{"id":248050,"date":"2022-11-04T11:25:53","date_gmt":"2022-11-04T00:25:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.australiantraveller.com\/?p=248050"},"modified":"2023-03-17T17:17:37","modified_gmt":"2023-03-17T06:17:37","slug":"inverell-accommodation-travel-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.australiantraveller.com\/nsw\/new-england\/inverell-accommodation-travel-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Your guide to Inverell accommodation, travel and activities"},"content":{"rendered":"
Nestled in the Macintyre Valley, the Sapphire City of Inverell is a historic New England town with one of the state\u2019s biggest lakes on its doorstep.<\/h5>\n

The architecture in Inverell is one of the first things to make a good impression.<\/p>\n

Shops, cafes and pubs feature beautiful historic facades, while the pretty pink courthouse and charming post office are among the heritage-listed buildings dotted around town.<\/p>\n

Visit this New England town<\/a> to discover vintage and futuristic cars at the National Transport Museum, imagine country life in days gone by at Pioneer Village, and try your hand at fossicking for sapphires and other gems.<\/p>\n

When to visit Inverell<\/h2>\n

Autumn is one of the most popular times to visit Inverell, when guests can enjoy mild temperatures and the changing colours of the trees.<\/p>\n

Winters are a quieter time of year. Crisp mornings turn into relatively warm days, with average temperatures ranging from 0 to 16\u00b0C.<\/p>\n

\"The

Tinges of pink colour the building of Inverell. (Image: Destination NSW)<\/p><\/div>\n

In spring, when the flowers are in full bloom, the Sapphire City Festival adds extra fun for the whole family.<\/p>\n

Summer days have an average top temperature of 30\u00b0C, a time when swimming and watersports at Copeton Dam<\/a> are more popular than ever.<\/p>\n

How to get to Inverell<\/h2>\n

Inverell is just over a five-hour drive and 430 kilometres from Brisbane along the National Highway, and around seven hours and 589 kilometres via the New England Highway<\/a> and Thunderbolts Way from Sydney.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s also one of the main stops along the Gwydir Highway, with Glen Innes<\/a> 67 kilometres to the east and Warialda 61 kilometres to the west.<\/p>\n

Inverell Airport is 15 kilometres out of town and is serviced by Link Airways (formerly Fly Corporate), with direct flights to Brisbane and flights to Sydney via Narrabri.<\/p>\n

\"Inverell

Take in the historic buildings around town, like Heritage-listed Inverell Local Courthouse. (Image: Destination NSW)<\/p><\/div>\n

Inverell accommodation<\/h2>\n

Historic estates, luxury above-the-pub stays and lakeside cabins are just some of your options when staying in Inverell.<\/p>\n

Inverell hotels and motels<\/h3>\n

Blair Athol Boutique Hotel<\/h4>\n

From the antique four-poster beds down to the silver shell butter trays at breakfast, there\u2019s beauty all around at Blair Athol Boutique Hotel<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Built in 1904, Manor House has retained many of its original features, including ornate pressed metal ceilings and open fireplaces, although some changes have been made to ensure every room now has an ensuite.<\/p>\n

Book ahead to secure a spot in the Blair Athol Day Spa, which is open to guests and non-guests alike on weekends. Inspired by Roman baths, the spa has a mineral-rich pool, as well as an infrared sauna, treatment rooms for massages and facials, and a terrace with views reaching as far as the Queensland border.<\/p>\n

\"Blair

Enjoy the old-world glam of some original features of this boutique hotel, built in 1904.<\/p><\/div>\n

Oxford on Otho<\/h4>\n

After two years of renovations, the Oxford on Otho<\/a> is preparing to launch its new luxury accommodation in November 2022. The old layout of 17 rooms with two shared bathrooms has been completely overhauled to instead offer eight rooms with ensuites, as well as a two-storey family suite (to come in 2023).<\/p>\n

Exposed brick, polished floorboards, pressed tin features and quality furnishings are just some of the elements in this stylish, contactless and key-free stay.<\/p>\n

\"Oxford

Stay in the stylish offerings of this brand new hotel. (Image: Instagram)<\/p><\/div>\n

Inverell Terrace Motor Lodge<\/h4>\n

Inverell Terrace Motor Lodge<\/a> \u2013 just a seven-minute walk from the high street \u2013 has 18 guest rooms, including interconnecting and accessible suites; each room has a flatscreen TV and mini bar, and breakfast can be delivered to your room.<\/p>\n

A self-contained cottage has a dining area, kitchen and laundry, and can sleep up to eight guests in three bedrooms. There\u2019s also a shared barbecue area for cooking your own meals.<\/p>\n

\"Inverell

Enjoy the comforts of a lodge room, or spread out in the self-contained cottage.<\/p><\/div>\n

Inverell caravan parks and camping<\/h3>\n

Copeton Northern Foreshores<\/h4>\n

Just 17 kilometres from Inverell, Copeton Northern Foreshores<\/a> is a family and pet-friendly campground overlooking Copeton Dam (which is also known as Lake Copeton).<\/p>\n

There are powered and unpowered sites, a camp kitchen, covered barbecue areas, fire pits, laundry facilities, an outdoor gym and free wi-fi.<\/p>\n

Whether you\u2019re spending the night or just visiting for the day you can enjoy the children\u2019s playground, water splash park and floating pontoon.<\/p>\n

Copeton Waters Holiday Park<\/h4>\n

On the other side of Lake Copeton, 40 kilometres from Inverell, Copeton Waters Holiday Park<\/a> is part of the Reflections Holiday Parks chain. It’s perfect for families, featuring a water park, jumping pillow, BMX track, tennis court, boat ramp and more.<\/p>\n

As well as powered and unpowered sites the park has a range of cabins, from basic economy options to deluxe three-bedroom cabins with air conditioning, full-sized fridges and ovens. Some standard cabins also include a garden fence and kennel if you\u2019re travelling with your dog.<\/p>\n

\"Copeton

Get out on the water thanks to Copeton Waters Holiday Park’s boat ramp.<\/p><\/div>\n

Free camping<\/h4>\n

There’s free camping<\/a> on the eastern side of Copeton Dam. Keep in mind there are no facilities in the area, so you\u2019ll need to be entirely self-sufficient.<\/p>\n

Inverell Caravan Park<\/h4>\n

Boasting water views of the Macintyre River, Inverell Caravan Park<\/a> has powered and unpowered sites, private ensuite cabins, accessible amenities, a saltwater pool, laundry facilities and a covered barbecue area.<\/p>\n

The pet-friendly park is an easy 15-minute walk from the heart of town; you can follow the bitumen track along the river and look out for waterbirds as you go.<\/p>\n

\"Inverell

Look out to views of the Macintyre River.<\/p><\/div>\n

Sapphire City Caravan Park<\/h4>\n

Sapphire City Caravan Park<\/a> sits at the edge of town and is made up of three acres of grassed camping grounds, as well as cabins, villas, and powered and unpowered sites. The clean and comfortable cabins are self-contained and come with air conditioning and linens.<\/p>\n

Inverell restaurants, pubs and cafes<\/h2>\n

Friendly Aussie cafes, a stylish craft beer bar and tempting dishes await in Inverell.<\/p>\n

The Welder\u2019s Dog<\/h3>\n

The craft beer that started in Armidale<\/a> now has a new outpost in Inverell as part of the freshly renovated Oxford Hotel. The Welder\u2019s Dog Inverell<\/a> is the first in the group to offer in-house food, including burgers and buffalo wings.<\/p>\n

As well as pouring their own range of beers, the team mixes espresso martinis, margaritas and other cocktails; enjoy them from a seat by the front window or under the soaring sky-lit ceiling in the back.<\/p>\n

The venue gets bonus points for providing complimentary products in the women\u2019s bathroom, including deodorant, hairspray, hair bands, chewing gum and sanitary products.<\/p>\n

\"Welder's

Grab a beer and some pub grub in the cosy Welder’s Dog.<\/p><\/div>\n

The Union Inverell<\/h3>\n

After starting life as the Union Bank in 1911, then being turned into a restaurant and pub in the \u201970s, the Union building was completely renovated and relaunched as a cafe and bar in 2012.<\/p>\n

Now open for lunch and dinner, The Union Inverell<\/a>\u2019s menu includes salmon ceviche, Riverine scotch fillet steak, and slow-braised baby back ribs with homemade barbecue sauce. City visitors may also be surprised to find cocktails starting at $12, even outside happy hours.<\/p>\n

\"A

Wash down your elevated pub grub with surprisingly affordable cocktails.<\/p><\/div>\n

Freckles Cafe<\/h3>\n

Grab a table inside or sit out the front to watch life go by on Byron Street while enjoying breakfast or lunch \u2013 or perhaps just a smoothie or sweet treat \u2013 at Freckles Cafe<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The menu includes freshly made sandwiches, melts, burgers and nachos; at breakfast, half-serve options of some dishes are available for those who\u2019d like to try the choc chip waffles while resisting a whole plate.<\/p>\n

\"Freckles

Indulge in a sweet crepe at Freckles Cafe.<\/p><\/div>\n

Inverell\u2019s Australia Cafe<\/h3>\n

Comfortable booths with tiled tables, painted wood saws, Aussie rugby memorabilia, and photos from years gone by \u2013 including the 2010 fire that destroyed the 109-year-old Arcade where the cafe now stands \u2013 are just some of the things you\u2019ll find in Inverell\u2019s Australia Cafe<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Save your smashed avo for another day: here the breakfasts include omelettes, wraps, rolls, and baked beans or spaghetti with toast.<\/p>\n

\"Australia

Let your tastebuds explore new flavours at Australia Cafe.<\/p><\/div>\n

Things to do in Inverell<\/h2>\n

Embrace lake life at Copeton Dam, see collectable cars and bikes, stand in buildings from another time and see if you can find sapphires in the wild.<\/p>\n

Sapphire City Festival<\/h3>\n

The Sapphire City Festival<\/a> runs for 10 days every October and is the biggest event on Inverell\u2019s annual calendar. It\u2019s full of free or low-cost events, and highlights include the Pioneer Village Open Day, Sapphire City Market Day, the Inverell Art Prize exhibition and fossicking tours.<\/p>\n

On Finale Day there\u2019s a street parade along Otho and Byron Streets, carnival rides, entertainment and food stalls, as well as a fireworks spectacular off the town bridge.<\/p>\n

Copeton Dam<\/h3>\n

Three times the size of Sydney Harbour, Copeton Dam is a popular spot for watersports, mountain bike riding, bushwalking, camping and fishing. It\u2019s also one of only two inland waterways in NSW where you can fish for Murray Cod year-round.<\/p>\n

After a $5.7 million upgrade, the Northern Foreshores has a newly fenced children\u2019s play area, splash park, picnic areas and walking tracks.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s home to the longest boat ramp in Australia, too; the 400-metre ramp means the dam is now accessible when levels are between 11 and 60 per cent. Day visitors can use the Northern Foreshores facilities for $5 per vehicle, while camping is an extra charge.<\/p>\n

\"A

Get active and enjoy the views at Copeton Dam. (Image: Destination NSW)<\/p><\/div>\n

National Transport Museum<\/h3>\n

From some of the first cars to drive on Australian roads to futuristic solar-powered vehicles, the National Transport Museum<\/a> is full of treasures and surprises.<\/p>\n

Standouts in this big shed include a 1906 Dayton that\u2019s believed to be the last in the world, a 1912 Renault, a 1926 Diana, and a range of Rolls Royces, Chevrolets, Holdens and Fords.<\/p>\n

You can also see vintage and modern motorcycles, as well as an old monorail car from Sydney\u2019s transport past.<\/p>\n

\"Inverell

View a range of classic and vintage cars, motorbikes and more at National Transport Museum.<\/p><\/div>\n

Inverell Pioneer Village<\/h3>\n

Step into history at Inverell Pioneer Village<\/a>, <\/strong>where heritage buildings have been relocated and restored to their former glory.<\/p>\n

Around the village pond you can find the Grove Homestead, which dates back to 1840 and was originally found in the village of Tingha in early tin mining days, Paddy\u2019s Pub, which was built in 1874, and a bush school, where students first took their seats in 1887.<\/p>\n

Displays inside the buildings include vintage photography equipment, typesetting and printing machines, hundreds of colourful vintage glass bottles, and a working model of a sapphire mine.<\/p>\n

\"The

Step into history at Inverell Pioneer Village. (Image: Don Fuchs \/Destination NSW)<\/p><\/div>\n

Fossicking Inverell<\/h3>\n

Inverell was one of the world\u2019s biggest suppliers of sapphires in the 1960s and \u201970s \u2013 so much so that it became known as Sapphire City.<\/p>\n

Today you can still find sapphires by getting your hands dirty in creek beds, or by skipping a few steps and buying some sapphire wash.<\/p>\n

There are designated fossicking areas<\/a> around town, and the Inverell Visitor Information Centre<\/a> can give you tips on the best places to try to find these precious gems, as well as quartz and other crystals.<\/p>\n

\"Fossicking

Fossick for you very own sapphire. (Image: Don Fuchs \/Destination NSW)<\/p><\/div>\n

Inverell Art Gallery<\/h3>\n

See exhibitions by local and visiting artists or join a weekly art class or workshop at Inverell Art Gallery<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The 94-metre-long Meandering Macintyre mosaic out the front, comprised of images of local flora and fauna, is believed to be the longest continuous mosaic footpath in Australia.<\/p>\n

Alongside the gallery, the Face of Inverell<\/em> mural by Claire Foxton is a portrait of much-loved Aboriginal elder Aunty Elizabeth, who was 94 when she passed away in 2020.<\/p>\n

\"Inverell

Peruse works from local and visiting artists.<\/p><\/div>\n

Victa Mower Museum<\/h3>\n

You\u2019ll never look at Victa mowers the same way again after a visit to Malcolm Pomfrett\u2019s place.<\/p>\n

Malcolm has been collecting and rebuilding old Victa lawnmowers for more than 30 years, and now has more than 150 Victas on display at 31 Clive Street, Inverell.<\/p>\n

Visitors are welcome to pop in; if Malcolm is home they can see the collection, along with a one-of-a-kind mounted reprint of an original archived drawing of a 1956 Victa mower base-plate.<\/p>\n

Learn more and plan your tip to Inverell<\/a>.<\/h5>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Nestled in the Macintyre Valley, the Sapphire City of Inverell is a historic New England town with one of the state\u2019s biggest lakes on its doorstep. The architecture in Inverell is one of the first things to make a good impression. Shops, cafes and pubs feature beautiful historic facades, while the pretty pink courthouse and […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":105,"featured_media":248198,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"article.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_expiration-date-status":"","_expiration-date":0,"_expiration-date-type":"","_expiration-date-categories":[],"_expiration-date-options":[]},"categories":[5858],"tags":[7379,5714,6980,5515,4628],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nBest Inverell accommodation, cafes and things to do<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"We've created the ultimate Inverell travel guide, including the best Inverell accommodation, places to eat and things to do.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.australiantraveller.com\/nsw\/new-england\/inverell-accommodation-travel-guide\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Best Inverell accommodation, cafes and things to do\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"We've created the ultimate Inverell travel guide, including the best Inverell accommodation, places to eat and things to do.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.australiantraveller.com\/nsw\/new-england\/inverell-accommodation-travel-guide\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Australian Traveller\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/AustTraveller\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2022-11-04T00:25:53+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2023-03-17T06:17:37+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/s1.at.atcdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/inverell-weldersdog-lead.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1200\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"900\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Amanda Woods\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@AustTraveller\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@AustTraveller\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Amanda Woods\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"13 minutes\" \/>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Best Inverell accommodation, cafes and things to do","description":"We've created the ultimate Inverell travel guide, including the best Inverell accommodation, places to eat and things to do.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.australiantraveller.com\/nsw\/new-england\/inverell-accommodation-travel-guide\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Best Inverell accommodation, cafes and things to do","og_description":"We've created the ultimate Inverell travel guide, including the best Inverell accommodation, places to eat and things to do.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.australiantraveller.com\/nsw\/new-england\/inverell-accommodation-travel-guide\/","og_site_name":"Australian Traveller","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/AustTraveller","article_published_time":"2022-11-04T00:25:53+00:00","article_modified_time":"2023-03-17T06:17:37+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1200,"height":900,"url":"https:\/\/s1.at.atcdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/inverell-weldersdog-lead.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Amanda Woods","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@AustTraveller","twitter_site":"@AustTraveller","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Amanda Woods","Est. reading time":"13 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.australiantraveller.com\/nsw\/new-england\/inverell-accommodation-travel-guide\/","url":"https:\/\/www.australiantraveller.com\/nsw\/new-england\/inverell-accommodation-travel-guide\/","name":"Best Inverell accommodation, cafes and things to do","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.australiantraveller.com\/#website"},"datePublished":"2022-11-04T00:25:53+00:00","dateModified":"2023-03-17T06:17:37+00:00","author":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.australiantraveller.com\/#\/schema\/person\/fd59725c184b1047c7c163bfb6201e72"},"description":"We've created the ultimate Inverell travel guide, including the best Inverell accommodation, places to eat and things to do.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.australiantraveller.com\/nsw\/new-england\/inverell-accommodation-travel-guide\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.australiantraveller.com\/nsw\/new-england\/inverell-accommodation-travel-guide\/"]}]},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.australiantraveller.com\/nsw\/new-england\/inverell-accommodation-travel-guide\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.australiantraveller.com\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Your guide to Inverell accommodation, travel and activities"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.australiantraveller.com\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.australiantraveller.com\/","name":"Australian Traveller","description":"Honestly Australian","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.australiantraveller.com\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":"required name=search_term_string"}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.australiantraveller.com\/#\/schema\/person\/fd59725c184b1047c7c163bfb6201e72","name":"Amanda Woods","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.australiantraveller.com\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/s1.at.atcdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Amanda-Woods.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/s1.at.atcdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Amanda-Woods.jpg","caption":"Amanda Woods"},"description":"Amanda Woods is a travel writer based in New England high country in NSW. She\u2019s travelled from Antarctica to the Arctic and loves to inspire people to get out and explore this big beautiful world of ours. She has a passion for regenerative, sustainable and mindful travel and has some big Australian travel dreams for the future.","sameAs":["https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/theamandawoods\/"],"url":"https:\/\/www.australiantraveller.com\/author\/amanda-woods\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.australiantraveller.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/248050"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.australiantraveller.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.australiantraveller.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.australiantraveller.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/105"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.australiantraveller.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=248050"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.australiantraveller.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/248050\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":248196,"href":"https:\/\/www.australiantraveller.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/248050\/revisions\/248196"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.australiantraveller.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/248198"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.australiantraveller.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=248050"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.australiantraveller.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=248050"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.australiantraveller.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=248050"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}