Autumn Adventures in Armidale

 

 

 XPT

My next Journey took me to the North West town of Armidale in the New England Tablelands of New South Wales Australia. Armidale resides on the traditional lands of the Anaiwan and Kamilaroi people. This was my second visit to Armidale and for the second time it didn't disappoint. You can check out my last visit to Armidale here. Last time I had flew in on Rex airlines but as they discontinued their flights to Armidale, I took the XPT train from Sydney. The train ride wasn't too bad and the scenic views outside the window are lovely. Below is a drawing I did inspired by my trip.

 James O’Hanlon

My main reason for visiting Armidale again was to see the wonderful new mural that artist James O'Hanlon painted beside the local council building at 135 Rusden street. James has a collection of murals featured through out the city you can see the other murals in my previous blog on Armidale here. The mural he created outside the council chambers is part of the In Situ Science Hub. As Armidale features the University of New England, it is both known for its science and agriculture. The mural features a platypus, a striped marsh froglet and a tardigrade (water bear). This mural aims is to promote themes of science engagement and water resilience. 

 

 Three other murals by O'Hanlon are featured in the local Armidale War Memorial library. These feature a science inspired mural, a whale mural and a space animal mural (with an astronaut tardigrade). They are a delight.

 

 

 

 

Dragon Mural

Another wonderful mural within the children's section of the local library is an enormous dragon. It is marvellous and is a great added colour to the library. It was created by local artists Fiona McDonald and David Allan.

 

 

 

Aboriginal Cultural centre and keeping Place (ACCKP)

Since my last visit to Armidale back in 2021, the lovely First nations cultural centre had expanded its gallery. It is located besides the New England Regional Art Museum (NERAM) gallery on 96-104 Kentucky street.  Since the updates there are new murals and and more garden statues added including a platypus statue added too. It's a great place to visit and see local art by local First Nations. They have a gift shop with beautiful souvenirs too. You can check out their website here.

 

Theresa Chatfield artwork part of her exhibition “Dhiiyan Burugal” (Family Dreaming) on at ACCKP until 21st June 2024

Aquatic centre mural

A stunning First nations mural is featured on the side of the Monckton Aquatic Centre at 179 Dumaresq street beside the car park. It features local fauna including the platypus.  The mural was created by artist Dennis Pitt. 

 

Silly Pear

Another artist whose work is featured around Armidale is known as Silly Pear. You can read more about his other art around the town here.  His mural is featured outside the NERAM gallery located on Kentucky street. This mural replaced the previous mural by Tom Civil (see my blog entry here).

 

 

Crisp

Another artist whose work is featured about town is Crisp (check out my previous blog post on him here).  His mural is featured beside the local council building at 135 Rusden street it is also a collaboration with artist Silly Pear. It features a sugar glider.

 

 

Granny Fi's Toy Cupboard

 

A delightful store you must visit is Granny Fi's Toy Cupboard which features local made toys, sci-fi  and fantasy pop culture including 80s classic films A never ending story and The Labyrinth. The shop owner is friendly and I loved her elf ears. I highly recommend. Check out her website here.

 

 

Boobook Second Handbook store

I'm always a sucker for a good book store and as they are becoming rare nowadays. I always am happy to see one. Boobook books is a wonderful second hand book store located in the mall pathway at 76 Beardy Street It has a great selection of genres and a cafe that serves tasty treats. Check out their website here.

 

Boobooks side entrance with mural by Crisp (see my previous blog here for information on the mural)

Tasty Hot chocolate

Goldfish Bowl Bakery

 Located on the corner of Jessie and Rusden streets (3/160 Rusden Street) is the Goldfish bowl Bakery, featuring amazing art by artist Crisp (see previous blog here). The cafe gets a bit busy at times but it serves great coffee and tasty food, plus there is always a cute dog there too.

 

Tasy Salmon Royal dish

Freddie the cute dog that sat next to me

Delicious coffee

Final thoughts

Although my second visit to Armidale was short but sweet it was enjoyable to see how it has changed in the three years since I visited.  The added street art is always a highlight and meeting the local dogs including Freddie and Tinkerbell at the Goldfish bowl Bakery was a joy too. I also found a cute platypus plush in the local Salvos store (Salvation army Opp shop/Thrift store).

Platypus Plush I found at Armidale Salvos

 

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