Glen Innes, New South Wales - Celtic Stones, Cool Climate & Country Charm

Glen Innes, New South Wales - Celtic Stones, Cool Climate & Country Charm

Set high on the Northern Tablelands in the New England region of New South Wales, Glen Innes is a town that feels a little different the moment you arrive. Located around 569 kilometres north of Sydney, it’s known for its cool climate, rolling countryside, rich heritage, and strong Celtic roots. With stone buildings, open skies, and some truly unique attractions, Glen Innes is a destination that invites you to slow down and explore.

During our visit to Glen Innes, we explored the Standing Stones, saw the views from the Skywalk and wandered along the heritage trail. We visited the Super Strawberry, Land of the Beardies Museum and discovered Boundary Falls.

A Town Shaped by Celtic Spirit

Glen Innes proudly celebrates its Celtic heritage, and nowhere is that more evident than at the Australian Standing Stones — one of the town’s most iconic landmarks. Completed in 1992, the Standing Stones are the national monument to Celtic people, past and present. Each year, they become the centrepiece of the Australian Celtic Festival, held in early May, when the town comes alive with music, kilts, and celebration.

There are 38 granite stones, each standing around 3.5 metres high and quarried locally. Twenty-four stones form a circle representing the hours of the day, with a central plaque explaining how the stones align with the movement of the sun throughout the year. When viewed from above, the layout also incorporates both a Celtic Cross and the Southern Cross — a beautiful blend of old-world tradition and Australian identity.

On a sunny day, you can even tell the time using the human sundial, try your luck pulling the Excalibur sword from the stone, and step inside Crofters Cottage, a replica traditional black house.

Big Views from the Glen Innes Skywalk

Just a short walk uphill from the Standing Stones is the Glen Innes Skywalk, an 80-metre-long elevated boardwalk with three viewing platforms overlooking the town and surrounding countryside.

From up here, the patchwork of farmland and distant hills really comes into perspective. Information boards at each platform share stories of the area, and QR codes let you listen to audio commentary as you wander. It’s a peaceful spot to pause, take photos, and appreciate just how open and expansive this part of New South Wales feels.

Walking Through History on the Heritage Trail

One of the best ways to experience Glen Innes is on foot along the heritage walk, which takes you past more than 60 historic buildings scattered throughout the town centre.

Highlights include:

• The Town Hall in the middle of town is one of the most impressive. It was built in 1887.

• The Mackenzie building was originally a department store. It was built in 1885 and was the first store in Glen Innes, now it’s the Coles Supermarket.

• The Glen Innes Post and Telegraph Office was built in 1896 and is still in use today.

• The Courthouse was built with basalt stonework in 1873.

• The Great Central Hotel was built in 1887 on the site of the Telegraph Hotel, which was the first hotel in Glen Innes.

• Kwong Sings Emporium was built from 1886 to 1915 and was originally a department store.

• The iconic Club Hotel was built in 1906.

• The Chapel Theatre was originally a Methodist Church that was built in 1885.

• St. Patrick’s Catholic Church was completed in 1909, the original church is now part of the school.

Scattered between these buildings are leafy parks and quiet corners, making the town centre a lovely place to wander at a relaxed pace.

Sweet Stops & Local Stories

Just two kilometres out of town is a stop you can’t miss — The Super Strawberry. Part café, part gift shop, and part working strawberry farm, it’s open daily from 8:00am to 5:00pm. From October to May, you’ll find fresh strawberries alongside strawberry milkshakes, jams, sauces, and all kinds of sweet treats.

Back in town, the Land of the Beardies Museum offers a deeper look into Glen Innes’ past. Housed in the town’s first hospital, opened in 1877, this folk museum is packed with memorabilia from early settlers and tells the story of the region’s strong Celtic connections. It’s open daily from 10:00am to 2:00pm and is well worth a visit.

A Waterfall Escape at Boundary Falls

Gibraltar Range National Park lies about 63 kilometres east of Glen Innes and is home to the beautiful Boundary Falls. From the day-use area, a 400-metre return walk takes you down to the base of the falls, with lovely views along the way.

At the bottom, the track follows the river to the falls themselves — a peaceful, scenic spot surrounded by bushland and birdsong. It’s an easy and rewarding nature escape, perfect as a half-day trip from town.

Why Glen Innes Is Worth the Detour

Glen Innes blends heritage, culture, and nature in a way that feels genuine and unhurried. From ancient-inspired standing stones and sweeping skywalk views to historic streetscapes, waterfalls, and strawberry stops, it’s a town full of quiet surprises. Whether you’re drawn by its Celtic heart, cool-climate landscapes, or rich local stories, Glen Innes is a destination that rewards curiosity.

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