Are you looking for a unique and memorable holiday destination in Australia? Do you love country music, nature, history, and culture? If yes, then Tamworth is the perfect place for you!
Tamworth is a charming town in the New England region of New South Wales, famous for its annual Tamworth Country Music Festival, the largest music festival in the southern hemisphere. But there’s more to Tamworth than just country music. Tamworth is also a gateway to some of the most stunning natural attractions, historic towns, and indigenous experiences in Australia.
In this article, we’ll show you how to plan your ultimate Tamworth holiday, covering everything from the best things to do, where to stay, where to eat, and how to get there. Whether you’re a solo traveller, a couple, a family, or a group of friends, you’ll find something for everyone in Tamworth. So, let’s get started!
Things to Do in Tamworth
Tamworth has a lot to offer for travellers of all interests and tastes. Here are some of the top things to do in Tamworth, divided into four categories: country music, nature and outdoor activities, historic towns, and indigenous culture.
Country Music
Tamworth is the country music capital of Australia, and the best time to visit is during the Tamworth Country Music Festival, which takes place every January. The festival attracts thousands of music lovers and artists from all over the world, who come to enjoy 10 days of live performances, concerts, workshops, awards, and street parties. You can also visit the Big Golden Guitar, a 12-metre-high statue that is one of the most iconic landmarks in Tamworth. The Big Golden Guitar is located next to the Australian Country Music Hall of Fame, where you can learn about the history and legends of country music in Australia.
Nature and Outdoor Activities
Tamworth is surrounded by beautiful nature and scenery, and there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. You can visit the Warrabah National Park, a stunning park that features the Namoi River, granite boulders, waterfalls, and bushwalks. You can also go to the Oxley Scenic Lookout, which offers panoramic views of the town and the countryside. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try the Kamilaroi Walking Track, a 28-kilometre trail that connects the Oxley Lookout and the Marsupial Park, where you can see koalas, kangaroos, and other native animals.
Historic Towns
Tamworth is a great base for exploring the nearby historic towns that showcase the rich heritage and culture of the New England region. You can visit Nundle, a quaint town that was once a gold mining centre, and where you can still fossick for gold and gems. You can also visit Werris Creek, the first railway town in Australia, and where you can see the Railway Journeys Museum and the Australian Railway Monument. Another option is to visit Uralla, a town that is famous for its bushranger history, especially the story of Captain Thunderbolt, who was shot and killed there in 1870.
Indigenous Culture
Tamworth is also a place where you can learn about and experience the indigenous culture of the Kamilaroi people, the traditional owners of the land. You can join Len Waters’ tours, which are led by a local Kamilaroi elder, who will take you on bushwalks, tell you Dreamtime stories, and teach you about bush foods and medicine. You can also learn about the Kamilaroi astronomy, which is based on the stars and the seasons, and how they relate to the land and the people.
Where to Stay in Tamworth
Tamworth has a variety of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. Here are some of the best places to stay in Tamworth, divided into four types: hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and campgrounds.
Hotels
If you’re looking for comfort and convenience, you can choose from one of the many hotels in Tamworth, ranging from luxury to budget. Some of the best hotels in Tamworth are:
Powerhouse Hotel Tamworth by Rydges: A 4.5-star hotel that offers spacious and modern rooms, a restaurant, a bar, a fitness centre, and a pool. The hotel is located close to the town centre and the Peel River.
CH Boutique Hotel: A 4-star hotel that features elegant and stylish rooms, a restaurant, a bar, and a terrace. The hotel is situated in the heart of Tamworth, near the Tamworth Regional Gallery and the Bicentennial Park.
Ibis Styles Tamworth: A 3.5-star hotel that provides comfortable and affordable rooms, a restaurant, a bar, and a pool. The hotel is located near the Tamworth Shopping World and the Tamworth Capitol Theatre.
Motels
If you’re looking for a more economical and practical option, you can opt for one of the many motels in Tamworth, which offer basic but clean and cozy rooms, as well as parking and wifi. Some of the best motels in Tamworth are:
City Gate Motel: A 3-star motel that offers spacious and well-equipped rooms, a garden, and a barbecue area. The motel is located near the Tamworth Regional Entertainment Centre and the Australian Equine and Livestock Events Centre.
Tamworth City Motel: A 3-star motel that features bright and airy rooms, a restaurant, a bar, and a pool. The motel is situated near the Tamworth Golf Course and the Tamworth Botanical Gardens.
Roydons Motor Inn: A 3-star motel that provides simple and comfortable rooms, a garden, and a laundry service. The motel is located near the Tamworth Hospital and the Tamworth Airport.
Bed and Breakfasts
If you’re looking for a more homely and personal option, you can choose from one of the many bed and breakfasts in Tamworth, which offer cozy and charming rooms, as well as breakfast and hospitality. Some of the best bed and breakfasts in Tamworth are:
Amberoo Apartments: A 4-star bed and breakfast that features spacious and modern apartments, a restaurant, a bar, and a pool. The bed and breakfast is located near the Tamworth Regional Playground and the Tamworth Marsupial Park.
The Retreat at Froog-Moore Park: A 4-star bed and breakfast that offers unique and quirky rooms, a restaurant, a spa, and a garden. The bed and breakfast is situated in a tranquil and scenic setting, near the Oxley Scenic Lookout and the Tamworth Mountain Bike Park.
Plumes on the Green Boutique Bed and Breakfast: A 4-star bed and breakfast that provides elegant and luxurious rooms, a lounge, a library, and a golf course. The bed and breakfast is located in a peaceful and green area, near the Tamworth Regional Conservatorium of Music and the Tamworth Golf Club.
Campgrounds
If you’re looking for a more adventurous and natural option, you can opt for one of the many campgrounds in Tamworth, which offer tents, cabins, caravans, and facilities, as well as access to nature and outdoor activities. Some of the best campgrounds in Tamworth are:
Paradise Tourist Park: A 4-star campground that features comfortable and well-equipped cabins, a camp kitchen, a pool, and a playground. The campground is located near the Peel River and the Tamworth Regional Gallery.
Austin Tourist Park: A 4-star campground that offers cozy and affordable cabins, a camp kitchen, a pool, and a games room. The campground is situated near the Tamworth Regional Entertainment Centre and the Australian Equine and Livestock Events Centre.
Fossickers Tourist Park: A 3.5-star campground that provides simple and rustic cabins, a camp kitchen, a barbecue area, and a fossicking area. The campground is located near the Nundle Woollen Mill and the Hanging Rock Lookout.
Where to Eat in Tamworth
Tamworth has a vibrant and diverse food scene, with restaurants, cafes, and pubs that cater to different cuisines, tastes, and budgets. Here are some of the best places to eat in Tamworth, divided into four types of cuisine: Australian, Asian, European, and others.
Australian
If you want to try some of the local and traditional dishes, you can visit one of the many Australian restaurants in Tamworth, which serve a variety of meat, seafood, and vegetarian options, as well as desserts and drinks. Some of the best Australian restaurants in Tamworth are:
The Pig and Tinder Box: A popular and trendy restaurant that offers a modern and creative twist on Australian cuisine, with dishes such as pork belly, lamb shank, kangaroo fillet, and sticky date pudding. The restaurant also has a bar, a fireplace, and a courtyard.
The Workshop Kitchen: A award-winning and fine-dining restaurant that features a seasonal and regional menu, with dishes such as beef tenderloin, barramundi, duck breast, and apple crumble. The restaurant also has a wine cellar, a fireplace, and a terrace.
The Longyard Hotel: A casual and family-friendly restaurant that serves classic and hearty Australian fare, such as burgers, steaks, pies, and fish and chips. The restaurant also has a bar, a beer garden, and live music.
Asian
If you’re craving some spicy and exotic flavours, you can visit one of the many Asian restaurants in Tamworth, which offer a range of dishes from different countries, such as China, Thailand, India, and Japan. Some of the best Asian restaurants in Tamworth are:
Dragon Palace: A popular and authentic Chinese restaurant that serves a variety of dishes, such as dim sum, noodles, stir-fries, and seafood. The restaurant also has a banquet menu, a takeaway service, and a function room.
Thai on Peel: A cozy and friendly Thai restaurant that offers a selection of dishes, such as curries, salads, soups, and rice. The restaurant also has a vegetarian menu, a delivery service, and a BYO policy.
Taj Mahal Indian Restaurant: A family-owned and operated Indian restaurant that features a diverse and delicious menu, such as tandoori, biryani, korma, and vindaloo. The restaurant also has a buffet, a catering service, and a loyalty program.
European
If you’re looking for some classic and refined flavours, you can visit one of the many European restaurants in Tamworth, which serve a variety of dishes from different countries, such as Italy, France, and Spain. Some of the best European restaurants in Tamworth are:
Carmens A Little Taste of Italy: A charming and romantic Italian restaurant that offers a range of dishes, such as pasta, pizza, risotto, and gnocchi. The restaurant also has a wine list, a dessert menu, and a live piano player.
Le Pruneau: A elegant and sophisticated French restaurant that features a seasonal and local menu, such as escargot, duck confit, beef bourguignon, and crème brûlée. The restaurant also has a degustation menu, a cheese platter, and a cocktail bar.
The Pig and Tinder Box: A trendy and modern Spanish restaurant that serves a variety of dishes, such as tapas, paella, chorizo, and croquettes. The restaurant also has a sangria menu, a happy hour, and a rooftop terrace.
Others
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to try something different, you can visit one of the many other restaurants in Tamworth, which offer a variety of dishes from different cuisines, such as Mexican, Middle Eastern, and American. Some of the best other restaurants in Tamworth are:
Zambrero: A fast and fresh Mexican restaurant that serves a variety of dishes, such as burritos, tacos, nachos, and bowls. The restaurant also has a vegan menu, a gluten-free menu, and a humanitarian mission.
Sahara Turkish and Middle Eastern Restaurant: A warm and welcoming Turkish and Middle Eastern restaurant that offers a selection of dishes, such as kebabs, falafel, hummus, and baklava. The restaurant also has a banquet menu, a takeaway service, and a belly dancer.
Joe Maguires Pub: A fun and lively American restaurant that serves a variety of dishes, such as burgers, ribs, wings, and fries. The restaurant also has a bar, a pool table, and live entertainment.
How to Get to Tamworth
Tamworth is easy to get to from different parts of Australia, as it has a regional airport, a railway station, and a bus terminal. You can choose from one of the following modes of transportation, depending on your preference and budget:
Flights
Tamworth Airport is located about 10 kilometres from the town centre, and it has regular flights to and from Sydney, Brisbane, and Newcastle. The flight time from Sydney is about an hour, from Brisbane is about an hour and a half, and from Newcastle is about 40 minutes. You can book your flights with Qantas, Virgin Australia, or FlyPelican, and compare the prices and schedules on their websites. You can also take a taxi, a shuttle bus, or a car rental from the airport to your accommodation.
Trains
Tamworth Railway Station is located in the town centre, and it has daily trains to and from Sydney, Armidale, and Moree. The train time from Sydney is about six hours, from Armidale is about two hours, and from Moree is about three hours. You can book your tickets with NSW TrainLink, and check the timetables and fares on their website. You can also walk, take a taxi, or a bus from the station to your accommodation.
Buses
Tamworth Bus Terminal is located in the town centre, and it has regular buses to and from Sydney, Brisbane, and other destinations in New South Wales and Queensland. The bus time from Sydney is about eight hours, from Brisbane is about nine hours, and from other destinations varies depending on the route and the stops. You can book your tickets with Greyhound, Premier Motor Service, or New England Coaches, and check the schedules and prices on their websites. You can also walk, take a taxi, or a bus from the terminal to your accommodation.
Cars
Tamworth is well-connected by road to different parts of Australia, and driving is a great way to enjoy the scenic views and the freedom of exploring at your own pace. You can rent a car from one of the many car rental companies in Tamworth, such as Avis, Budget, Hertz, or Thrifty, and compare the rates and options on their websites. You can also use Google Maps or other navigation apps to plan your route and find the best directions. The driving time from Sydney is about five hours, from Brisbane is about seven hours, and from other destinations depends on the distance and the traffic.
Tamworth is a wonderful and diverse destination that has something for everyone. Whether you’re into country music, nature, history, or culture, you’ll find plenty of things to do, see, and enjoy in Tamworth. Tamworth is also a great base for exploring the nearby New England region, which offers more attractions and experiences for travellers. So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Tamworth today, and discover the country music capital of Australia!
We hope you enjoyed this Tamworth holiday and travel guide, and found it useful and informative. If you want to learn more about Tamworth and other destinations in Australia, check out our other travel guides on Tripoto. Happy travels!