This was published 3 years ago
Tamworth, NSW travel guide and things to do: Nine must-do highlights
By Tatyana Leonov
Barraba Silo Art, Tamworth.
THE ONE RESTAURANT
Located inside the recently refurbished Powerhouse Hotel Tamworth by Rydges, The Workshop Kitchen is where locals (and visitors who have read up on the dining scene) come for special occasions. Paul Kelly Design sets a sophisticated tone with a rich, earthy colour palette for the dining space, and the impressive open kitchen that takes centre stage provides ample opportunity to observe chefs in their native environment. Be sure to try the local steaks, although everything on the menu is as tantalising as it sounds.
See rydges.com
THE ONE HOTEL
The historic Goonoo Goonoo Station has been beautifully refurbished .
Goonoo Goonoo Station is located on a working cattle station 20 minutes' drive from Tamworth. When you enter you drive into the "village", which has been left looking much like the workers' township it was from the 1840s until the 1980s. All of the buildings have been completely refurbished – some transformed into new spaces (the butcher's shop is now the front of house, for example); others restored to their former glory and made accessible for hotel guests to explore. Accommodation spans everything from comfortable rooms for two guests in the Shearer's Quarters to large groups. The Homestead, a magnificent building for up to 10 guests, comes with its own private courtyard and pool. The onsite Glasshouse Restaurant is outstanding.
THE ONE CAFE
A popular haunt of families and large groups, Hopscotch Restaurant & Bar is a cafe, kiosk, bar and restaurant all in one. Because of its parkside location (Tamworth Regional Playground is right next door), it's an obvious choice for family brunches, lunches and everything in between. With a menu that includes a wide variety of breakfast favourites, as well as colourful vegetable-laden lunch bowls, gutsy burgers, sandwiches and wraps, there's something for even the pickiest of eaters.
See hopscotchrestaurant.com.au
THE ONE LOOKOUT
For a stunning view of Tamworth, Oxley Lookout is well worth the short drive from the centre of town. It's particularly enjoyable to admire the sprawling city and paddocks on the outskirts of town during sunrise or sunset, but any time of the day is pleasant and gives you an idea of how big Tamworth is. With the decent rainfall over the last few months, the patchwork of green and gold fields beyond the city stretches as far as the eyes can see. There's plenty of parking, and picnic tables too, if you want to hang around savouring the view for a while.
See visitnsw.com; destinationtamworth.com.au
THE ONE FAMILY ATTRACTION
The Tamworth Marsupial Park and Adventure Playground is a haven for kids of all ages, and located close to Oxley Lookout. Entry is free, although visitor donations help fund upkeep. Families have plenty to do here, including stopping by the bird and animal exhibits (kangaroos, echidnas and possums are a highlight), strolling through the bush, and running amok in the huge fenced playground which was built by around 1000 volunteers and houses equipment to suit a range of ages. Pack a picnic and make a day of it.
See visitnsw.com; destinationtamworth.com.au
THE ONE MUSEUM
Tamworth was the first city in Australia to replace street gas lighting with the ultra-modern electric variety in 1888. To commemorate this special occasion, a museum dedicated to all things electrical was opened in 1988 (on the site where the 1888 steam engines powered the street lighting system). The Tamworth Powerstation Museum features a range of intriguing exhibits, including displays that cover key moments in Australia's electrical history and highlights various international advancements within the same field.
THE ONE MUST-DO
A snapshot of the whole clan in front of the 12-metre-high Golden Guitar is one of those must-dos when in Tamworth. It's the city's accolade to its country music legacy, and in 2018 it celebrated its 30th anniversary (it was officially opened in 1988 by Slim Dusty and Paul Crombie, then general manager of Tourism NSW). Be sure to pop into the Tamworth Visitor Information Centre while there, which is also home to the Country Music Wax Museum and the National Guitar Museum.
See visitnsw.com; destinationtamworth.com.au
THE ONE PUB
A sign at the Courthouse Hotel.
Reopened in September 2020 after a major renovation, the Courthouse provides a fantastic country pub experience. There's an array of spaces to unwind with a drink in hand, including indoor and outdoor dining areas, a sports bar and a public bar, and a family area fit out with soft play equipment. The drinks list is extensive, with wines, beers and cocktails all well covered, and the bistro menu features Aussie pub classics and fancier options, with produce sourced from local suppliers and Australia's premium grazing districts, where possible.
THE ONE GALLERY
More than just a gallery, the Tamworth Regional Gallery is an arts hub, with programs including artist talks and workshops. The precinct is home to two temporary exhibition spaces, and the exhibitions rotated throughout the year include some of national significance and some featuring regional artists and students. The gallery is one of the oldest regional galleries in NSW and celebrated its centenary in 2019.
ONE MORE THING
Take the one-hour-and-a-bit drive to Barraba to admire the Barraba Silo mural, The Water Diviner. The spectacular 40-metre-high artwork was completed in 2019 by Sydney-based artist Fintan Magee and has become a big drawcard for the charming country town.
The writer travelled a guest of Destination NSW
Sign up for the Traveller Deals newsletter
Get exclusive travel deals delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up now.