Local Tips for the Snap-Happy, Country Race Day Fun and a Jam-Packed Event Calendar If you find yourself in Glen Innes Highlands this January, there's a lot to see and do!
In this month's newsletter, you'll find some location tips from a keen local amateur photographer. Local travel writer, Amanda Woods, shares some interesting history behind two of our popular annual race events. And we've included a wrap-up of what's on so you can make plans to join in the fun.
Read on for ideas to inspire your next visit. And check out our website to find local accommodation and more information about our region. | | | We asked a local to share something they're passionate about to help inspire our visitors and other locals on their next adventure in Glen Innes Highlands. | | | As an amateur photographer, I have found an endless supply of places to visit in our local region, all year round.
Here are my top five go-to spots when I need my fix of solitude and nature: - Australian Standing Stones, Centennial Parklands: Sunrise or sunset, our national Celtic monument is a serene place to capture light between the stones.
- Stonehenge Reserve: These natural granite tors' unique shapes and stories are a dream to capture, beautiful vistas and opportunities for fantastic night sky photography.
- Coombadjha nature stroll at Washpool National Park: Exploring the Gondwana Rainforests in the Australia World Heritage area of Washpool National Park is a constant source of inspiration for photographers of all levels and accessibility. One of my favourites is the easy walk on a cement path through ferns and coachwood. You will find lyrebirds scratching in the leaves, loads of beautiful fungi and the serenity of the Coachwood Pool lookout’s dappled rays. Snap away and linger in the soft light inside the shade of the cool-climate rainforest foliage.
- Emmaville: Grab your binoculars and long lens to capture local waterbirds enjoying these picturesque wetlands. Called ‘Y Waters’ after the shape of the creek that fed into them, it was also home to the Y-Water Tin Mining Company, which was the location of the biggest open-cut tin mine in the southern hemisphere in the early 1800s.
- Deepwater skies: Looking for that perfect vantage point for big-sky sunsets? A visit to Deepwater in the early evening will reward you with magic hues and wide-lens vistas.
- Rhonda Bombell, Tourism & Events Officer, Glen Innes Severn Council | | | Discover Your Next Adventure | | | Glen Innes-based travel writer, Amanda Woods, toured Glen Innes Highlands to help us share the best regional experiences to enjoy during your next visit. | | Country Race Day Fun For more than 160 years race goers have been drawn to Glen Innes to have a flutter on the horses, see the fashions in the field and enjoy a fun country day out. | | | After forming in 1857 the Glen Innes Jockey Club went on to become the major racing centre north of Newcastle, and for a while the Glen Innes Cup was worth more than the Melbourne Cup, with our 1000 guineas prize money in 1875 outstripping the 800 guineas in Melbourne in the same year. | | | | In 1876 of Australia’s top racehorses, Briseis, ran third in the Glen Innes Cup before going on to become the first filly to win the Melbourne Cup. These days the Glen Innes Cup is held on the second Saturday in January and is where you can feel at home whether you’re dressed down or to the nines. Here anything from jeans and boots to bright dresses with head-turning fascinators and beautifully crafted millinery can be found and everyone is welcome. | | | | Up the road in Deepwater, the first race is believed to have taken place on New Year’s Day 1866 and by 1886 the Deepwater Jockey Club was operating under official Australian Jockey Club rules. In 1893 the decision to include a shooting gallery at a Deepwater race day led to a painful surprise for Mrs A.L. Patterson who was shot in the leg before being rushed to Emmaville hospital. | | | | Over the years race goers have arrived by horse and carriage, paying threepence for each horse and a penny for every wheel, then by special trains from Glen Innes and Tenterfield, and now in cars from far and wide. The Deepwater Cup continues to draw a friendly country crowd every year. | | | | There is always something to look forward to in Glen Innes Highlands, including regular events like movies, theatre productions & open mic nights at the Chapel Theatre, as well as weekend markets in town. To find out about more events, visit our Events Calendar and follow us on Facebook. | | The Walk of Light:
Reach for the Stars Until Fri 13 Jan
Every evening
Various locations, Glen Innes
Discover the magic of six separate lighting installations around our town centre and parklands, each with a different theme. More info.
This initiative from Mr & Mrs Hill Lighting is proudly funded by the NSW Government and supported by Glen Innes Severn Council. | | | Glen Innes Races Sat 7 Jan
Gates open 11.30am
Glen Innes Racecourse, Cnr Ferguson & Dumaresq Str, Glen Innes
Tickets at the gate: $15. Bookings & TAB, food vans, BBQ, bar, VIP marquee, champaign garden, Fashions on the Field, live band after the last race. More info. | | | Silversmithing Workshops with Richard Moon Sat 7 Jan & Thurs 12 Jan
10.00am to 4.00pm
The Makers Shed, 123 Grey St, Glen Innes
Get across the entire silversmithing process with Richard as your guide, from designing your piece through to cutting, soldering, heating, cold-connecting, fold-forming, bezel-setting and polishing. More info. | | | Tom Curtain Tour Fri 13 Jan
6.00pm to 8.30pm
Glen Innes Showground, Torrington Street, Glen Innes
Multiple Golden Guitar winner and horseman extraordinaire Tom Curtain has again hit the road as part of his 'Nothin's Gonna Stop Us' Tour with his award-winning 'Katherine Outback Experience'. | | | | The show is entertaining, engaging, interactive and family-friendly, and consists of a 1-hour show of real horse training and working dog demonstrations (including plenty of hands-on fun for the kids) and 1.5 hours of live music by Tom Curtain, Chris Matthews and special guests. More info. | | Matt Scullion Tour Sat Jan 14 - More info
6.00pm at Glen Innes Town Hall, 265 Grey St, Glen Innes
Sun Jan 15 - More info
3.00pm at Deepwater School of Arts, 72 Tenterfield St, Deepwater
Join Golder Guitar-winning Australiana singer-songwriter, Matt Scullion, for a FREE 2-hour show & sausage sizzle, proudly funded by the NSW Government and supported by Glen Innes Severn Council. | | | Deepwater Cup Sat 21 Jan
Gates open 10.00am
Deepwater Racecourse, New England Hwy, Deepwater
Tickets at the gate: Adults $15; Pensioners $5; Children free. Bookies & TAB, food vans, bar including Deepwater Brewing on tap, Fashions on the Field after the last race, live music. More info. | | | Lampshade Making for Beginners Sat 28 Jan
10.00am to 3.00pm
The Makers Shed, 123 Grey St, Glen Innes
Get across the entire silversmithing process with Richard as your guide, from designing your piece through to cutting, soldering, heating, cold-connecting, fold-forming, bezel-setting and polishing. More info. | | | Glen Innes
Cottage Markets Every Sat in Jan
7.00am to 12.30pm
Lions Park, Cnr East Ave
& Ferguson St, Glen Innes
Check out this great little community market, with stallholders selling fresh produce, plants, craft, gifts, food, coffee & so much more. More info. | | | ‘Summer' Exhibition Mon 30 Jan to Fri 24 Feb
10.00am to 4.00pm Mon to Fri;
10.00am to 1.00pm Sat
Glen Innes Art Gallery, 71 Grey St
The Glen Innes Art Gallery proudly represents local artists, hosting exhibitions that reflect our wonderful region and helping artists connect with their audience. More info. | | | Glen Innes Highlands Shop
Supporting Local Business | | | | When it comes to homegrown and handmade, we've got you covered! Visit us at the Glen Innes Visitor Information Centre to browse our range of local goods, unique souvenirs, and gifts or shop online. | |  | Glen Innes Highlands
Calendar 2023 Admire all the great things to do and see in Glen Innes Highlands and all that we celebrate, including key event dates.
$21
Shop now! |  | Glen Innes Highlands Umbrella No matter the elements you expect to face: rain, wind or sun; the Gusto umbrella is designed with high-quality fabric, a strong auto-opening and wind-resistant frame to make your life easier.
$35
Shop now! | |  | Share Your Adventures We love sharing our visitor's experiences on our social media accounts.
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