Discover the Coldest Place in New South Wales

2023 marked the warmest winter on record for New South Wales. The Australian Bureau of Meteorology measured NSW’s hottest day of the season on June 3rd, when Wanaaring temperatures reached 87.4 degrees Fahrenheit (30.8 degrees Celsius). Scientists have attributed the high temperatures to weather systems that created dry and sunny conditions, as well as global warming. However, not everyone in NSW had to break out the sunnies this winter! Temperatures were still plummeting in certain parts of the southeastern state. Let’s discover the coldest place in NSW in 2023.

The Coldest Place in New South Wales

In previous years, towns in the vicinity of the Snowy Mountains have often had the honor of being named NSW’s most frigid locale. This year, however, the coldest town was in the northern region of the state. Glen Innes, located less than 62 miles (100 km) from the NSW-Queensland border, was the coldest town in NSW in 2023.

Glen Innes is located at an elevation of 3,484 feet (1,062 meters), which certainly contributes to its chilly winters. The town sits near the highest point of the New England Range. Despite living in the coldest town in NSW, the inhabitants of Glen Innes, like most Australians, still experienced warmer overall temperatures than normal in 2023.

Discovering Glen Innes

With its thriving artistic community, beautiful nature trails, and rich history, Glen Innes is a charming place to visit during any season. Visitors appreciate the Glen Innes Highland Heritage Walk, which highlights the town’s many beautiful historic buildings. The Gawura Gallery is notable for displaying the works of the famous Aboriginal artist Lloyd Hornsby. Those wishing to experience all the beauty that nature has to offer in northern NSW have several nearby national parks and reserves to choose from, including the Gondwana Rainforest, which is home to quolls, koalas, and many other animals.

The Australian Celtic Festival

Each year, thousands of people flock to Glen Innes for the annual Australian Celtic Festival. It is a celebration of the Celtic ancestry and history that have contributed to Australia’s heritage and, appropriately, it is held in NSW’s coldest place. The festival features parades, music and dance performances, traditional highland games, ceremonies, and more.

The Australian Standing Stones

A unique monument provides the perfect backdrop to the Celtic Festival. The Australian Standing Stones are a collection of 38 towering stones arranged in a circle. They serve as an homage to the ancient Celtic practice of using carefully erected megaliths as farming calendars. Each of the Australian Standing Stones measures 11.5 feet (3.5 meters) tall.

Don’t let winter temperatures stop you from visiting Glen Innes. There is much to discover in the coldest place in NSW. Whether you wish to celebrate Celtic heritage, view excellent art, or experience beautiful natural areas, Glen Innes has plenty to offer. There is much to explore in this wonderful and history-rich town.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Orion Media Group/Shutterstock.com