1. The landscape<\/h2>\n
The region covers thousands of square kilometres, meaning the towns are fairly spread out, but it\u2019s a picturesque patch of the state that gives way to some beautiful country drives. The landscape is largely made of expansive plains, home to cotton crops (particularly around Narrabri), paddocks of grazing cattle and occasional olive groves and vineyards. But out of the flat erupts a dramatic mountain range (the western foothills of the Great Diving Range to be exact), which creates a stunning backdrop to the area. Towards Inverell and Bingara, the landscape changes again with increasingly hilly outlooks and winding roads. So as a word of warning, it can be difficult to keep your eyes on the road with these passing views\u2013 don\u2019t say we didn\u2019t warn you!<\/p>\n
![\"Cotton](\"https:\/\/s1.at.atcdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/02\/Newport-Cotton-Farm-Moree.jpg\")
The inland route through New England gives way to some beautiful country drives. (Image: DNSW)<\/p><\/div>\n
2. Artesian spas<\/h2>\n
Moree has been dubbed The Spa Capital of Australia, with its ancient, mineral-rich artesian waters. This naturally heated (usually 38-40 degrees) and filtered water is said to have many healing properties and is a major tourist attraction.<\/p>\n
![\"People](\"https:\/\/s1.at.atcdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/02\/Moree-Artesian-Aquatic-Centre-Moree.jpg\")
The Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre is one of the town’s main attractions. (Image: DNSW)<\/p><\/div>\n
The best place to experience it is at the Moree Artesian Aquatics Centre (MAAC). It houses a range of public pools including two hot artesian pools – ideal for its hydrotherapy and aqua aerobics classes, as well as smaller splash areas and a waterslide for little ones.<\/p>\n
![\"Couple](\"https:\/\/s1.at.atcdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/02\/Moree-Artesian-Aquatic-Centre-DNSW.jpg\")
Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre houses a range of public pools including two hot artesian pools. (Image: DNSW)<\/p><\/div>\n
3. Heritage guesthouses<\/h2>\n
While there are plenty of hotel, motel and camping options throughout the region, we suggest booking in at one of the area\u2019s beautiful heritage guesthouses. Our picks: Craigdon Guesthouse and Blair Athol Estate.<\/a> The former, perched on the foothills of Killarney Gap, overlooking the Namoi Valley, was built in 1905 and boasts sprawling verandas, high ceilings and cosy open fireplaces – reflective of the time. The seven thoughtfully-restored guest bedrooms come with king-sized beds and ensuites, while hearty dinners and fresh breakfasts are also provided.<\/p>\n Find Blair Athol Estate on the outskirts of Inverell. (Image: DNSW)<\/p><\/div>\n Meanwhile, Blair Athol Estate can be found tucked away on the outskirts of Inverell. An imposing manor house which was built in 1904, it\u2019s surrounded by large, manicured gardens, while inside is eight well-appointed bedrooms, from the Bridal Suite to the Maid\u2019s Room. Again, guests can expect hearty country breakfasts and sumptuous dinners if requested. Both are ideal hideaways to snuggle up in.<\/p>\n Tamworth\u2019s Country Music Festival<\/a> may be the region\u2019s flagship event, but there are more and more get-togethers filling New England\u2019s annual calendar, meaning more and more reasons to visit.<\/p>\n Don’t miss the New England’s flagship event: The Tamworth Country Music Festival. (Image: Tamworth Country Music Festival)<\/p><\/div>\n Among them are Nosh Narrabri<\/a> and Moree on a Plate<\/a> \u2013 both showcasing local produce, and the\u00a0Australian Celtic Festival (Glen Innes),<\/a> celebrating the district\u2019s Celtic ties.<\/p>\n The whole family will enjoy the Moree on a Plate festival. (Image: DNSW)<\/p><\/div>\n This brings me to my next point \u2013 the local produce itself. The fertile black soil found throughout much of the area (especially in the Gwydir Valley) is gold for agriculture; producing wheat, cereal and beef cattle. But there are also some unexpected gourmet gems to stop in at along the way. Among them is Olives of Beaulieu<\/a> outside of Inverell; a small family-run business that produces olives, olive oil, dukkah and harissa, while Stahmann Trawalla Pecan Nut Farm<\/a> in Moree produces 95 percent of Australia\u2019s pecan crop and is the largest orchard in the southern hemisphere. There are some great little wineries too, including Boorolong Road Estate in Armidale.<\/a><\/p>\n Stahmann Webster Pecan Nut Farm supplies 95 percent of Australia\u2019s pecan crop. (Image: DNSW)<\/p><\/div>\n Inverell is a renowned sapphire-mining area, and you can fossick for your own gem at a number of local locations. Billabong Blue Fossicking Park<\/a> on Swan Brook Creek is a great spot for any inexperienced fossicker, as everything is provided along with full tuition. It\u2019s a similar deal at 7 Oaks Fossicking Property – 20 kilometres from town. Otherwise, check out the Billabong Blue Sapphires office next to the visitor information centre. Here you can not only purchase your own local sapphire, but watch them being cut, polished and ask any questions.<\/p>\n Bringing back a slice of 1950s charm to Bingara is the Roxy Theatre and Caf\u00e9.<\/a> Originally built in 1936 by three local Greek men, it operated as a cinema until 1958, after which it was closed and lay dormant and untouched for 40 years. In 2004 the beautiful art-deco theatre was returned to its former glory and re-opened to the public as a cinema and theatre house. More recently, the property\u2019s adjoining Greek cafe was fully restored now also includes the \u2018Museum of Greek settlement in Country Australia\u2019. History buffs, film fiends and art-deco lovers ought to swing by.<\/p>\n There\u2019s quite the artistic hub here, with many little pockets to see the handiwork of local artists. Among them is Pilliga Pottery,<\/a> which not only stocks a litany of beautiful, hand-made terracotta pieces, but also runs pottery classes, as well as the quirky Ceramic Break Sculpture Park,<\/a> with bronze sculptures, indoor galleries and, er, resident ostriches. Inverell Art Gallery<\/a> is also worth a visit, featuring regular exhibitions by both local and visiting artists as well as one of the longest continuing mosaics in Australia.<\/p>\n A couple browsing through art at Bank Art Museum Moree. (Image: DNSW)<\/p><\/div>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/s1.at.atcdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/02\/Townscape.-Inverell.jpg\")
4. Events<\/h2>\n
![\"Tamworth](\"https:\/\/s1.at.atcdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/02\/Tamworth-Country-Music-Festival.jpg\")
![\"Child](\"https:\/\/s1.at.atcdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/02\/Moree-on-a-Plate-Face-Painting-Destination-NSW.jpg\")
5. Local produce<\/h2>\n
![\"Aerial](\"https:\/\/s1.at.atcdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/02\/Stahmann-Webster-Pecan-Nut-Farm-Moree.jpg\")
6. Fossick for sapphires<\/h2>\n
7. The Roxy Theatre<\/h2>\n
8. Growing art scene<\/h2>\n
![\"Couple](\"https:\/\/s1.at.atcdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/02\/BAM-Moree-Destination-NSW.jpg\")
![\"Facade](\"https:\/\/s1.at.atcdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/02\/Facade-of-the-Bank-Art-Museum-Moree2.jpg\")