Explore The New England Highway
We’ve done the research so all you need to do is book and then hit the road. Some of our favourite stays along New South Wale’s and Queensland’s New England Highway. From Dungog in the South to Allora in the North.
Stays on the way
1. Wallaringa Farm
Dungog, NSW | Sleeps 8
Wake up at Wallaringa Farm on your first day of the road trip and you’ll be happy! Grazing cows murmur outside and will remind you that you have left the rat race behind. Relax with a coffee on the sunny bench seats on the verandah with the weekend papers. Pop into Dungog, or Patterson Village to explore…or don’t - you’ll be happy right here.
A little over 2.5 hours from Sydney in the Hunter Valley (just near Dungog and not too far from the New England Highway route at Maitland) awaits this three bedroom property.
2. The Barn Scone
Scone, NSW | Sleeps 14
The Barn Scone is located at leading thoroughbred stud Kitchwin Hills, which is a scenic 30 min drive from Australia’s horse capital of Scone. The Barn is an architecturally designed, luxury, renovated house with light-filled living, dining spaces and a comfortable veranda for you to relax and watch the horses graze...you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to spaces to relax and entertain in.
The Barn is about 2 1/2 hours up the road from Wallaringa Farm.
3. Orto Uralla
Uralla, NSW | Sleeps 2
A farm shed, but also a stylish stay, surrounded by a flower and vegetable farm, is Orto Uralla. Spend some time in the garden, read on the deck and enjoy a breakfast hamper of seasonal local produce, before wandering down town to explore historic Uralla.
Must-stops in town include Seasons of New England, Highland Living, Miss Groves, and Little Birdy for some shopping. Pop into the Pie Mechanic to grab some pies or pastries before hitting the road again.
Uralla is around 2 1/2 hours up the New England Highway from The Barn, it is also the perfect place to stop half way between Sydney and Brisbane.
4. Waterloo Station
Glen Innes, NSW | Sleeps 42
This is a beautiful Glen Innes (historic working) property. It is an incredible destination for a large group to enjoy a stay in the bush! There is the family friendly Waterloo Stockmans Cottage, the unique Shearers Lodgings and even a private one bedroom Schoolhouse. It is also a great spot to explore, with plenty of designated tracks for hiking the hills and ranges on the property.
Waterloo Station is around 4 1/2 hours up the New England Highway from The Barn.
5. The Nesting Post
Allora, QLD | Sleeps 4
Just about 3 hours up the road from Glen Innes a beautiful white cottage on the Darling Downs of Queensland awaits you.
The Nesting Post has two queen bedrooms, each with a bathroom…there is a clawfoot bath (need we say more).
Relax on the front verandah overlooking the garden and paddocks, or sit by the fire pit under a starry sky. The perfect end to a New England Road Trip.
See below: Some of our favourite stops along the way for eats, treats and shopping.
Stops on the way
1. The Bolt Inn
Uralla, NSW
The Bolt Inn is a historic Uralla pub that has recently been restored. Located in the heart of Uralla, right alongside the New England highway it is the perfect stop for a bite to eat or drink. On a recent road trip the SITB Team tried the bistro menu and everything was delicious! (Tip: Do not skip ordering the steak. It is next level good).
2. Seasons of New England
Uralla, NSW
In our opinion (and perhaps not our husbands) no road trip is complete without some boutique browsing.
Be sure to stop off at Seasons of New England in Uralla. Here you will find fabulous things made right in the New England. Notable mentions are Hot Chocolate by the Humble Cook, Deva Cacao Choccies, Thunderbolt Balms and anything from Glen Gowrie Distillery.
3. Stonefruit
Tenterfield, NSW
Worth a trip up or down the New England Highway is the hidden gem in Tenterfield, Stonefruit.
Winner of the Sydney Morning Herald’s “Good Food Guide - Drinks list of the Year in 2025” and from the look of the menu a place we want to visit ASAP!
Note: If you want to add Stonefruit to your itinerary be sure to visit Tenterfield on days other than Tuesday and Wednesday.
About Stay In The Bush
Stay In The Bush was founded by Grace Brennan in 2019 (from her home on a farm in Western NSW) to showcase rural accommodation and foster a greater connection between urban and rural Australia. It is an extension of the hugely successful Buy From The Bush, a platform launched to support rural communities during the worst drought In Australia's history. The continued mission for Buy From The Bush and Stay In The Bush is to crisis-proof rural Australia.
Our website is a curated collection of beautiful places to stay in the bush. We believe rural communities are a treasure worth protecting, and exploring! And we know, because it's our home!
We want travellers to wander inland, away from the crowds, forgetting about the tourist attractions and timetables. A Stay In The Bush is more about absorbing a way of life and taking a big deep breath.
Enjoy uniquely Australian design, stunning interiors with views toward sweeping plains, dirt tracks, starry skies, campfire memories and the untamed beauty of the Australian bush! Each time you stay in the bush, you make a meaningful investment in the future of rural communities.