Tamworth

Where Is It?

The New England Plateau lies inland to the north west of Newcastle. As you go onto this green tableland Tamworth is the first major city that you come to.

What’s It Like?

Nashville. Or at least that is what the publicity would have you believe. The image of a down-under capital of country music is based around the huge annual festival celebrating that most distinctive of musical styles.

What To See And Do?

The Country Music Festival is the town’s highlight and chief claim to fame. This occurs every January and the whole place goes nuts. Fans travel from across the nation to come here for a weeklong twangy guitar, orgiastic celebration of all things C&W.
This is perpetuated through the year via the myriad bars and clubs with live music events and attractions such as The Golden Guitar Complex or the Gallery of Stars or the snappily titled Australian Country Music Foundation Museum. OK so I’m not a fan but if you are this is a great place to visit.
For a look at cowboy life to go with cowboy music go just over 30 miles east to the Leconfield Station. On a five-day course, you can learn all about living the ‘jackaroo’ lifestyle including roping and herding horses and cattle and shearing sheep (‘Are you shearing that sheep?’, ‘No mate, get your own!’).
If you choose to break your journey between Sydney and Brisbane with a stop off here and the music scene doesn’t appeal do not despair. There are a number of decent galleries in the town or you may prefer the nearby Oxley Lookout and Nature Reserve or Lake Keepit.

Eating Sleeping And Drinking.

Festival week; if you haven’t booked months in advance and your name isn’t Dolly Parton or Willy Nelson, forget about staying in the town. The town really does go bonkers for this week; the bars are heaving, every hotel is packed and prices go through the roof. The rest of the year you should not have too much trouble finding a decent place to stay.
There is a sophisticated café scene in Tamworth, there are loads of pubs, and bars to slake your thirst after a long days line dancing. The culinary delights on offer are not at all bad with good choice and quality easily found.
Strangely many of the bar’s restaurants and hotels have a dress code and whilst you won’t be expected to wear suit and tie to blow the froth off a coldie (as I believe they say) you may be frowned upon if you don’t put some effort in to your dress.