Fast facts
- A city surrounded by pastures, wheat fields and pretty villages
- Famous as the country music capital of Australia
- Six hours’ drive north-west of Sydney
Why go there
Australia’s country music capital, Tamworth is best known for its annual country music festival in January but it also hosts many other music attractions and events.
The town is also home to several good museums and galleries as well as many buildings dating back to the 1860s and ’70s, including a mill, church, courthouse and brewery.
To the south, Goonoo Goonoo, one of NSW’s most significant historic sheep stations, holds open days throughout the year. To the north, in the heart of the Nandewar Ranges on Fossickers Way, Barraba is popular with birdwatchers. The small town of Nundle has evolved from its gold-mining town heritage into a destination offering smart accommodation and dining.
Things to do
- Go fossicking and birdwatching at Barraba, a habitat of the endangered Regent honeyeater.
- Admire Quirindi’s sunflower fields, from December to March.
- See koalas in the wild around Gunnedah or at the town’s Waterways Wildlife Park.
- Stock up on beautiful wools and designer knitwear from Nundle Woollen Mill.
- Go bushwalking, camping and boating on Lake Keepit near Manilla.
Don’t miss
- The Big Golden Guitar, which celebrates Tamworth’s country music roots.
- A hearty pub lunch at Nundle.
- A jackeroo/jillaroo experience near Tamworth.
- Walk A Country Mile Interpretative Centre, where you’ll learn about the history of country music in Australia.
- Paintings by Norman Lindsay and a large silver collection at the Tamworth City Gallery.
Events
- Tamworth Country Music Festival, Tamworth, in January.
- National Rodeo Finals, Tamworth, in January.
- Hats Off To Country Festival, Tamworth, in July.
- Ag Quip, Gunnedah, in August.
