COME WITH US TO TAMWORTH

There’s something about Tamworth that feels instantly welcoming. Maybe it’s the wide skies, or the friendly hellos on Peel Street, or maybe it’s that music is woven into everyday life here.

Of course, the regional centre is best known for the Tamworth Country Music Festival. Each January, the town hums with guitars, stories and the kind of spontaneous performances that turn casual strolls into unforgettable moments. It’s also where the prestigious Golden Guitar Awards take place, celebrating the artists who soundtrack road trips, backyard barbecues and late-night heart-to-hearts across the country.

But you don’t have to visit during festival season to feel the spirit. Start with a photo at the iconic Big Golden Guitar -  it’s delightfully larger-than-life and evokes even larger smiles!

Then take your time exploring the town itself. Tamworth has a relaxed pace that encourages wandering, whether that’s through leafy parks, along the Peel River, or into a cosy café for a spot of lunch.

For a creative detour, spend an hour at the Tamworth Regional Gallery, a contemporary space that showcases both local and touring exhibitions. For a nature fix, the Tamworth Marsupial Park offers an easy afternoon among native wildlife, perfect for families or anyone wanting a gentle reset between gigs.

And then there’s the live music - not just during the big festivals, but all year round. That’s what makes Tamworth such a natural home for Great Southern Nights. When the program rolls into town each year, venues light up with artists from across Australia, creating intimate, high-quality shows in spaces that feel personal and connected. Add in the new energy of Live Fest Tamworth, with Lime Cordiale, Jet, The Living End, Thelma Plum and Kita Alexander and you have a calendar that keeps the good times rolling.

If you’re roadtripping to Tamworth, set the map to go via Oxley Wild Rivers National Park delivers sweeping gorges, waterfalls and lookout points that remind you just how beautiful regional New South Wales can be. 

A final fun fact? Tamworth was the first city in Australia to install municipal electric street lighting back in 1888 - earning it the nickname “City of Light.” Today, that glow feels less about street lamps and more about stage lights, warm hospitality and a community that genuinely loves a good night out.

Come for the music, stay for the charm - and don’t be surprised if you leave already planning your return.