If you're heading to the Toyota Tamworth Country Music Festival in January 2023, make plans to visit the region's stellar restaurant, café and bar scene. Whilst Tamworth is known as being the go-to for all things country music, what you'll discover is a long list of eating and drinking experiences that is worthy of a trip all of its own.

A short stroll across town will have you stumbling across hole-in-the-wall cafes, classy cocktail bars and craft beer. You'll naturally have an easy time finding a quality country pub and that fabulous country hospitality.

To make it easy we've pulled this comprehensive eat, drink and things to do guide together to help you start planning.

EAT & DRINK

Cafes

Camp Grounds Coffee Shop Tamworth

This hole-in-the-wall warehouse-style coffee stop is the go-to for those serious about their morning caffeine hit. Situated right next door to the equally popular Welder’s Dog tap house, Camp Grounds has graced the local café scene since late 2019 sharing those snazzy city-slicking brews we all know and love to country NSW.

Owners, Matt and Mon, both massive coffee-loving connoisseurs, have created a spot in town unlike any other that champions independent Aussie coffee roasters alongside a retail range of brewing gear and more.

Where: 37 Dowe St, Tamworth
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Hissy Fits Café

Located amongst the hustle and bustle of Tamworth’s main road, Hissy Fits Café boasts a retro quirky interior featuring lots of 60s styled furniture and colouring with macrame and vintage artworks donning the walls.

Drop by for a breakfast, brunch, or lunch feed and enjoy their range of comforting, delicious, and nutritious meals alongside their unparalleled old-fashioned hospitality.

Where: 457 Peel St, Tamworth
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Humble Espresso

For those wanting to get away from the busyness that is the centre of town, head five minutes east and you’re transported to quaint and quiet suburbia which you could easily mistake for the southern highlands.

Here, you’ll find the ever-so-delightful cottage-like café that is Humble Espresso. The recently revamped and only just launched café spot has already become popular amongst the locals and visitors alike. Drop by, pull up a chair and blend into the East Tamworth society.

Where: 73 Upper St, East Tamworth
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Ruby’s Café & Gift Store

This magical little café oasis just short of the town’s busy centre, is the perfect spot for a slow start to your Tamworth adventure. Brought to you by Tamworth local and one of the most beautiful souls in town, Kellie, Ruby’s Café is a dedication and celebration to her personal life.

The café itself offers an incredibly warm and welcoming retail space featuring our very own Newcastle-based brand, The Tea Collective, alongside florals and other local products. A cosy inside dining area merges into a magical fairy-like garden. The menu centres around incredible coffee, a simple yet delicious rotating menus, house-made cakes, and more.

Where: 494 Peel St, Tamworth
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Spilt Milk Bar

This retro-inspired old school milk bar is everything and more that you’d want from a tasty mid-day sweet pick me up! The original Spilt Milk Bar opened in Orange back in 2018, followed by Dickson in 2020, and venue number three officially opening in Tamworth late last year.

The irresistible Australian gelato flavours from Spilt Milk Bar are all made with the very best ingredients from Aussie farms. With a huge selection of flavours including some of our favourites such as Pistachio, Honeycomb, and Salted Caramel, you can either drop-in or get a tub delivered to your accommodation through their app!

Where: 1/459 Peel St, North Tamworth
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Restaurants & Pubs

Glasshouse at Goonoo Goonoo Station

For an out of this world dining experience in the Tamworth region, you must visit the award-winning institution that is Glasshouse restaurant at Goonoo Goonoo (pronounced gun-a-gun-oo) Station. Situated a short 30-minute drive from the centre of Tamworth the property offers uninterrupted views of the rolling Australian landscape.

The property was built in 1831 and combines three unique spots for visiting including luxurious accommodation, iconic function facilities, and the Glasshouse restaurant. The interior boasts high ceilings and glass frontage giving you the opportunity to take in those country views with timber tones, polished concrete, and brass details throughout.

The delicious menu focusses on regional produce and a share-plate styled service. For an unforgettable dining experience when visiting the Tamworth region, book your table at Glasshouse restaurant at Goonoo Goonoo Station. 

Where: 13,304 New England Hwy, Timbumburi
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Peel Inn Hotel

If you find yourself in Nundle for the day, a quiet 40-minute drive from Tamworth’s centre, drop into Peel Inn Hotel, the goldrush pub sitting right on the corner of Jenkins and Oakenville Streets. This old-styled pub is the go-to watering hole in town and comes complete with decorative ironwork, a Wunderlich tin-lined balcony, and a six-metre-deep verandah.

Where: 89 Jenkins St, Nundle
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The Pig & Tinder Box

This might just be Tamworth’s go-to casual contemporary eating joint! Originating in 1848, The Pig & Tinder Box was one of the first pubs to grace the New England Region, fast forward to today, and it continues on its journey of one of the best-known watering and foodie holes in the region.

The iconic heritage-listed old bank building right in the heart of town on Peel St, this up-market pub is bursting at the seams with personality with a food and drink menu that will keep you utterly satisfied.

The dining menu merges Modern Australian cuisine with a touch of European and Asian influences meaning you can of course expect a handful of delicious share plates such as the Moroccan Spiced Fried Calamari, Korean Chicken, Baked Brie, but you can also get your hands on traditional Aussie pub dishes, burgers, and even a selection of pizzas.

The best part? They’ve got an incredible cocktail menu and a wine list that will be sure to quench any of your thirsts.

Where: 429 Peel St, Tamworth
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The Workshop Kitchen

The Workshop Kitchen is the Powerhouse Tamworth by Rydges award-winning on-site restaurant. The menu offers timeless classics with a modern twist with everything from artisan bread, seafood, pasta, and the world’s best steaks from local beef producer, Jack’s Creek.

Featuring a spacious dining area with slick interiors crafted by acclaimed hospitality venue designer, Paul Kelly Designs, the restaurant offers a relaxed dining environment with a buzzing open kitchen.

With an emphasis on sides and starters, you’ll want to make sure to order a little bit of it all to get the true dining experience at The Workshop Kitchen. The Zucchini Flowers with ricotta, sun-dried tomatoes, and sun-dried tomato oil; alongside the Fig & Walnut Salad complete with rocket, goats cheese, and honey vinaigrette is the perfect start to your meal.

Follow up with your mains, choosing from the Wood-Fired Grill and Oven specialities, or further mains menu. Round it off with a selection of sides including the Fried Broccolini and Potato Mash. 

This venue is an absolute must-visit for those who love a good hearty meal. Don’t miss out and make sure to book your table ahead.

Where: 248 Armidale Rd, East Tamworth
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Williamsburg

Consider yourself a burger fiend? Look no further than Williamsburg. With a killer burger menu and all the toppings you could ever want, a trip to Tamworth’s go-to burger joint is a must for any visitor.

Where: 87-93 Brisbane St, Tamworth
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Bars

Coal Bunker Bar

Another gem situated inside Powerhouse Hotel Tamworth by Rydges is the equally sleek, elegant, and playful hospitality venue that is Coal Bunker Bar.

Featuring strong brass accents, aqua coloured velvet trimmings, and strong cedar panelling, this sophisticated bar features all the best drops you could expect from an establishment as luxurious as this.

With signature cocktails on the menu, alongside vintage champagne, a 2 Glass rated wine list, a collection of local craft beers and spirits, and an extensive whisky cabinet featuring products from across the globe.

Where: 248 Armidale Rd, East Tamworth
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The Press Basement Bar

The Press Basement Bar situated in the centre of town is Tamworth’s version of Newcastle’s hidden speakeasy, Coal & Cedar. The cool basement bar is dedicated to all the best cocktail creations you could want with a strong focus on whisky.

This premium underground bar is known as being the slickest intimate night venue with a roving selection of live entertainment. 

Where: 179 Marius St, Tamworth
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The Welder’s Dog

Just want to stop in somewhere for a casual drink? The crew at The Welder’s Dog have you sorted. Opening in July 2017, the Tamworth homestead is situated in an old drive-through Rural Produce Store giving it a fun, earthy, and rough warehouse vibe.

Serving up all of their own craft beer and local spirits as well as a self-serve bottle-o styled fridge where you can take all your favourite Welder’s Dog brews home with you.

Where: 37 Dowe St, Tamworth
More Info: click here

THINGS TO DO

Arc-en-Ciel Trout Farm

Do you consider yourself a bit of a fisher? What about an avid trout lover? Well, you’re in for a treat! Arc-en-Ciel Trout Farm is situated a short 20-minute drive from the centre of Nundle, and whilst it’s definitely off the beaten track, it’s a visit worth every minute of your time.

Owners, Russell and Meg Sydenham, both originally from South Africa, moved to the Central Coast before relocating out to the country to take over the trout farm in 2005.

The expansive property is brimming with plenty to explore. Keen trout lovers should book ahead for a tour of the property to understand the full Arc-en-Ciel journey before enjoying a trout tasting plate from their Drunken Trout Café.

Where: 52 Shearers Rd, Hanging Rock
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Lake Keepit Soaring Club

Are you a bit of an adrenaline junkie? Can’t help but look for a crazy adventure whilst visiting somewhere new? Well, you can’t visit Tamworth without taking the 40-minute drive out to Lake Keepit.

Whilst the area has lots going for it, it’s the Lake Keepit Soaring Club you’ll want to check out. The base for all things gliding, the long-established club has been here since the 80s and has been popular for both local soaring enthusiasts and out of towners wanting to trial the addictive sport.

Buckle on in and get tugged high up into the air as you take in Lake Keepit from a different perspective. Watch as the tug line disappears and you’re realised into pure air, guiding you around the skyways. If you’re lucky, and a little bit daring, your pilot might even let you hand the controls!

Where: 234 Keepit Dam Rd, Keepit
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Powerhouse Motorcycle Museum

Located just next door to the popular Powerhouse Hotel Tamworth by Rydges, the Powerhouse Motorcycle Museum is a crowd-favourite for any lovers of the motorcycle world.

The museum houses a private collection of over 50 motorcycles with the collection including Ducati, Triumph, Honda, Velocette, Laverda, Harley Davidson, and more.

Where: 250 Armidale Rd, East Tamworth
More Info: click here

SHOP

Nundle Woollen Mill

Another gem to explore if you happen to be in the quaint country town of Nundle is none other than the Nundle Woollen Mill. A visit to the Mill gives visitors a unique opportunity to connect with Australia’s strong wool heritage and browse the venue’s collection of yarns, clothing, and accessories.

Where: 35 Oakenville St, Nundle
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Odgers & McClelland Exchange Stores

A short jump, skip, and a hop from Nundle Woollen Mill is the retail store of all things beautiful yet practical, Odgers & McClelland Exchange stores.

Owners Ducan and Megan take care to select the products available in-store, featuring tools that you will use in the garden and kitchen for decades to come. Each piece is delicate, practical, and beautiful, there making a drop into Odgers & McClelland Exchange Stores is a must!

Where: 81 Jenkins St, Nundle
More Info: click here

STAY

Powerhouse Hotel Tamworth by Rydges

Experience hospitality at its finest at this multi-million dollar made-over accommodation right on the edge of Tamworth’s city centre; Powerhouse Hotel Tamworth by Rydges. Tamworth’s one and only five-start property is the home of luxury, stellar service, and sophistication.

Each element of your stay at Powerhouse Hotel Tamworth by Rydges has been considered. From the reception area complete with dark hues, inviting textures, and knowledgeable staff to the award-winning dining institutions of Workshop Kitchen and Coal Bunker Bar, it’s a stay unlike any other.

The proudly family-owned and operated venue’s accommodation boasts a selection of 81 newly revamped rooms, suites, and apartments; each thoughtfully designed and finished with top tier quality.

Where: 248 Armidale Rd, East Tamworth
More Info: click here

Goonoo Goonoo Station

Experience one of the most memorable and luxurious country NSW escapes at Goonoo Goonoo Station’s accommodation offering. With a number of guest rooms and cottages available for accommodation, catering from couples and individuals all the way through to large groups, the Goonoo Goonoo Station Accommodation comes with all the bells and whistles that make for an unforgettable stay.

Where: 13,304 New England Hwy, Timbumburi
More Info: click here 

So, what are you waiting for, It's Tamworth-it! With plenty to see, eat, drink, and do across the Tamworth region, it’s the perfect spot for an Autumnal getaway this year!

For more inspiration and to starting planning your visit head to www.destinationtamworth.com.au/tamworth-it