Glen Innes: Granite and Heritage
We left Tenterfield mid-morning, heading south through the New England Highlands. The road was quiet, winding between farmland and patches of bush where the mist doesn’t clear till late. It was an easy drive, just over an hour, and we’d planned a quick stop in Glen Innes before continuing on to Inverell for the night.
The Standing Stones were our main reason for stopping. Cameron’s Celtic side got the better of him, so we followed the signs out of town to a grassy rise overlooking the valley. The site looked a bit like something out of Scotland, with twenty-odd granite pillars arranged in a big circle and a central “golden boulder” marking the solstice point. Built in the early 1990s, it’s the National Celtic Monument, celebrating the six Celtic nations. It’s also surprisingly peaceful.
We walked around for a while, reading the plaques and checking how the sun lined up with the stones. Zoe was more interested in the wallabies grazing nearby. The breeze had a bite to it, typical of the high country, and by the time we got back to the moho, we were glad for a bit of warmth.
Back in town, we parked near the main street and went for a wander. Glen Innes has an old-fashioned country feel, with wide streets, stone buildings, and locals who are happy to stop for a chat. We grabbed a hot drink at a café, browsed a few antique and second-hand shops, and popped into the visitor centre to get a map of the heritage walk for next time. It’s a neat little town, easy to spend a couple of hours without realising.
By early afternoon, we were back on the road. The drive to Inverell took us through open paddocks and rolling hills; country that glows gold in the late light.
It was only a short stop, but the Standing Stones turned out to be one of those unexpected highlights. A little piece of Celtic history in the middle of rural New South Wales.
Enjoyed our stop in Glen Innes?
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Glen Innes
A high-country town with Celtic bones and a country heart. Between the granite stones, cool air, and easy pace, Glen Innes gave us space to breathe before rolling on towards Inverell.
How to Get There
Follow the New England Highway north from Tenterfield. It’s around 115 kilometres through hilly farmland and forest, an easy drive with a few good photo stops.
What to See, Tours and Activities
What we did:
Visited the Australian Standing Stones and learned how they mark the Celtic nations.
Wandered the town centre and heritage buildings.
Grabbed a coffee (or two) before continuing to Inverell.
Other highlights you might explore:
Check out the Land of the Beardies History House Museum.
Time your trip for the Australian Celtic Festival in early May.
Try your luck fossicking for sapphires or crystals nearby.
When to Visit
Autumn and spring bring the clearest skies and easiest weather for exploring. Winter mornings can be icy but beautiful, especially if you catch the mist rising over the fields.
Final Thoughts
We didn’t spend long in Glen Innes, but it left an impression. The stones stood silent in the wind, and for a moment, everything around us felt both ancient and quietly alive.
What’s Nearby
Next, we carried on to Bingara by way of Inverell, where the high country started to give way to the wide plains again.
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Armidale gave us cool mornings, friendly markets, and the joy of finding real bookshops again. With gardens, heritage, and country calm, it’s the kind of inland town that makes you want to stay a little longer.