry Lookout, where the land rolls out in breath-catching layers. Pass the geological area of Demon Fault and turn for Boundary Falls; the cascade is a natural soundtrack for a late picnic and a toast to the day’s discoveries. Evening—Country Chic in the CBD. Drift into Glen Innes and wander the historic main street, where country boutiques are full of characters and unique finds. Check into your stay, perhaps a classic pub meal at the Great Central Hotel or the New England Motor Lodge for local charm and great specials or find a luxury hideaway where you can choose a chef-prepared dinner or a curated DIY dinner pack. A glass of sparkling shared on the verandah is the perfect bridge from bushwalk to evening glow. Day Two — Stones, Coffee & Treasure Trails Morning starts at The Crofters Cottage beside the Australian Standing Stones. Order excellent coffee and a homemade treat, then soak up the energy of the early risers at parkrun drifting by the granite sentinels. Nab a box of award-winning cakes and pies from Sweetie Pies, or have the team at The Coffee Incident pack a picnic platter; think local charcuterie and seasonal finds that turn any patch of grass into a grazing moment. If you skipped it yesterday, detour to the Skywalk Lookout for that endless horizon shot, then sink into Glen Innes’ art and second-hand trail, part treasure hunt, part time travel. When the open road calls, cruise north for a leisurely loop through Emmaville and Deepwater. Pop into The Makers Shed (touch, talk, and take home), then settle at Deepwater Brewery for a tasting paddle and lunch, or venture to one of the pubs in Deepwater and Emmaville for a real local experience and watch the countryside unfurl in soft greens all the way home. Day Three — Brunch, Browse & a Sweet Farewell Sunday is for lingering. Brunch at The Local sets the tone: generous plates, good conversation, no rush. Cap it off with a scoop (or two) from The Furry Cow or the Strawberries and Cream at the Super Strawberry. If you’ve got time to spare, take a final browse of the parklands or a slow lap past through the Heritage Trail and visit the History House before heading home. Take some treats with you for another look at Boundary Falls; this time venture to the bottom of the stairs and work off some of that sweet indulgence. Need more ideas or help shaping your own version of this escape? Contact the Glen Innes Visitor Information Centre; the team’s local know-how will stitch your weekend together beautifully. P  (02) 6730 2400 There are an array of events hosted in Glen Innes Highlands throughout the year. We have something for everyone. Save the Date: 2026 13 – 15 February Glen Innes show & Gourmet Fiesta – Glen Innes Showgrounds 6, 7 & 8 March Minerama Fossicking Gem & Jewellery Show 7 March Goodness Gravel 30 April to 3 May Australian Celtic Festival – Book your accommodation ‘now’ Book now