Pack your bags it’s road trip time. Tamworth here we come.
Home to the big golden guitar, Tamworth is Australia’s country music capital. Located 400km northeast of Sydney it’s a must-visit town on your geographical bucket list. And for those in the know there are plenty of reasons to visit this rural NSW town all year round, not just during the Country Music Festival. Here’s a guide on where to eat, drink and play your way around town.
Eat
Grab lunch and a gin & tonic at the Pig and Tinderbox
Located on the main strip of shops in Tamworth on Peel St, The Pig and Tinder Box has a striking facade and was formerly an old bank. Enjoy an Aperol Spritz or bespoke gin and tonic on the front verandah with a wood-fired pizza and enjoy the people watching. Or take a seat inside and enjoy a contemporary lunch and dinner menu with dishes including beef carpaccio, Vietnamese fried squid, slow roast lamb shoulder and more.
Eat breakfast at Sonny’s Bakery
If you’re looking for the best place in Tamworth to have breakfast look no further than Sonny’s Bakery. Located right next door to the Pig and Tinderbox their baked goods are made fresh daily onsite and the cafe is always buzzing with diners. It has all the regular staples you’d expect to see on a trendy inner city cafe (without the price tag) including smashed avo, shrooms on sourdough and the delicious maple peach and ricotta toast. Get your coffee fix with Will & Co coffee and if you’re on the go their pies and sausage rolls are worth taking with you.
Eat smoked meat in the courtyard at The Tamworth
Originally built in 1936 The Tamworth Hotel has been renovated to include a lush outdoor courtyard, perfect for a few afternoon beers on the weekend. Inside the original art deco style space has been maintained with multiple bars to cosy up in during winter. Come here for the smoked meats. Their giant serve of beef short ribs with mash, corn and apple slaw is great to share between two.
Drink
Drink amazing cocktails at speakeasy bar The Press
Half the fun of The Press is finding it. This hidden, subterranean speakeasy bar is the perfect place to enjoy a well crafted cocktail or nice bottle of wine, a cheeseboard and some live music. Take a seat in one of the deco style leather or velvet chairs and enjoy the relaxed, yet sophisticated ambience.
Head to The Albert Hotel for late night music and dancing
The Albert Hotel is one of Tamworth’s most popular pubs amongst the locals. Known for hosting live music on the weekend it’s the place to go as the sun sets and you’re looking for somewhere fun to dance and sing along to well known classic songs. Who doesn’t love belting out Living On A Prayer after a few beers?
Drink beer and make your own cheeseboard at The Welders Dog
The Welders Dog opened in 2017 and is owned by The Welders Dog craft beer brand and is located in an old converted drive-thru produce store. Here you’ll find their craft beer along with local spirits. They allow BYO food so you can order in or pop over to their self-serve food fridge and buy some gourmet cheese, crackers, olives and more to make your own tasting board.
Play
Tick the Tamworth Country Music Festival off your bucket list
Undoubtedly the best time to visit Tamworth is during the annual Tamworth Country Music Festival. Each year it attracts big-name international acts like Keith Urban who performed this year. Some 40,000 people flock to the small country town across two weeks. It’s an incredible atmosphere with live music of all kinds literally on every corner. You can’t walk five meters down the main street without stopping to watch a talented busker.
Take in the view at Oxley Lookout
Get your bearings with the best birds-eye view of Tamworth from Oxley Lookout. You can drive up the windy road or for some exercise walk up, the view is worth it.
Meet some cute locals at the Marsupial Park and Adventure Playground
On your way down from Oxley Lookout is an amazing native animal sanctuary run by local volunteers. See peacocks roaming around freely, kangaroos, wallabies and lots of beautiful birds. It’s a fun way to spend a few hours and definitely not just for kids.
Love discovering regions of NSW? So do we! Check out our guides on Hunter Valley, Broken Hill, Central Coast, Orange.