Australian Glen Innes Highlands GeoRegion and aspiring UNESCO Global Geopark

In Australia, on the traditional lands of the Ngarabal people in the New England High Country of New South Wales, the Glen Innes Highlands GeoRegion is a distinctive geotourism destination shaped by ancient geology, dramatic landscapes and stories spanning millions of years.  Its identity is grounded in enduring First Nations knowledge and connections to Country and enriched by the region’s natural and mining heritage and the Celtic traditions introduced by later communities.

The Glen Innes Highlands GeoRegion lies within the complex and mineral rich New England Orogen, where immense geological forces have created striking granite landscapes, mineral deposits, upland wetlands and ancient forests.

Key experiences include:

Granite Landscapes: Discover massive granite outcrops and balancing rock formations shaped by geological forces and weathering over millions of years.

Stonehenge Recreation Reserve: Explore a remarkable landscape of naturally formed granite tors and balancing rocks.

World Heritage Rainforests and Natural Landscapes: Explore the ancient Gondwana Rainforests of Washpool and Gibraltar Range national parks, alongside towering eucalypt forests, breathtaking waterfalls, rugged ranges, granite rock formations and spectacular walking trails. These landscapes also hold enduring cultural significance for First Nations people.

Australian Standing Stones: Visit Australia’s national Celtic monument, where locally sourced granite monoliths celebrate the Celtic nations and align with sunrise and sunset at the summer and winter solstices.

Glen Innes Highlands Skywalk: Take in panoramic views from three elevated lookouts and use the free Soundtrails app to hear stories developed with Ngarabal community members, geologists and historians. The audio experiences explore the landscape’s geology, mining history, Ngarabal cultural heritage, together with the stories of the people and communities shaped by the region.

Glen Innes Highlands is part of the aspiring GEOfood network, supporting territories that are not yet recognised as UNESCO Global Geoparks but are working to apply GEOfood values and criteria.

Through partnerships with local producers, restaurants and tourism operators, the initiative connects food with geology, Country, cultural heritage and the landscapes from which it comes, strengthening local awareness and creating authentic place based visitor experiences.