Where to eat, stay and play in Tamworth

From unforgettable station stays and a long list of top-notch eateries, to the picturesque countryside in Australia’s Country Music Capital: here is our guide to the best of Tamworth for a weekend or week-long stay.

The spiritual home of Australia’s country music scene and a stronghold of equestrian culture, Tamworth is regarded as a poster child for rural life. But although denim, R.M. Williams and Akubras are almost standard issue at birth, this New England city also has a thoroughly cosmopolitan side. A vibrant arts scene, incredible dining and a worldly outlook blend with wide, open spaces and natural beauty to make Tamworth a destination that will draw you back time and again.

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Tamworth Regional Gallery

This historic gallery has been displaying works since 1919, impressively making it the second-oldest regional gallery in NSW. Exhibiting both local and international artists, the absorbing collections are well worth the devotion of some solid hours.

The Tamworth Regional Gallery has been open since 1919. (Image: Tamworth Regional Council)

Weswal Gallery

Showcasing contemporary works from local, regional and national artists, this long-running commercial gallery is a must-visit for the dabbler in fine art appreciation.

Weswal Gallery is a must-visit. (Image: Weswal Gallery)

Len Waters Aboriginal Cultural Tours

Tamworth is Kamilaroi country and there’s no better way to discover the lore and culture of this vast region than on a tour with an Aboriginal custodian. Join local Kamilaroi man Len Waters and experience the beauty of Tamworth through an indigenous lens.

Discover this vast region on a Len Waters Cultural Tour. (Image: Tamworth Regional Council)

Nundle Woollen Mill

Australia has woven a woolly heritage during its history and one of the best ways to connect with the cool side of wool is on a tour at the Nundle Woollen Mill. Take a spin around the mill, hear some yarns and find a ball or two to take home.

Take a spin around the mill at Nundle Woollen Mill.

Barraba Silos

Settled in the 1800s, Barraba was a town known for little else than cattle grazing until 2019, when the Barraba silo mural was completed. Now a destination for both art appreciators and the curious, the 40-metre-tall painting by artist Fintan Magee, The Water Diviner, has become an icon of the region.

The Water Diviner: a 40-metre-tall painting by artist Fintan Magee. (Image: Barraba Silo Art)

National Guitar Museum

Of course, no trip to Tamworth is complete without the requisite Big Golden Guitar selfie, so while you’re at the Tamworth Visitor Information Centre, scoot your boots along to the newly opened National Guitar Museum. Celebrating the instrument and many of its esteemed players, you’ll find signed guitars from legends such as Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers and Keith Urban.

Scoot your boots along to the newly opened National Guitar Museum. (Image: Tamworth Regional Council)

Boutique shopping on Peel Street and beyond

Take a stroll down Peel Street and explore Tamworth’s boutique shopping. Stop by The Magic Pudding, The Lemon House, Mae & Jeune, Bungalow G and The Herd Store for a distinctly country curation of homewares and fashion.

Stop by The Magic Pudding. (Image: The Magic Pudding)

Snow spotting

New England can shiver through the winter and, at the right time of year, you’ll even glimpse snow. Take a daytrip to Hanging Rock (near Nundle) or Bendemeer (north of Tamworth) and explore the bush in all its icy beauty.

Take a day trip to Hanging Rock. (Image: Rachel Deane – Finishing Image Photography)

Eat

The Pig & Tinder Box

Taking up digs in an original, grand-old 1848 bank, this Tamworth gem is now a refined casual restaurant and bar. Modern, seasonal and inviting, the menu will please all comers, all day.

Once a 1848 bank, this piece of history is now a refined casual restaurant and bar. (Image: Harvest Hotels)

Sonny’s Bakery & Cafe

With an intent to make good coffee and bread, Sonny’s has entirely fulfilled its brief. But you can also grab delicious croissants and pastries, as well as Aussie classics of sausage rolls and scones.

Enjoy a cup of coffee and warm pastry at Sonny’s Bakery & Cafe. (Image: Harvest Hotels)

Hopscotch Restaurant and Bar

This sleek establishment is all about seasonal and local produce and, understandably given its New England location, the beef is superb. Stop by for beautifully prepared food in lovely surroundings.

Stop by Hopscotch for beautifully prepared food in lovely surroundings. (Image: Tamworth Regional Council)

The Glasshouse Restaurant at Goonoo Goonoo Station

The Glasshouse is the very definition of destination dining. You’re here for the setting almost as much as the food at this contemporary restaurant that has been recognised for its excellence at stunning Goonoo Goonoo Station. Impeccable food and a breathtaking location unite to make this an unmissable Tamworth treat.

Experience impeccable food in a breathtaking location at Glasshouse Restaurant. (Image: Goonoo Goonoo Station)

Workshop Kitchen at Powerhouse Hotel Tamworth by Rydges

The Workshop Kitchen makes the five-star Powerhouse Hotel a go-to for stylish dining in town. Fresh, local produce and fantastic wines break the mould of the typical hotel restaurant to become an excellent all-day eatery.

The Workshop Kitchen is your go-to for stylish dining in town. (Image: Inward Outward Photography)

The Press 2340

End the evening with a well-made cocktail or warming whisky at this speakeasy-style bar in town.

Campgrounds

You won’t find watery campsite coffee here. The beans are sourced from Australian roasters and the coffee is made to perfection, while tea is infused with native flavours.

Go back in time and slurp up a beautiful cup of joe at Campgrounds. (Image: Campgrounds)

Stay

Goonoo Goonoo Station

Classic country style gets a touch of the luxe at this beautiful working farm just south of Tamworth. You’ll find a range of elegant accommodation options, from the homestead to the shearers’ quarters, and an award-wining restaurant and bar all set in soul-enriching surroundings.

Classic country style at Goonoo Goonoo Station. (Image: Goonoo Goonoo Station)

Powerhouse Hotel Tamworth by Rydges

After recently undergoing an impressive renovation, the Powerhouse Hotel received a five-star rating: it remains renowned for its well-polished and welcoming country hospitality.

This five-star hotel is renowned for its welcoming country hospitality. (Image: Inward Outward Photography)

CH Boutique Hotel

Stay close to the action in the centre of town at this Art Deco-inspired hotel where you’ll find stylish, modern rooms within a quick stroll to Tamworth’s shops and restaurants.

Enjoy a stay at this Art Deco-inspired hotel. (Image: CH Boutique Hotel)

Jenkins Street Guesthouse, Nundle

Agrarian charm colours this beautiful boutique guesthouse set in a 1938 bank branch on the main street of Nundle. Cosy and eclectic, it’s the perfect base for exploring the gems of this adorable town.

Cosy and eclectic, Jenkins Street Guesthouse is the perfect base for exploring.

Coffee lovers have another reason to visit the New England region, thanks to this new latte art competition.

We’ve all done it: poured our home-brewed coffee and thought maybe with a little flick of the wrist we could copy the hearts and leaf art of our most beloved baristas. The reality? Even this type of latte art – which, I’m sorry to break it to you, is absolute entry-level skill – is hard. And that’s coming from someone who worked her way through uni as a barista. While a few years of practice may have seen me master the aforementioned styles, anything beyond that was well above my pay grade. Which is why I’ll be lining up to ooh and ahh at the first Walcha Latte Art Smackdown.

Do you think Walcha is too small for such a strong cafe/ coffee culture? Think again.

The idea was sparked when Cameron Hayton of Walcha Coffee chatted with Caleb Holstein from Alternative Dairy Co. at the Golden Bean Competition, where the best coffee from Australia, New Zealand, the Pacific Islands and Southeast Asia is judged and crowned.

“What would it take to host something in our region?” Hayton asked.

person pouring cup of coffee in white ceramic cup

Roll up to watch a spectacle of latte art. (Image: Brooke Cagle)

That simple question led to the birth of Walcha Latte Art Smackdown. On 24 September, Walcha Coffee will throw open the doors to its roastery on Derby Street and welcome baristas, coffee lovers and curious passers-by for the first-ever smackdown. By the end of the day, the winner will walk home with a $1000 prize (with more prizes awarded to second, third and best local).

And it’s not just for the grown-ups. There’s also a Junior Latte Art Competition (15 and under) with prize money to inspire young baristas to have a go.

“If we’re going to raise up the next generation of workers, we need to show them coffee can be a career, not just pocket money while you’re at school,” said Hayton.

While you’re spectating (or, perhaps, joining in), take part in a cupping session (professional tasting) with Daniel Vergnano of List + Beisler Coffee, featuring new coffees fresh into Australia. Or sit down to feast on a (pre-ordered) smoked meat dinner, to refuel after a day of judging, of course.

Spectator tickets and competitor entries (including the Junior category) are available now via Eventbrite. Spaces are limited, so get in early.

barista pouring froth milk on coffee cup prepared coffee latte art at bar counter

Join in tastings and pre-book a tasty meal afterwards. (Image: Getty/ Ozgurcankaya)

The details:

Date: Tuesday 24 September 2025
Time: From 2:30pm (Main Smackdown 7:00pm)
Location: Walcha Coffee Roastery, 4N Derby Street, Walcha NSW
Tickets: eventbrite.com.au

Making a weekend of it

Visit Walcha’s Open Air Gallery while you’re in town. (Image: Destination NSW)

Want to make a weekend of it? Start with discounts on room rates at Walcha Motel, Walcha Caravan Park, Apsley Hotel and Walcha Road Hotel, especially to encourage visitors to come for the coffee, but then stay and explore Walcha, and the wider New England area.

With charming rural landscapes, beautiful national parks and idyllic townships, the New England high country is brimming with culture and discovery. Two hours inland of Port Macquarie, the region is threaded by the New England Highway, making it easy to drive between the main stops: Armidale, Inverell, Walcha, Glen Innes, Tenterfield and Uralla.

Discover these historically rich destinations with our guide to local wineries and distilleries, and our top 10 reasons to take a road trip through this area.