Tamworth

Known as the Country Music Capital of Australia, Tamworth hosts the annual Country Music Festival and features music-themed attractions and venues. The city celebrates Australia's country music heritage with museums, live performances, and festivals.

Things to do

• Country Music Festival — Australia's largest country music festival held annually in January, featuring multiple stages, performances, and attractions celebrating country music heritage.
• Golden Guitar — Iconic 12-metre golden guitar monument symbolizing Tamworth's status as the Country Music Capital, located at the entrance to the city.
• Tamworth Regional Gallery — Regional art gallery showcasing Australian contemporary and historical art with rotating exhibitions and collections.
• Big New England Self-Drive — Scenic driving route through the New England region featuring waterfalls, lookouts, and rural landscapes surrounding Tamworth.
• Powerhouse Museum — Interactive museum housed in a restored power station featuring regional history, science exhibits, and heritage displays.
• Wollomi National Park — Protected bushland area 30 minutes from Tamworth offering hiking trails, scenic drives, and opportunities to spot native wildlife.

Food to try

• Beef from New England pastures — Quality grass-fed beef sourced from the surrounding New England region, served at local steakhouses and restaurants.
• Lamingtons — Traditional Australian sponge cake coated in chocolate and coconut, a beloved local bakery staple throughout Tamworth.
• Fresh produce from farmers markets — Seasonal vegetables and fruits sold at Tamworth's regular farmers markets, showcasing local agricultural heritage.
• Country-style pie — Hearty meat pies with local beef or lamb filling, a classic Australian comfort food found at bakeries and cafes throughout the city.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect the country music tradition — Tamworth's identity is deeply tied to country music, so showing genuine interest in local venues and festivals demonstrates cultural appreciation.
• Visit during January for full experience — The Country Music Festival in January is peak season and the best time to experience Tamworth's musical culture, though expect large crowds.
• Embrace the rural Australian hospitality — Locals in this regional city are welcoming and friendly; engaging with shop owners and restaurant staff often leads to genuine local recommendations.