The Country Music Capital of Australia, Tamworth, is located in central New South Wales, roughly halfway between Sydney and Brisbane. Every year country music fans flock to the region for the Tamworth Country Music Festival, one of the largest of its kind. The festival is held in January, and many visitors choose to commemorate the occasion with a photo outside thetouristcentre with the Big Golden Guitar. You’ll find nods to country music all across town, such as busts of country musicians and the popular Hands of Fame Park.
Music is not the only thing country about this town. There’s a regular line up of festivals that include campdrafting, roping, farm animal competitions, and the ever-popular line dancing. Tamworth is also popular for horse racing, as it hosts numerous events at the Tamworth Jockey Club.
If an aesthetic drive is more your style, Mummel Forest Road is a must. This 17 kilometre track is an escape into nature, with plenty of scenic picnic spots to pause and soak it all in. The Cathedral Rock National Park also provides stunning views and friendly wildlife, and both destinations make for wonderful day trips.
History enthusiasts will enjoy attractions such as the Tamworth War Memorial Town Hall and, further north, the Manilla Heritage Museum, while children may prefer the Tamworth Adventure Playground—a marsupial park where visitors can get up close and personal with some Australian icons.
Located in rural Australia, Tamworth is an ideal destination to witness country living. Surrounded by stunning national parks, the town’s isolation allows it to flourish with its own lively spirit. If you’re driving through rural NSW, you won’t regret a visit to this inimitable town.
