Located about 400 kilometers north of Sydney, Tamworth is a charming regional town that’s perfect for sightseeing and cultural exploration. Though it has a modest population of just under 40,000, Tamworth proudly holds the title of the “Capital of Australian Country Music.” In fact, it hosts one of the world’s largest country music festivals, drawing fans and performers from across the globe.
Despite being lesser-known among tourists, Tamworth offers a unique, laid-back atmosphere that makes it a hidden gem in Australia’s East Coast. From scenic landscapes to musical heritage, the town is filled with must-see attractions that highlight its rural charm.
Thanks to its mild climate year-round, Tamworth is an ideal destination for a relaxed and unhurried getaway. In this feature, we’ll introduce 5 recommended tourist spots in Tamworth that you shouldn’t miss on your next Australian adventure.
1. Tamworth Country Music Festival
Held only during a 10-day period in January, the Tamworth Country Music Festival attracts over 50,000 fans of country music from all over the world to the town of Tamworth, which has a population of less than 40,000.
Not only are there performances in concert halls, but the entire town becomes a stage—pubs, clubs, shopping centers, churches, schools, museums, vineyards, and even old freight trains host performances. During this time, the whole town is filled with country music. Since accommodations are fully booked during the festival, it is recommended to make reservations early if you plan to visit Tamworth around this period.
A town-wide country music festival that continues to fascinate people from around the globe—Tamworth is a must-visit destination at least once in your life.
Name: Tamworth Country Music Festival
Address: Tamworth
Official Website: http://www.tcmf.com.au/
2. The Big Golden Guitar Tourist Centre
Many people say this is the first place you should visit when sightseeing in Tamworth—the Big Golden Guitar Tourist Centre.
It serves not only as a regional tourist information center but also houses two museums: the Wax Museum and the Collectors Museum, plus a relaxing coffee shop. The Wax Museum features lifelike wax figures of country music stars. The Collectors Museum houses a large collection of memorabilia related to Australia’s legendary country musician, Donald Bradman.
This is a comprehensive tourist spot rich in exhibits related to country music and a great place to begin learning about the town of Tamworth.
Name: The Big Golden Guitar Tourist Centre
Address: 2 Ringers Rd, Tamworth, New South Wales
Official Website: http://biggoldenguitar.com.au/
3. Tamworth Marsupial Park
Tamworth Marsupial Park is a popular spot for relaxation and rest during sightseeing in Tamworth.
This park is home to kangaroos, one of Australia’s most iconic marsupials. You can also see several types of birds, such as emus and parrots—both native to Australia—as well as rabbits. It’s a recommended tourist spot, especially for families, where you can stroll around at a leisurely pace while having a picnic. There are also barbecue facilities available, making it perfect for summer leisure with kids.
It’s a recommended tourist attraction where you can enjoy Tamworth’s laid-back atmosphere.
Name: Tamworth Marsupial Park
Address: Endeavour Drive, Tamworth, New South Wales
Official/Related Website URL: https://bit.ly/2SeXxB6
4. Oxley Park Lookout
The Oxley Park Lookout is a popular place for viewing the entire town of Tamworth.
Accessible on foot from the city center, this lookout features a wide, grassy area ideal for picnics. From the lookout, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire town and the mountains beyond. At night, it offers beautiful views of the city lights. Its peaceful and spacious setting also makes it a hidden gem for locals.
This is a recommended sightseeing spot for those who want to relax while taking in sweeping views of Tamworth.
Name: Oxley Park Lookout
Address: Scenic Road, Tamworth, New South Wales
Official/Related Website URL: http://www.tamworth.nsw.gov.au/Recreation/Lookouts/Lookouts/default.aspx
5. Powerhouse Motorcycle Museum
Located in Tamworth, the Powerhouse Motorcycle Museum is a dedicated museum showcasing a privately-owned motorcycle collection.
Housing over 50 motorcycles, the museum features an impressively maintained lineup of bikes from the 1950s to the 1980s. The space is filled with iconic models from Ducati, Triumph, Honda, and Velocette, including many rare finds. Even those who aren’t motorcycle enthusiasts will be amazed by the sight. The museum also displays various motorcycle-related accessories, making it an enjoyable visit. Some items are available for purchase, including limited edition models that motorcycle fans won’t be able to resist.
As a somewhat unexpected tourist destination, this is one place you should definitely check out when visiting Tamworth.
Name: Powerhouse Motorcycle Museum
Address: 250 Armidale Rd, Tamworth, New South Wales
Official/Related Website: http://www.powerhousemotorcyclemuseum.com.au
◎ Summary
Here we've introduced several tourist spots in Tamworth. Did you get a sense of the atmosphere of this Australian country music hub? While the town is especially lively during the annual music festival that attracts 50,000 visitors, Tamworth is worth visiting all year round. Be sure to make the trip from Sydney or Brisbane and explore the town for yourself.