Armidale, city in southeastern Australia in the state of New South Wales. Armidale lies in the heart of the New England Range, one of several ranges of the Great Dividing Range, which separates Australia's eastern coast from its interior. Armidale is home to the University of New England (founded as part of the University of Sydney in 1938, independent in 1954), one of the few Australian universities not located in a state capital. Several colleges and private schools are also located in Armidale. Initially developed as an agricultural center, Armidale's economy today includes light industry and tourism. A number of national parks are near Armidale, including Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, home to Wollomombi Falls, Australia's highest waterfall. Other notable features of the town are the New England Regional Art Museum, the Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Keeping Place, and many distinguished Victorian buildings. George James MacDonald, a British lands commissioner, settled Armidale in 1839 and named it after his family's Scottish estate. It was designated a town in 1845 and a city in 1885. Population (1996) 21,330.Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2001
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