Travel

Much more than Country music, here’s how to experience Tamworth

What comes to mind when you think of Tamworth? If you think it’s all about farm life and country music, then you need to dig a little deeper. The buzz around Tamworth’s award-winning accommodation, cafe culture, country style entertainment and diverse dining scene has been building, and it’s time you visited.

a play and stay guide to Tamworth NSW

Whether you’re traveling to Tamworth for work, kids' sporting events, or you’re just looking to experience something new, there’s plenty of reasons to stay for one more

To help you get better acquainted with this big country town and all it has to offer, keep reading…

One More Night

Let’s get the accommodation sorted first, whether it’s luxury all the way or you’re happy to throw out a swag, Tamworth has all options covered. 

The sophisticated Powerhouse Hotel Tamworth makes for a beautiful inner city stay. Situated on the site of the old generator house that lit the streets back in the 1880s, it's the complete offering with The Workshop restaurant and Coal Bunker Bar enhancing the luxury experience. 

a stay and play guide to tamworth

The CH Boutique Hotel not only offers crisp accommodation but a wine bar downstairs. For pub style accommodation check out The Courthouse and Tamworth Hotel.

Prefer somewhere off-the-grid? The historic Dungowan Station 1834 is situated only a 20-minute drive from Tamworth and the quaint village of Nundle. The beautifully renovated cottage and on-farm off-grid tiny homes make for a unique sleeping experience. 

There's plenty to explore nearby with the state forest open for hiking and Chaffey or Sheba dams for those who like to fish. An exciting new addition to the property, after years of planning by owners Narree & Campbell McIntosh, has been the transformation of Dungowan Station’s woolshed into a locally-sourced restaurant and Dungowan Station microbrewery.

a stay and play guide to tamworth

Open Saturday & Sunday from 11am - 6pm, the venue also caters for weddings and other functions.

One More Show

There’s nothing more country than going to a rodeo and just minutes from Tamworth city centre is the Australian Equine and Livestock Events Centre (AELEC). One of the most unique livestock events complexes in Australia the AELEC the 3,300 seater stadium makes for the ideal arena to catch some rodeo and dressage action. 

a stay and play guide to tamworth

Come for the country and experience some culture at the Tamworth Regional Entertainment and Conference Centre (TRECC) and Capitol Theatre. The year-round line up ensures a performance for you to experience.

We can’t not mention it, as it should be on everyone's bucket list, at least once in their lifetime. Tamworth Country Music Festival has achieved legendary status with the 10-day event igniting the town with the best local, national and international country music acts.

a stay and play guide to tamworth

One More Taste

The flavours of Tamworth are so good they created a festival about it. Held annually, Taste Tamworth returns in 2024 running from April 5 - 14, once again celebrating the region’s exciting food, wine and local produce scene. 

a play and stay guide to Tamworth NSW

If April isn’t an option, here’s some venues you should add to your list of must-visits…

Tamworth hasn’t missed the caffeine buzz of its big city neighbours. There’s a long list of cafes to choose from, however, if coffee is your morning must, Camp Grounds, a hole-in-the-wall warehouse-style cafe should be at the top of your list.

a stay and play guide to tamworth nsw

For some French flavours, visit Le Pruneau for breakfast, lunch and coffee, on Saturdays they even hold their own market with fresh, local organic produce.

Tamworth’s dining scene has been amped up in recent years with venues like the award-winning Goonoo Goonoo Station's Glasshouse Restaurant drawing people from near and far.

a play and stay guide to tamworth nsw

In town it’s The Workshop Kitchen with its slick interiors and menu to match, the hero undoubtedly being the 6+MS Wagyu Rump Cap. 

a stay and play guide to tamworth nsw

For casual bites, the Pig and Tinder offers a tasty menu of tapas and pizza, or if it’s a classic country pub experience you’re after, The Tamworth Hotel is your spot. 

a stay and play guide to Tamworth nsw

Looking for cocktails or craft? Get buzzed into The Press and take in the dark charm of this hidden bar. For craft beer The Welder’s Dog and its enormous range of Australian and overseas beers will have you smiling. The Coal Bunker Bar at the Powerhouse Hotel should also be noted for those seeking big city vibes. 

a stay and play guide to Tamworth nsw

Explore & Adventure

If action and adventure is how you like your holidays to roll, Tamworth won’t let you down. Whether it’s hiking up to Oxley Scenic Lookout, exploring Horton Falls National Park or if it’s a bike you prefer, head to Tamworth Mountain Bike Park and get down and dirty on 14kms of International Mountain Bike Association guideline-graded trails. 

a stay and play guide to Tamworth nsw

For the horse lovers, Tamworth & Kootingal Horse Riding Adventures provide a different way to explore the spectacular New England region. 

Whilst Tamworth has much to offer, the surrounding region will also keep you busy. Nundle is only forty minutes out of town and brings with it an eclectic mix of things to do. From vintage shopping at Odgers & McLelland Exchange Stores, have a history lesson the Nundle Woollen Mill and settle into the leafy beer garden at The Peel Inn.

For more information and to start planning your visit head to Destination Tamworth

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