Venture to Tamworth, where rich heritage meets vibrant regional charm. Around a five-hour drive or one-hour flight from Sydney, this country town is a warm, welcoming escape packed with personality. Discover local flavours at bustling eateries, explore scenic lookouts and walking trails, and soak up the rhythm of live music in cosy pubs and iconic venues in this guide to having fun in Tamworth. 

Eat and Drink

The Pig and Tinder Box

Occupying a grand 1848 building, Pig and Tinder Box is an ode to one of the first pubs to get their license in NSW. Today it’s a casual yet classy eatery, serving modern Australian fare with a combination of European and Asian overtones – there’s a menu section dedicated to share plates, so bring your friends.  

Hopscotch Restaurant & Bar

Nestled in Tamworth’s Bicentennial Park near the Tamworth Regional Playground, Hopscotch offers a relaxed, rustic setting to enjoy specialty coffee, fresh local lunches, and easygoing breakfasts under the trees. It’s the perfect spot to unwind with friends or family between the Peel River and the city centre.

Hissy Fits

When it comes time to refuel and start your heart in the morning, it’s hard to look past Hissy Fits. This unpretentious café makes the classics well, but mixes things up with specials like cold brew with coconut waterand half-a-dozen burgers.

Camp Grounds Coffee

Located in Dowe St, Camp Grounds is the destination for specialty coffee and tea in Tamworth, NSW. Their experienced team are excited to be serving up quality, specialty coffee that supports Aussie roasters. Pair your drink of choice with loaded toasties and sangas, muffins and other baked goods– there are also treats for pooch on the menu.

Sonny’s Bakery

Sonny’s Bakery is a regionally focused artisan bakery. They prefer the classic to the trendy, they prioritise sourcing local over imported, and their goal is always to make simple food taste great. Sonny’s Bakery serves up Will & Co beans, authentic sourdough, pies and pastries, as well as delicious salads, sandwiches and acai bowls. Sonny’s is the local place we love to go. A place where you know the coffee will be great, the bread fresh and the breakfast delicious. They hope you enjoy it as much as they do!

The Welder’s Dog

Touring Tamworth can be thirsty work. Thankfully, there are plenty of places to whet your whistle. Start at The Welder’s Dog, a craft brewery that began in nearby Armidale and now has a popular outlet in Tamworth. The range of beers and hard lemonade on tap is impressive, and you can add on a bite from the grab-and-go fridge. 

Play

Capitol Theatre Tamworth

Located right in the heart of Tamworth, the Capitol Theatre is Tamworth's main performance venue. It is a regular stop on the national touring circuit and a well-occupied theatre for local and regional events and productions.

Tamworth and Kootingal Horse Riding Adventure

For a unique adventure, stop by this fully working cattle station located just 27 kilometres east of Tamworth. Tamworth and Kootingal Horse Riding Adventures offer two-hour trail rides seven days per week. Join their famous trail ride exploring over 1400 acres of the property along Mulla Creek with spectacular views taken in at a leisurely relaxing pace for all.

Arc-en-Ciel Trout Farm

Take home another taste of the region by catching your own rainbow trout at the Arc-en-Ciel Trout Farm. The farm provides visitors with a tranquil getaway where they can experience their award winning products and impressive scenery, and is also home to delicious venues such as the Nundle Smokehouse and The Drunken Trout Café.

Explore

Enjoy local produce

With the Liverpool Plains around Gunnedah and Quirindi, and New England High Country vineyards around Uralla, the Tamworth region is one of Australia’s richest agricultural areas. Local produce is showcased at farmers markets around the district and the 10-day Taste Tamworth Festival held each year in April is a must-visit for foodies. You can also visit gourmet and specialty stores, such as Odgers and McClelland and Nundle Craft Shop where you can purchase unique cooking supplies and homemade cakes, pies and preserves, alongside farm-fresh produce.

Follow the wine trail

Tamworth is part of the acclaimed New England Wine Region. In the northeast in Uralla, drop into cellar doors and vineyard restaurants at Eastview Estate. Linger longer in the region and head north to the Glen Innes area where you can try a number of exciting alternative varieties at Topper's Mountain Wines.

Stay

Goonoo Goonoo Station

This impressive refurbishment of a 19th century heritage-listed and pastoral village has been turned into luxury accommodation. The private cottages have been beautifully restored and capture the history of the working cattle station while still providing guests with all the luxuries they need – heated swimming pool, tennis court, guest lounge, luxurious beds and linen, WiFi and even heated floors in the bathroom.

DAG Sheep Station

Set across 70 acres on the outskirts of Tamworth, DAG Sheep Station was once part of a larger estate, and it still retains many of the historic buildings including the original woolshed, worker's cottages, shearer’s quarters and mess hall. Accommodation across the buildings ranges from shared quarters to private cottages, each with every creature comfort you could want. There’s also a licensed bar with open fires and spit-roast catering available. 

Powerhouse Hotel Tamworth by Rydges

Tamworth’s only five-star hotel caters to groups of all sizes, thanks to being comprised of a range of rooms, suites, and one-and two-bedroom apartments. Spacious rooms are an earthy combination of natural wood and jewel tones, while larger accommodations come with kitchens and living areas, for those looking to linger and self-cater. Facilities range from multiple restaurants to a gym, outdoor pool, sauna, guest laundry and barbecue area.

CH Boutique Hotel

If you love a little art deco flair, look no further than the luxurious CH Boutique Hotel, located in the heart of Tamworth’s CBD. Rooms and suites are pared back but classy in design, with perks like private balconies so you can watch Tamworth go by – some also come with spa baths. For those wanting a little extra space, opt for the two- and three-bedroom apartments kitted out with kitchens. There’s a restaurant on the premises, but you’re also only a five-minute walk from a variety of shops, dining options and Tamworth’s cinema.

Studio 367

Enjoy a stylish stay in supreme solitude at Studio 367, which offers just two open-plan accommodations, each with timber flooring, hand-crafted furniture and plenty of natural light – think elements of timber and glass, concrete and steel to create a modern clean space that feels warm and luxurious. Every amenity you could wish for is available: a king bed, kitchenette, a unique curved shower and garden surrounds, providing a little leafy oasis within easy reach of Tamworth’s CBD.

Best Western Sanctuary Inn

This stylish hotel features design-driven rooms that could be featured in a glossy magazine – think ultra-plush mattresses, crisp white linens and oversized fluffy towels. This is all complemented by a dreamy saltwater pool, spa and barbecue area, where you’re welcome to hang out with your pooch – just get in early, as there are only two pet friendly rooms. And you’re in the heart of Tamworth, so walking is the best way to get around.