Tamworth

Walk a Country Mile Interpretive Centre From the air this building is guitar-shaped, and it features various displays including one that cleverly documents the history of country music through lyrics. This is also Tamworth's visitor centre, and the first port of call for information on the festival. Peel St.Hands of Fame Park: Country Music Hands of Fame Cornerstone features handprints of over 200 country music stars; Cnr New England Hwy and Kable Ave. Australian Country Music Foundation: features the Legends of Australian Country Music exhibition, a display on the Country Music Awards and a theatrette playing films and documentaries; Brisbane St. Calala Cottage: National Trust–classified home of Tamworth's first mayor with antique household items and original shepherd's slab hut; Denson St. Tamworth Regional Gallery: houses over 700 works including some by Hans Heysen and Will Ashton, and the National Fibre Collection; closed Mon; Peel St. Powerhouse Motorcycle Museum: collection of immaculate motorbikes from the 1950s through to the 1980s; Armidale Rd. Oxley Park: sanctuary for kangaroos and other marsupials, with picnic and barbecue facilities; off Brisbane St. Oxley Lookout: views of the city and beautiful Peel Valley. It is also the starting point for the Kamilaroi walking track (6.2 km); brochure from visitor centre; top of White St. Powerstation Museum: traces Tamworth's history as the first city in the Southern Hemisphere to have electric street lighting (installed in 1888); Peel St. Joe Maguire's Pub: features Noses of Fame, nose imprints of country music stars; Peel St. Anzac Park: attractive picnic and barbecue spot with playground; bordered by Brisbane, Napier, Fitzroy and Upper sts. Bicentennial Park: fountains, granite sculptures and period lighting; Kable Ave. Regional Botanic Gardens: 28 ha of native flora and exotic displays; top of Piper St. Line dancing: various venues; lessons offered; brochure from visitor centre. Historical town walks: two available of 90 min each, visiting churches, theatres and hotels; brochure from visitor centre. Art and craft: several shops and galleries; brochure from visitor centre.

Big Golden Guitar Tourist Centre The 12 m golden guitar is a giant replica of the country music award and an Australian icon. Inside the complex is the Gallery of Stars Wax Museum, which features wax models of Australian country music legends alongside current stars. Opposite is the outdoor Country Music Roll of Renown, which is said to be Australia's highest honour in country music. There are special tributes to, among others, Tex Morton, Smoky Dawson and Slim Dusty. 6 km S.Oxley anchor: the original anchor from John Oxley's ship marks the point where he crossed the Peel River on his expedition to the coast; 9 km NW. Birdwatching routes: great birdwatching walks and drives in and around Tamworth; brochure from visitor centre.

Lake Copeton 131 km

Lake Copeton has an excellent catchment area, fed by the Gwydir River and runoff from the New England Tablelands. The lake is about 46 km west of Inverell on the Gwydir Highway. Its dam wall was constructed primarily to... Find out more

---

South-West Rocks 202 km

When it comes to popularity, there are two types of fishing destinations: those that are hot all the time and those that wax and wane depending on the season. South West Rocks is in the first category. For as long as I... Find out more

---

Port Stephens 210 km

 Port Stephens is about 220 km north of Sydney and offers a mixed bag of quality species. In the estuaries, bream, flathead, mulloway and whiting dominate the catch while beach anglers do well on tailor, whiting and... Find out more

---

Coffs Harbour - Fishing Sub-region 229 km

My introduction to fishing north of Sydney was at Coffs Harbour, an area with a diverse range of options. The first time I fished here I was into land-based game and spent most of my time on the ledges of Mutton Bird... Find out more

---

Burning Mountain Nature Reserve 85 km

Forget global warming for a while and marvel at this coal seam, about 30 metres underground, that has been burning as hot as 1700°C for an estimated 5500 years. A 3.5-kilometre walk to the top of the mountain through... Find out more

---

Armidale Bicentennial Arboretum 96 km

Armidale Bicentennial Arboretum, a dozen blocks from the centre of town, has thousands of native plants, walking tracks, picnic shelters and aquatic gardens with a waterfall.... Find out more

---

Birdwatching - Port Macquarie to Lismore 120 km

There are a couple of top birdwatching spots in the New England area. One of the most spectacular is an all-weather bird hide among masses of waterbirds at Quipolly Dam, about 18 kilometres north-east of Quirindi. Mother... Find out more

---

Barrington Tops National Park 121 km

Best known for its superb bushwalking among ancient Antarctic beech forest and rainforest that receives snow several times a year, this 83 403-hectare park is one of the highest spots on the Great Dividing Range and even... Find out more

---

Kayaking, Newcastle to Port Macquarie 141 km

Barrington Outdoor Adventure Centre at Gloucester offers an exciting one-day tour down the Barrington River. Guides can tailor the trip for beginners or family groups, choosing a quieter part of the river where there are... Find out more

---

Koala-spotting - Coonabarabran 159 km

Coonabarabran is home to one of the healthiest koala colonies in the state, and the solitary mammals are often seen in and around the town. Try the Porcupine Reserve and while there check out the view over the Liverpool... Find out more

---

Star-gazing - Coonabarabran 178 km

Because of its combination of clear skies, altitude and distance from city lights, Coonabarabran is the astronomy capital of Australia. There are various ways to explore space here, from simply gazing skyward with a pair... Find out more

---

Houseboating on the Macleay River 181 km

Although large chugging houseboats can be an environmental no-no, Macleay River Houseboats at Kempsey are small – designed for just two people – use relatively clean four-stroke petrol motors, have... Find out more

---

Sea Acres Nature Reserve 192 km

This cool coastal forest, 5 kilometres south of Port Macquarie, is great for a stop and a gentle stroll, with lush rainforest extending right down to the beach. There is a 1.5-kilometre wheelchair-accessible boardwalk,... Find out more

---

Bush-tucker tasting - Macksville 195 km

Sample some Australian bushfoods at Valley of the Mist near Macksville, a farm dedicated to sustainable methods. You will taste bush fruits, nuts, herbs and condiments and have a tour of the farm. You can also take a... Find out more

---

The Vintage Golf Club 187 km

Hunter Valley semillon, with its zesty aromas and flavours, is sometimes described by wine experts as ‘Australia’s wine gift to the world’. Its appeal also lies in its capacity to age well. The same... Find out more

---

Pacific Dunes Golf Club 206 km

Advances in club and ball technology, aimed at helping players hit longer and straighter, have had a big effect on golf course architecture since the early 1990s. Many new developers have urged designers to stretch... Find out more

---

Newcastle Golf Club 214 km

Long before American Tom Doak became the revered course designer he is today, he travelled the world playing and studying more than 800 courses. He made notes on every one, before compiling them into what he called ... Find out more

---

Bonville Golf Resort 218 km

Bonville is Australia’s most beautiful inland course. Carved from 250 hectares of flooded gums and blackbutt forest, with small pockets of subtropical rainforest, Bonville is often described as Australia’s... Find out more

---

Kooindah Waters Golf & Spa Resort 249 km

Throughout his playing career, Craig Parry has won tournaments around the world thanks to a mix of sound strategy, good ball-striking and a first-class short game. He brought those same key elements – golfing... Find out more

---

Bellepoque Restaurante

Dining at Bellepoque is a sumptuous affair, from the food to the plush furnishings and red cedar ceilings. Tables are sprinkled through various rooms of the stunning heritage house (c. 1888) so guests can sit back and... Find out more

---

Golden Guitar Coffee Shop

Housed inside one of the most iconic tourist destinations Australia has to offer – the Big Golden Guitar – this little coffee shop is definitely worth visiting. Aside from the delicious food and great coffee,... Find out more

---

The Little Brewing Company 190 km

Australia’s new breed of brewer can arrive at the craft by sometimes circuitous routes. For Warwick Little, that included 20 years as an ambulance officer, home brewing, a wine science course and a pair of... Find out more

---

Hunter Beer Company 194 km

Potters Brewery, as this microbrewery is also known, might seem like a rather odd addition to this convention-based accommodation complex, which is named after the historic beehive-shaped pottery kilns scattered around... Find out more

---

Bluetongue Brewery 210 km

Set up in 2004 by a consortium of Hunter region identities, including wine man Bruce Tyrell and hotelier Ian Burford, Bluetongue Brewery soon established a significant regional market for its premium lager and alcoholic... Find out more

---

Murray's Craft Brewing Company 212 km

But there’s a-nothing so lonesome, morbid or drear, Than to stand in the bar of a pub with no beer. So sang the late country singing legend Slim Dusty and, more importantly, the words of the famous song were penned... Find out more

---

Steel River Brewery 212 km

Every brewhouse has its own distinct personality – new ones are punched out in uniform fashion and pretty much look the same, but pre-loved ones tend to have a bit more character and, more often than not, a... Find out more

---

Cockburn River campsite 21 km

This pleasant, grassy, treed area makes a relaxing place to camp, swim and fish. The river’s a bit chilly in winter but very refreshing in hot weather. It’s about 30 km north-east of Tamworth and 11 km east... Find out more

---

Woolomin Reserve 32 km

This is a spacious, grassy, treed area next to Peel River at Woolomin village, 21 km north of Nundle and 37 km south-east of Tamworth. There’s a general store close by where you can pay for a powered site;... Find out more

---

Bowling Alley Point Recreation Reserve 37 km

This camping area is on the foreshore of Chaffey Dam, 14 km north of Nundle and 45 km south-east of Tamworth. The dam is a popular place for watersports such as waterskiing and powerboating, while fishing enthusiasts vie... Find out more

---

Lake Keepit State Park camping area 45 km

This is a great family camping spot, 54 km west of Tamworth and 38 km east of Gunnedah via Keepit Dam Rd off the Oxley Hwy. It’s a little slice of outdoor paradise: everything from hang-gliding lessons and golf to... Find out more

---

Swamp Creek campsite 45 km

This popular gold- and gem-fossicking site is 3.5 km north of Nundle on Fossickers Way. If fossicking ain’t your thing, you can head out for a walk or a swim instead. You’ll need to bring your own drinking... Find out more

---

Sheba Dams Reserve 52 km

Originally built for sluicing gold Sheba Dams Reserve, 11 km east of Nundle, is now a comfortable summer family-camping area. You can fish, swim or paddle and there’s a 1.2 km walking track leading around the dam.... Find out more

---

Ponderosa Forest Park 53 km

Find out more

---

Teamsters Rest Camping Reserve 54 km

Next to Wombramurra Creek via Crawney Pass Rd (2WD in dry weather only), this is a popular spot for those wanting a bit of peace and quiet. There’s water in the creek – not enough to swim in – but... Find out more

---

Warrabah camping area 58 km

Hiking, swimming, fishing and canoeing are possible at this campground, on the Namoi River beside the park’s southern boundary. Campers are asked to stick to numbered campsites. For those seeking some bush... Find out more

---

Split Rock Dam camping area 61 km

Another worthwhile stop off on the Fossickers Way, 64 km north of Tamworth. The town of Manilla, 20 km south of the dam, is a popular hang-gliding and paragliding spot. The dam is stocked with Murray cod, golden perch... Find out more

---

Paradise Caravan Park 1 km

The park is within walking distance from the centre of Tamworth and is extremely popular during the country music festival. Bookings are required at peak times, however bookings are not accepted during the month of... Find out more

---

Austin Tourist Park 4 km

This large park just 4 km from the town centre offers a range of facilities. A minimum booking period of 14 days applies during the country music festival. Bookings are also required at other peak times. Small dogs only... Find out more

---

Kootingal Kourt Caravan Park 14 km

Conveniently located alongside the New England Highway, this tidy park is ideal for an overnight stop. It is also a good base for those attending the Tamworth Country Music Festival during January, when a booking is... Find out more

---

Country Road Caravan Park 73 km

A popular stopover on the New England Highway, this park has good facilities and is an ideal base for exploring the area. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more

---

Uralla Caravan Park 74 km

Located one block from the New England Highway and within easy walking distance of the town, this is a clean and tidy park suitable for short or longer visits.... Find out more

---

Pages River Caravan Park 75 km

On the northern edge of town, this small neatly maintained park is easily accessible from the New England Highway and is ideal for an overnight stay at an attractive price.... Find out more

---

Pembroke Tourist and Leisure Park 96 km

A lovely spot with shady trees and wide expanses of lawn, this park is only 3 km from the town centre. There are two kennel areas where guests can leave their dogs while enjoying the local attractions or catching up on... Find out more

---

Lake Glenbawn State Park 113 km

The park is 14 km from Scone or easily accessible from Aberdeen. The powered sites do not front the lake but there are unpowered sites available with lake frontage. This is a popular fishing spot where anglers catch... Find out more

---

Pinaroo Leisure Park 132 km

Conveniently located alongside the highway just 3.5 km south of the town centre, this park is well laid out with a relaxing pool. It is ideal for an overnight stop or a longer visit to this Upper Hunter region.... Find out more

---

Big Sky Caravan Park 138 km

Conveniently located in the heart of town, this is a large grassy caravan park within walking distance of the main street and close to the RSL club. It is a good friendly place close to the highway and is ideal for a few... Find out more

---

Jacaranda Cottage B&B

Jacaranda Cottage is a 1930s four-star haven a short stroll away from the heart of Tamworth. Three queen-sized suites are available, with The Loft the favourite for a romantic getaway. Located at the bottom of pristine... Find out more

---

Paradise Tourist Park

This tourist park is shaded by leafy trees in its quiet location next door to Tamworth’s tourist information centre. Various-sized cabins are available, including one- or two-bedroom, fully self-contained cabins... Find out more

---

The Retreat at Froog-Moore Park

This retreat deserves its mantle of ‘most unique property’. Situated on leafy grounds, there are five individually themed and appointed suites. The Succulent Suite features a private verandah, breakfast room... Find out more

---

Banjo’s Bushland Retreat, Vacy 171 km

With three self-contained lodges of various sizes and a recreation room that includes an environmental centre, this eco-accredited resort keeps nature as its focus. Even the nine-hole minigolf course weaves around the... Find out more

---

Lily Pily Country House, Bellingen 198 km

The owners of this stylish B&B have spent seven years revegetating and securing wildlife corridors along the riparian zone here, planting some 4000 trees and 2000 reeds, resulting in an increase in bandicoots,... Find out more

---

Somewhere Unique, Wollombi 206 km

The two stand-alone, couples-only cottages here are stylish, contemporary and have passive solar design. They are eco-accredited, on an 8-hectare bushland reserve, and use only renewable energy and Greenfleet vehicles.... Find out more

---

Tamworth Park Area 3 km

East side of town Small parking area just off the highway. Good facilities. GPS: S31 06.528 E150 57.245... Find out more

---

Airport Rest Area 8 km

9 km W of Tamworth (R) or 70 km E of Gunnedah (L) Large open area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S31 04.670 E150 51.042... Find out more

---

Bendemeer Park Area 32 km

On the road into town Parking area just off the highway at the Memorial Park. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S30 52.762 E151 09.459  ... Find out more

---

Bowling Alley Point Camp Area 36 km

T/O 82 km N of Scone (R) or 5 km E of Tamworth to Nundle (L) Large area on the shores of the reservoir 14 kilometres north of Nundle. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S31 21.669 E151 08.186 ... Find out more

---

Woolbrook Rest Area 42 km

T/O 30 km W of Walcha (R) or 20 km E of Bendemeer (L) Large grassed area 1 kilometre off the highway on the riverbank. Limited shade. GPS: S30 55.010 E151 18.988  ... Find out more

---

Swamp Creek Camp Area 43 km

T/O 82 km N of Scone (R) or 5 km E of Tamworth to Nundle (L) Grassed area on the riverbank 4 kilometres north of Nundle via Hanging Rock Road. Good facilities. Limited shade. NOTE: Access part unsealed. GPS: S31... Find out more

---

Wallabadah Rest Area 50 km

North end of town Large area by Quirindi Creek behind the Memorial Gardens. Good facilities and shade. NOTE: Toilets close at 5:00 pm. GPS: S31 32.169 E150 49.906... Find out more

---

Ponderosa Park Camp Area 52 km

T/O 82 km N of Scone (R) or 5 km E of Tamworth to Nundle (L) Large camp area in the forest 17 kilometres east of Nundle via Hanging Rock Road. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S31 27.817 E151 15.433  ... Find out more

---

Sheba Dams Camp Area 52 km

T/O 82 km N of Scone (R) or 5 km E of Tamworth to Nundle (L) Large secluded area on the shore of the dam 11 kilometres east of Nundle via Hanging Rock Road. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S31 29.890 E151 11.843 ... Find out more

---

Teamsters Rest Camp Area 53 km

T/O 82 km N of Scone (R) or 5 km E of Tamworth to Nundle (L) Secluded area by the creek 14 km south of Nundle via Crawney Road. Good shade. NOTE: Part unsealed access. GPS: S31 33.399 E151 03.390... Find out more

---

Kentucky Rest Area 57 km

72 km N of Tamworth (L) or 39 km S of Armidale (R) Small area adjacent to the highway. Good shade. GPS: S30 45.189 E151 23.039... Find out more

---

Thunderbolts Rock Park Area 68 km

82 km N of Tamworth (R) or 29 km S of Armidale (L) Small area just off the highway. GPS: S30 41.726 E151 28.157... Find out more

---

Walcha East Rest Area 68 km

159 km NW of Wauchope (R) or 5 km SE of Walcha (L) Large open area just off the highway. GPS: S31 00.477 E151 38.171  ... Find out more

---

Blandford Park Area 76 km

North end of town Small parking area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S31 46.675 E150 53.547 ... Find out more

---

Apsley Falls Camp Area 80 km

T/O 145 km NW of Wauchope (R) or 19 km SE of Walcha (L) Large campground is situated 1 kilometre north of the highway in a pleasant bush setting near the falls in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. Good facilities and... Find out more

---

Stoney Creek Rest Area 81 km

141 km NW of Wauchope (L) or 23 km SE of Walcha (R) Small area adjacent to the highway on the banks of the creek. GPS: S31 04.594 E151 46.655... Find out more

---

Burning Mountain Rest Area 85 km

24 km N of Scone (R) or 108 km S of Tamworth (L) Large grassed area well off the highway. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S31 51.383 E150 54.016... Find out more

---

Red Bank Rest Area 86 km

63 km W of Tamworth (R) or 13 km E of Gunnedah (L) Large area adjacent to the highway on the banks of a small creek. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S30 59.40 E150 22.40... Find out more

---

Tia River Rest Area 87 km

128 km NW of Wauchope (L) or 36 km SE of Walcha (R) Small area adjacent to the highway. GPS: S31 11.271 E151 49.858... Find out more

---

Meridian Rest Area 89 km

27 km SW of Gunnedah (R) or 79 km NE of Coonabarabran (L) Large area adjacent to the highway. GPS: S31 03.809 E150 00.00 ... Find out more

---

Tia Falls Camp Area 89 km

T/O 129 km NW of Wauchope (R) or 35 km SE of Walcha (L) Small, secluded campground located 6 kilometres north of the highway in a pleasant forest setting near the falls in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. Good... Find out more

---

Scone Park Area 107 km

At the information centre Parking area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S32 03.401 E150 52.174... Find out more

---

Aberdeen Park Area 119 km

North side of town Small parking area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S32 09.641 E150 53.343... Find out more

---

Stockyard Creek Rest Area 121 km

81 km W of Wauchope (L) or 83 km SE of Walcha (R) Small area just off the highway surrounded by dense forest. Good shade and facilities. GPS: S31 24.10 E152 07.26  ... Find out more

---

Muswellbrook North Park Area 128 km

2 km N of Muswellbrook (R) or 23 km S of Scone (L) Small area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S32 14.858 E150 53.764... Find out more

---

Oxley's Crossing Rest Area 132 km

75 km SW of Gunnedah (R) or 31 km NE of Coonabarabran (L) Very small area adjacent to the highway surrounded by trees. GPS: S31 07.929 E149 32.661... Find out more

---

Pilliga No. 2 Rest Area 140 km

95 km N of Coonabarabran (R) or 23 km S of Narrabri (L) Large area just off the highway among the trees. Good shade. GPS: S30 29.653 E149 38.180  ... Find out more

---

Pilliga Rest Area 140 km

66 km N of Coonabarabran (R) or 52 km S of Narrabri (L) Large area just off the highway surrounded by scrub. Good shade. GPS: S30 43.345 E149 31.486... Find out more

---

Yaminba Rest Area 143 km

52 km N of Coonabarabran (R) or 66 km S of Narrabri (L) Small area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S30 51.213 E149 27.426 ... Find out more

---

Runnymede Rest Area 147 km

4 km E of Inverell (L) or 63 km W of Glenn Innes (R) Large area adjacent to the highway. Good shade. GPS: S29 46.860 E151 08.788... Find out more

---