Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the New England this autumn.
As part of the New England Garden Festival (NEGF) offering for 2025, festival organisers have secured access to a number of spectacular private gardens showcasing some of the best cool climate autumnal garden displays across our region.
Some of these gardens have never been open to the public which will provide a great privilege to those taking the Autumn Garden Trail.
“The more aware we become of gardening across different regions, the more we realise just how lucky we are to live in the New England,” said New England Garden Festival Founder and President Ms Lou Forsyth.
“Autumn is the time of year we are shown this stark difference with an explosion of colour due to our cool climate. Reds, yellows and oranges in a brilliant array of shades appear as the temperatures start to drop, and this only happens in the cooler climate areas, providing a natural drawcard for gardeners and photographers alike.”
The inaugural Autumn Garden Trail is based on the highly successful Spring Garden Trail that was introduced as part of the NEGF last year. The Spring Garden Trail brought visitors from Queensland, Victoria, South Australia and all over NSW, injecting over $2 million to the New England region and half a million dollars directly to Armidale.
The Autumn Garden Trail invites locals and visitors to travel across the beautiful New England over five consecutive days, from Tuesday 29th April to Saturday 3rd May, providing a unique opportunity to explore, admire and be inspired by these picturesque examples of cool climate garden design.
“It’s like stepping into a living classroom,” said Ms Forsyth.
“In every garden I visit throughout the trail, I find a favourite corner—whether it’s a clever planting, a striking sculpture, or a unique colour combination. That’s the joy of garden visits: discovering inspiration while sharing the experience with like-minded, often more knowledgeable people.”
Several notable highlights will feature during this event, including a rare opening of the All Saints Anglican Church (Gostwyck Chapel). With its golden avenue of Elm trees and draped in a vibrant crimson Virginia Creeper, Gostwyck Chapel is one of the most photographed locations in the New England area.
‘Trailers’ can also enjoy a day of culture in Glen Innes with the Celtic Festival kicking off during the Autumn Trail on Friday 2nd May. A myriad of activities are on offer for you to enjoy – visit the Australian Standing Stones, Busking in the CBD, Celtic music in the Library, the Official Opening Ceremony in the Town Hall and much more.
NEGF organisers have also arranged an Autumn Tree bus trip around Armidale, with four departure times to accommodate any schedule. Information will be updated on the NEGF website.
The Autumn Trail starts in Uralla on Tuesday 29th April, with three private gardens plus access to the Gostwyck Chapel. Local residents Rob Bowie & Janet Gray are displaying their garden at ‘The Uralla Literary Institute’ at 30 Salisbury St, Uralla; Chris & Emma Schaeffer with ‘Elm House’ at 19 King St, Uralla; and Wendy & Louis van Ekert’s garden at 15 King St, Uralla will also be on display.
‘Trailers’ are also reminded not to miss the spectacular natural vibrant colour on display around the nearby cool climate town of Walcha.
On Wednesday 30th April, the Trail will continue in Armidale with the garden of Diane and Stuart Gray at 6 Welbourn Place, Armidale; Sally & Danny Spillane with their property “Balmoral” at 333 Grafton Rd, Armidale; and ‘Meadow Bank’ at 205 Castledoyle Rd, Armidale offered by Jane and Kenneth Gilpin. The Armidale Autumn Bus Tour will also operate on this day.
Guyra will be on show on Thursday 1st May with Derek & Fiona Smith’s garden ‘Kenilworth’ open at 134 Falconer St, Guyra; ‘Roseville’ by Tony Duke at 157 Llangothlin Rd, Guyra; and Julie & Kerry Gittoes’ property ‘Binna Burra’ at 25 Elm St, Guyra. Visitors are also encouraged to take the opportunity to visit Black Mountain Nursery, the highest nursery in Australia, specialising in cool climate plants.
After a Celtic cultural experience in Glen Innes on Friday 2nd May, the Autumn trail concludes in Tenterfield on Saturday 3rd May with Steven & Christine McLatchey displaying their property ‘Cobbers’ at 70 Molesworth St, Tenterfield; ‘Behind The Hedge’ at 454 Rouse St, Tenterfield by Peter & Sandy Burley; and ‘The Bungalow & Ivy Leaf Chapel‘ by Kim Massie at 141 Miles St, Tenterfield.
Organisers are encouraging visitors to stay overnight in each town to maximize their time exploring the gardens.
“After the gardens close each day, take the opportunity to admire and photograph the stunning autumn foliage and explore the region’s must-visit local spots before heading to the next town.”
A uniform entry fee of $10 per garden will be charged, with money raised in each town going to Can Assist or another designated local charity group, ensuring the communities benefit from this event.
Gardens will be open from 9.30am – 2.00pm. Tickets for each garden can be pre-purchased online through the New England Garden Festival website: https://negf.com.au/2025-new-england-autumn-garden-trail/ or by cash at the garden gate. Email info@negf.com.au with any questions.
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