Tamworth is the largest city in its region, with 43,874 people in 2021, and it sits on the Peel River almost midway between Brisbane and Sydney. It is a handy place to build a sightseeing day, and Tamworth tours can draw on country music, early electric lighting, horses and pastoral history.
Prices and times change, so check current details with the operator or on Visit NSW, the official state tourism site, before you book.
Why Tamworth suits a touring day
The city is about 420 km north of Sydney on the New England Highway, on the western side of the Great Dividing Range. The centre lies between the river and the Wentworth Mounds, which rise to 800 m above it.
That setting makes it an easy base. The surrounding region has sheep and cattle country, small villages and a long pastoral history.
Country music sights
Tamworth is the Country Music Capital of Australia, and has been called Australia's answer to Nashville. The Tamworth Country Music Festival runs each year in late January, continuously for 11 days, and is the second-biggest country music festival in the world after Nashville. Radio station 2TM hosted the first one in 1973.
The Golden Guitar, 12 m tall, was erected in 1988 as a symbol of the town's country music roots. Any music-themed outing should include it. If you are planning around the festival, start with our Tamworth events page.
First Town of Lights and local history
On 9 November 1888, Tamworth became the first place in Australia to have electric street lighting powered by a municipally owned power station. That earned it the title First Town of Light. The railway arrived in 1878, and the railway station opened in 1882.
Other dates on the local timeline include the Royal Oak Hotel, built by John Barnes in 1852, and the Tamworth Mechanics' Institute, opened in 1866. The explorer John Oxley passed through the Peel Valley in 1818 and named the river after Robert Peel. The Kamilaroi people lived in the area before European contact. A history-minded visitor has plenty to work with.
Horses and livestock
Tamworth is recognised as the National Equine Capital of Australia. The Australian Equine and Livestock Events Centre opened in September 2008 and is the biggest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. Event days there are a major drawcard, so check the schedule before you plan around it.
Goonoo Goonoo Station
Goonoo Goonoo Station is a heritage-listed 19th-century working cattle property and pastoral village outside Tamworth. It has been converted into luxury accommodation with seven private cottages, a heated swimming pool, a tennis court and a restaurant using locally grown produce, with views toward the Liverpool Range. The Australian Agricultural Company was granted a lease at Goonoo Goonoo in 1831.
For stays, see Tamworth accommodation and Tamworth luxury holidays.
Planning your own itinerary
A self-guided day also works well here. Our Tamworth activities page lists more to do, and the Tamworth travel guide covers the basics. Background on the city is also on Wikipedia.
Frequently asked questions
What are the main sights to look for on a tour?
The Golden Guitar, the town's electric street lighting history, the Australian Equine and Livestock Events Centre and Goonoo Goonoo Station are the standouts.
When is the best time for a country music visit?
Late January, when the Tamworth Country Music Festival runs for 11 days.
Where should I check current tour prices and times?
Ask the operator directly or look on Visit NSW, as costs and times change.
