Tamworth events revolve around one date above all: the end of January, when the Tamworth Country Music Festival takes over the city. It runs continuously for 11 days, and it is the reason many visitors first come.
The rest of the year is quieter, but not empty. The city is also recognised as the National Equine Capital of Australia, and it has a climate with hot summers and relatively cool winters. Here is what to expect from the seasons and what happens when.
The Tamworth Country Music Festival in late January
Tamworth is known as the Country Music Capital of Australia and is sometimes called Australia's answer to Nashville. The festival is held every year in summer, at the end of January. It is the second-biggest country music festival in the world after Nashville.
It began in 1973, when radio station 2TM hosted the first Australasian Country Music Festival. Radio 2TM had been Tamworth's first radio station, broadcasting from 1935. That 1973 event led to the festival the city holds today.
The Golden Guitar
The 12 metre Golden Guitar was erected in 1988 as a symbol of the town's country music roots. It is a landmark worth knowing about whatever month you visit, and it explains why the festival and the city are so closely linked.
Summer: hot, and festival time
Tamworth has a humid subtropical climate (Cfa under the Köppen classification), with hot summers. Temperatures exceed 35 °C on around 20 to 25 days a year, so the festival is held in real heat. If you are coming in late January, book early and pack for hot days. Our Tamworth accommodation page lists places to stay, from riverside camping to motels, country cottages and heritage pubs.
Autumn, winter and spring
Winters are relatively cool. The city sits at around 400 m elevation on the western side of the Great Dividing Range, at the base of the Wentworth Mounds, which rise to about 800 m. That setting suits time outdoors and drives in the surrounding region. Our Tamworth activities page covers things to do, and the Tamworth tours page covers guided options. Check current prices and times with the operator before you go.
Equine events all year
Tamworth is recognised as the National Equine Capital of Australia because of the high number of equine events held in the city. The Australian Equine and Livestock Events Centre, which opened in September 2008, is the biggest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.
Other things that have happened here
Tamworth has also hosted sport. In 2016 it staged the annual City vs Country Origin rugby league match at Scully Park Regional Sporting Precinct. The Tamworth Regional Entertainment Centre opened in 1999.
It is also the First Town of Lights. On 9 November 1888 it became the first place in Australia with electric street lighting powered by a municipally owned power station.
Planning your visit
Tamworth is about 420 km north of Sydney on the New England Highway, and almost midway between Brisbane and Sydney. For general planning, our Tamworth travel guide is the place to start, and Visit NSW is the official state tourism site. Background on the city is also on Wikipedia.
If you are travelling with children, see our page on Tamworth holidays with kids.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Tamworth Country Music Festival?
It is held every year at the end of January, in summer, and runs continuously for 11 days.
Is Tamworth hot in summer?
Yes. Summers are hot, with temperatures above 35 °C on around 20 to 25 days a year. Winters are relatively cool.
Are there events outside the festival?
Yes. Tamworth is the National Equine Capital of Australia because of its many equine events, many held at the Australian Equine and Livestock Events Centre.