Historic Saumarez Homestead welcomes a new era

Published on 24 November 2025

Council is proud to announce the official completion of the Saumarez Homestead redevelopment project, a significant milestone in enhancing one of the region’s most iconic heritage and tourist destinations.

The redevelopment, funded through Infrastructure NSW via Restart NSW, aimed to transform Saumarez Homestead into a premier visitor experience. The project delivered new accommodation, a function and educational centre, upgraded retail and catering facilities, visitor information services, conservation management works, upgraded road, and associated infrastructure.

Kathryn Pitkin AM President National Trust said “The project honours what the National Trust has been gifted, to protect the land and bring to life the layered stories, and the legacy that Saumarez represents to the Armidale Region.

“It ensures that Saumarez is not frozen in time, but alive, evolving, and welcomes all, now and into the future.”

As part of this initiative, Council administered the grant and undertook critical infrastructure upgrades to improve access to the homestead. Works commenced in May 2025 and were completed in October 2025, with a forecast cost of $550,000.

The scope of Council’s works included:

• Upgrading 700 metres of the Saumarez access road, including drainage improvements and culvert crossings.
• Applying a gravel overlay to the existing road and constructing two passing bays.
• Installing a footpath and completing a bitumen seal using brown top stones for a heritage-appropriate finish.
• Constructing a turning circle to improve traffic flow and visitor safety.

Armidale Regional Council Mayor, Sam Coupland said “The NSW Government, Armidale Regional Council and the National Trust (NSW) partnered on the project to not only increase tourism and economic activity in the region but also strengthen the community’s connection to its unique heritage.

“Council is committed to enhancing tourism infrastructure across the region and delivering unique, authentic experiences that showcase our heritage and culture.”

These upgrades will ensure safer, more convenient access for visitors and support the long-term sustainability of Saumarez Homestead as a cultural and tourism asset.