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Everyone must visit New England. Have a holiday inland. The weather on on the Northern Tablelands is delightful for three seasons and cool for the fourth.

If you are on the coast, make a round trip up the Waterfall Way to New England and then back to the coast. Or just come from anywhere to New England. Stay awhile at Dorrigo, Ebor and Armidale. There is plenty to see in Uralla and Walcha. Go north from Armidale to Guyra and Glen Innes then go to the coast along the World Heritage Way.

You have to travel to the Old World to see anything like them – the Australian Standing Stones in Glen Innes, heart of Celtic Country.

The Stones, unique in the southern hemisphere, are the official national monument to Australia’s Celtic pioneers.   

They’re the venue for the annual Australian Celtic Festival, a signature event on the national entertainment calendar, drawing clans, national groups, dancers, artists and spectators from across Australia - and as far as Britain.

They are the venue, too, for summer and winter solstice celebrations. A comprehensive guide to the Stones is available at the Visitor Information centre. 

Celtic Country’s distinctive seasons, unlike so much of the rest of Australia, also have immense appeal - naturally air-conditioned summers, log-fire winters, with occasional snow, golden autumns, dazzling springs.

Glen Innes, 1062m in the New England Tablelands, is strategically located at the intersection of the New England and Gwydir Highways, four hours from Brisbane, four and a half from the Gold Coast, two and a half from Coffs Harbour, seven from Sydney.

Celtic Country rightfully claims it has something for everyone, for its:

•  Part of the state’s most prolific sapphire region with a wide range of other gems;

·        Stepping off point for the World Heritage national parks of Washpool and Gibraltar Range, a wide range of other national parks and nature reserves;

·        Steeped in history with a charming colonial CBD streetscape, Heritage buildings and superb folk museum, Land of the Beardies History House with Aboriginal artworks and artefacts displayed at Cooramah Aboriginal Cultural Centre.  

·        The centre of fine wool, lamb and beef production with picturesque rural villages like Deepwater and Emmaville.

·        Centre, too, for year-round festivals and events such as the mineral and gem show Minerama, Land of the Beardies Festival, marking local history, Gourmet in the Glen, celebrating regional foods and wines, and wide-ranging country events.

• Noted for Murray cod, trout, other fishing; 

·        Arts and culture flourish – including a fledgling tertiary centre.

·        Accommodation is wide ranging, catering for all budgets, from luxury to economy.

Places to see: Everyone must go to the Standing Stones which are in Centennial Parklands. Adjacent is Crofter's Cottage serving delicious Celtic and Australian teas, tartan wear, Celtic gifts and jewellery. Visit Leyland House, at 141 Church Street. Phone (02) 6732 2047. The Photo-graphic Art Gallery collection depicts Mal and Laraine Leyland's amazing life. Visitors must see The Land of the Beardies History House the corner of Ferguson St and West Ave. There are 10,000 items in 25 rooms showcasing the district's history and a display of agricultural machinery. Open daily. For recreation and meals go to the Glen Innes and District Services Club at the corner of Grey and Lang Sts. Phone 6732 1355 Emmaville and Deepwater Make a day trip to Deepwater and come back via historic Emmaville, 45 km north west of Glen Innes. Just take the New England Highway north to Deepwater.

DEEPWATER: If you are visiting the town or just passing through, you’ll always find a warm and friendly welcome from the ladies at the Blue Belle Café on the Highway. Word of mouth recommendation brings travellers there each day to experience its unique charm. Phone 02 6734 5477. Open daily (except Sunday) from 8.30 am to 4.30 pm. Enjoy meals and refreshments at the Deep-water Inn on the New England Highway at the northern end of town. This historic hotel dates from 1865 and was once an old Cobb and Co coach halt. It now offers Country Hotel style accommodation and serves excel-lent lunches and dinners. You’ll also get good advice about local fishing. Phone 02 6734 5331. If you are looking for restful gracious accommodation in tranquil surroundings, the ideal place is Whynot, a retreat at Stannum, 15 km northwest of Deepwater on the Torrington Road. All meals are supplied. Have brunch with the deer and enjoy quadbike tours of Activities also include bush walking, fishing and bird watching. Bookings are essential. Phone 02 6734 6338.

EMMAVILLE: Visit the Emmaville Mining Museum in Moore St. Open Fri to Tues 10 am to 4 pm. Phone 6734 7025. See mineral collections, the photograph collection and the historic Foley's Store. While exploring Emmaville go to the Club Hotel at the corner of Irby and O'Donnell Sts for refreshments and meals. Lunch 12 to 2 pm. Dinner 6 to 8 pm. Phone 6734 7304 After your holiday in Glen Innes, take the scenic World Heritage Way to Grafton. Information available from NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Glen Innes. Phone 6732 5133.