Platypus Admires Armidale

 

My next journey took me to the town of Armidale New South Wales Australia located within Anaiwan country.  Armidale is located in the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales and part of the New England Region. My visit to this lovely town was to see the new mural created by street artist's Crisp and Silly Pear (check out my other blog post on Silly pears art in Camden here https://platypusgypsy.blogspot.com/2021/01/platypus-treasures.html , located on the lane way at Boobooks second hand books near Armidale Mall at 76 Beardy Street. The beautiful artwork features Australian Animals such as the platypus, Eastern water dragon, Spinebill (honey eater), superb fairy wren and native parrots. There is a wonderful western style outlaw on a horse and eagle too. 

More of Crisp and Silly Pears art can be seen around the streets of Armidale below are a few I found more information about street art in Armidale can be found here https://www.facebook.com/urbanartrail/ 

Beautiful Rainbow Lorikeet by Crisp located in Cinders Lane

Beautiful Rainbow Lorikeet by Crisp located in Cinders Lane

Detail of mural done by Silly Pear located in the car park in Cinders Lane

Detail of mural done by Silly Pear located in the car park in Cinders Lane

Detail of mural done by Silly Pear located in the car park in Cinders Lane

Detail of mural done by Silly Pear located in the car park in Cinders Lane

Mural done by Silly Pear located in the car park in Cinders Lane

Cool mural by Crisp on the Gold fishbowl bakery at 3/160 Rusden St

Art work created by Silly Pear on the Art Gallery and framing next door to Goldfish Bowl Bakery

Mural created by Silly Pear located near the Armidale Community Garden at Moran Reserve

More wonderful Street art can be found within the Minnie Barn within the City Centre Motor Inn located on 146 Dangar Street. A large Mural is also on the side of the building which can be viewed from Barney Street. The artwork was created by Sarah Hickey to celebrate the Amazons who were the first Women's Fire Brigade in Armidale from 1901-1905.

The Lane way cafe located on Moore Street also recently got some beautiful bird themed artwork done by the street artist and science illustrator James O'Hanlon or aka Jamohanlon. The mural features Australian birds such as grey goshawk, wood duck, superb fairy wren, egret, regent honey eater and King parrot.

There are a number of beautiful parks around Armidale such as Central Park and Civic park. Civic Park runs along the Dumaresq creek and there is a bicycle track which you can also walk along. The park features picnic tables and benches, small ponds and play equipment. Underneath Stephens Bridge (which is above Dumaresq creek at Civic Park) are local murals one features a First Nations design with a platypus.

Cool design bridge within Civic Park

Small pond within Civic Pond and public art

Dumaresq creek which runs along Civic Park

Beautiful mural sadly damaged

Platypus

Lovely mural under Stephens Bridge

Wonderful sculpture in honour of Judith Wright Australian Poet born in Armidale

Memorial Plaque to Judith Wright featuring her poem on rocks from her birthplace

Other places to visit are the New England Regional Art Museum (NERAM) which features Australian art and has a collection of public art displayed around the cafe and entrance. The Aboriginal Cultural Centre & Keeping Place is a must to visit, to see a wonderful collection of First Nation art, there is also the Echidna cafe named after the Iwata the Anaiwan ( original inhabitants of Armidale) name for echidna, as the echidna is the Anaiwan totem. Both the New England Regional Art Museum and
Aboriginal Cultural Centre & Keeping Place are located at Kentucky Street.

New England Regional Art Museum

Robot like sculpture outside the entrance of NERAM

Robot like sculpture outside the entrance of NERAM

 

 

 

The Armidale Bicentennial Arboretum is a heritage listed park located between Kentucky, Butler and Galloway streets. It is a lovely greenspace within the city and features a beautiful walkway over a pond where a small man made waterfall can be viewed. 

Public art in Armidale Bicentennial Arboretum

There are also lots of lovely old historic buildings to view around the city such as the heritage listed Saints Mary and Joseph Cathedral at 132 Dangar Street and St Peters Anglican Church at
122 Rusden Street. A heritage tour of the city can be arranged at the tourist information centre located at 82 Marsh Street. The art deco style Tattersalls Hotel is beautiful and their food is to die for too. 

Saints Mary and Joseph Cathedral

Saints Mary and Joseph Cathedral interior

Saints Mary and Joseph Cathedral interior

Saints Mary and Joseph Cathedral

St Peters Anglican Church

St Peters Anglican Church

The Armidale Folk Museum located on Rusden Street is a great place to learn about local history as well as travel back in time to see the vintage collections such as old radios, telephones and home deco.

Vintage Radio

Old poster from Armidale

Lovely model made by Mary Jane Johnston (nee Gore) 1858-1944 known more making animal model displays

Old container for minties lollies

Peter Allen (1963- 1992) aka The boy from Oz, Singer and Songwriter grew up in Armidale

A highly recommended place to visit is the Drummond Park Apex Lookout which offers a beautiful view of the city. You can walk up Jeffery Street (its worth it for the view) or is just a short drive from the heart of town.

Eastern rosella

Lastly nothing tops off a wonderful visit to a town without trying the local beer. The Welders Dog is a local brewery producing craft beers, their brewery is open for tours located at 4/3 Southern Cross Drive Armidale or you can pop into the Welders dog pub located at 120 Marsh Street which has their craft beers on tap. 

Cheers from Armidale

Platypus motif in Childrens playground outside Central Beady Mall

 Below are two videos featuring more of my visit from Armidale