In just over an hour’s flight from Sydney, you’ll find yourself in the heart of New England at the country music capital of Australia, Tamworth. However, Tamworth isn’t only about country music - it’s also home to vineyards, warm rural hospitality and some of the freshest farm-to-plate experiences in the land.
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Along with the range traditional hotels and motels found across Australia, you’ll find Airbnb’s, self-contained apartments and tourist parks catering for caravanners and campers. For something different, why not stay at a farm, guesthouse or bed & breakfast and get to know the locals? If you’re planning on visiting during the Tamworth Country Music Festival, plan your stay well in advance, noting that some establishments have a minimum stay requirement.
Tamworth lives and breathes country music. Museums full of artist memorabilia, a year-round concert calendar and the Tamworth Country Music Festival are the main attractions to the boot-scooting regional country city.
No visit to Tamworth would be complete without visiting the country music exhibits located throughout the town, open year-round. Paying homage to the music greats who brought country to Australia, the Australian Country Music Foundation Hall of Fame follows their journey. Once inside, an astounding array of memorabilia awaits, from old recording equipment and record to costumes and promotional material. Follow the interactive Walk a Country Mile exhibit to see how country music in Australia has evolved through the years.
Stop for a photo with the Big Golden Guitar outside the visitor information centre, representing the award country artists are presented with each year to acknowledge excellence in their field. Inside you’ll find the Gallery of Stars Wax Museum, along with a café and gift shop plus friendly staff to help plan your stay.
The Roll of Renown, plaques mounted on granite rocks located outside the TRECC, and The Country Music Hands of Fame Cornerstone, located in the Hands of Fame park, pay tribute to Australia’s country music artists.
Tamworth is famous for country music but, says Emily Herbert, it’s not just Golden Guitars and Slim Dusty statues that make this New England city sing.
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"There’s a feeling that the artists and fans are one and the same here.”
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The tale of a country town with big city payoffs.
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The annual festival incorporates a mix of paid and free events showcasing artists from across Australia and special international guests. As the largest of its kind in the southern hemisphere, it attracts over 55,000 visitors. Even though the festival is held in the middle of summer, most of the shows offer air-conditioned comfort across a range of venues throughout the town. From buskers along the main town street, bands and solo artists performing in local pubs and stores, to the more traditional concerts held at venues - there’s music to be heard all over town.
Spoil yourself with flavours from the local farms, fishermen, vineyards and olive groves. Make lunch a grazing affair with fresh produce and cheeses from weekend markets held throughout the month at Bicentennial Park, Peel Street and La Preneu French restaurant. For something special, order the slow-roasted lamb-shoulder at The Workshop Kitchen or choose from the many restaurants in town.
From the airport: Tamworth Airport is located 10km from Tamworth’s town centre and is serviced by taxis.
In and around the city: transport within the region includes the local Tamworth Buslines and taxi services, as well as car hire providers. During the Tamworth Country Music Festival, special bus routes operate between event venues.
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