The six best ways to get a natural high in New England

Magnificent countryside, national PARKS and four distinct SEASONS in New England HIGH COUNTRY create a natural PLAYGROUND for those who like the OUTDOORS and adventure.

1 Flying above Armidale Take to the skies above Armidale in a helicopter if you’re a thrill-seeker. An hour-long wilderness flight buzzes spectacular waterfalls and gorges including GORGE, deepest in NSW. WOLLOMOMBI Ratchet up the adrenaline levels even more with an acrobatic flight in a vintage military aircraft above – and prepare OXLEY WILD RIVERS NATIONAL PARK to see it while travelling upside down.

2 Fishing at Copeton Dam NEW ENGLAND IS FINE FISHING COUNTRY,WITH BOTH RAINBOW AND BROWN TROUT THRIVING IN ITS LAKES AND STREAMS. FEW PLACES ARE BETTER TO TAKE UP THE ROD THAN COPETON DAM, SOUTH-WEST OF INVERELL, A PEACEFUL INLAND WATERWAY THAT STOCKS PERCH, REDFIN AND MURRAY COD.

3 Cycling at Walcha The High Country is crisscrossed with hundreds of kilometres of mountain-biking routes, and the gravel roads and wilderness trails around will suit both beginners WALCHA and advanced riders alike as you pedal down country roads, along rivers, and into national parks. Pit stops such as and WALCHA ROAD HOTEL will fuel you up for more. COMMERCIAL HOTEL

4 SCRAMBLING ON BALD ROCK New England High Country features some of NSW’s most splendid landscapes, and this national park 29 kilometres east of is a TENTERFIELD showcase of its rugged drama. is Australia’s BALD ROCK NATIONAL PARK largest granite monolith, rising to almost 1300 metres. Shady picnic spots await the indolent afternoon, while the active can tackle scenic rock scrambles.

5 INDIGENOUS ART AT MT YARROWYCK An easy walk to suit all fitness levels leads to an Aboriginal rock art site in MT YARROWYCK NATURE RESERVE, 25 kilometres west of Uralla. Weathered granite boulders create a striking landscape, while the depictions of ochre figures and bird tracks are culturally important to the Anaiwan people.

6 Fossicking in Glen Innes Highlands FOSSICKERS HAVE LONG HUNTED FOR GEMSTONES AND GOLD IN NEW ENGLAND HIGH COUNTRY. HAVE A GO YOURSELF AROUND GLEN INNES FOR A FUN FAMILY WAY TO ENJOY THE GREAT OUTDOORS. SOME OF THE BEST FOSSICKING SITES ARE BEAUTIFUL RIVERS SURROUNDED BY BUSHLAND, SOME WITH CAMPING AND PICNIC FACILITIES. For more inspiration on New England High Country’s nature and adventure activities, driving routes, accommodation and more, visit newenglandhighcountry.com.au