Where to eat, stay and play in Tamworth

Lara Picone Lara Picone
hero media
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.

Play

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.

tamworth regional gallery
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
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.

Len Waters Cultural Tour
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.

Nundle Woollen Mill
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
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.

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

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

AI Prompt

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.

The Magic Pudding
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.

Hanging Rock
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.

the pig & tinder box tamworth
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.

Sonny's Bakery
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.

Hopscotch
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.

Glasshouse Restaurant
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.

workshop kitchen at powerhouse hotel tamworth
The Workshop Kitchen is your go-to for stylish dining in town. (Image: Inward Outward Photography)

Weekly travel news, experiences
insider tips, offers, and more.

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.

campgrounds tamworth
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.

Goonoo Goonoo Station
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.

powerhouse hotel room tamworth rydges
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.

CH-Boutique-Hotel
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.

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

Want to see more stories from Australian Traveller in your Google search results?

  1. Click here to set Australian Traveller as a preferred source.
  2. Tick the box next to "Australian Traveller". That's it.
Lara Picone
Working for many of Australia’s top publications, Lara Picone has had the distinct pleasure of writing, editing and curating content about the finer things in life for more than 15 years. Graduating from Macquarie University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication, her editorial foundation began at Qantas: The Australian Way magazine, before moving on to learn the fast-paced ropes of a weekly magazine at Sunday Magazine and picking up the art of brand curation at donna hay magazine. Pivoting a near-problematic travel lust into a career move by combining it with storytelling and a curious appetite, her next role was as Deputy Editor of SBS Feast magazine and later Online Editor of SBS Food online. She then stepped into her dream job as Editor of Australian Traveller before becoming Online Editor for both International Traveller and Australian Traveller. Now as a freelancer, Lara always has her passport at-the-ready to take flight on assignment for the Australian Traveller team, as well as for publications such as Qantas Magazine, Escape and The Weekend Australian. As ever, her appetite is the first thing she packs.
View profile and articles
aerial of moree
New England

Slowing down in Moree: a guide to the Artesian Spa Capital of Australia

The Artesian Spa Capital of Australia offers the perfect destination to escape the grind and reset.

Read more
Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre pool
New England

Moree’s iconic hot springs have reopened after almost two years

Time to dive back into Moree's iconic hot springs. Here's all you need to know.

Read more
gilay estate
New England

This cosy cabin in rural NSW is among the world’s 10 most-loved Airbnbs

This scroll-stopping hut overlooking NSW’s Liverpool Plains has snagged a spot on Airbnbs' 2025 list of most-loved rentals.

Read more
the Stonefruit moody interior, Tenterfield
New England

The under-the-radar regional NSW town every foodie needs to know about

In NSW’s New England High Country, Tenterfield flies quietly under the radar, offering travellers plenty to eat, drink, see and do without losing its country charm.

Read more
hero media

The tastiest new players on Newcastle’s dining scene you need to try

    Carla Grossetti Carla Grossetti
    Continue
    Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.

    When it comes to consuming the culture of a city, digesting it (in the literal sense) is an appropriate place to start. But it’s not just a world-class wining and dining scene that’s on the menu (not to mention all the new restaurants in Newcastle). Newcastle – just two hours north of Sydney – offers the perfect blend of arts, culture and culinary experiences that make it a prime destination for an extended escape. The city’s creative future looks even brighter with the reopening of the highly anticipated Newcastle Art Gallery on the horizon.

    aerial of Nobbys beach in newcastle nsw
    Newcastle offers the perfect coastal setting for the arts and delicious eats. (Image: City of Newcastle)

    Given Newcastle’s compact size – many venues are within easy walking distance or a quick drive away – you can immerse yourself fully. From decadent patisseries to fine diners and casual coastal eats, here’s a fresh taste of Newcastle: where to eat, drink and soak up the coastal city’s good vibes.

    1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle

    pastries next to a pastry box from crumb cafe in newcastle
    Lean into Newcastle’s pastry renaissance at Crumb. (Image: Jemma Donkin)

    Pastry is having a moment, with a quietly booming scene led by CRUMB, the brand-new pastry cafe in Lambton led by legendary Gareth Williams (of Covered in Crumbs, EXP) and Ben Richardson (Autumn Rooms). Gareth describes his style of food as ‘creative chaos’. Enjoy that abstract artisanal approach over a savoury chorizo, bechamel, cheddar and poppy pastry, or a layered mortadella and pesto mayo croissant sandwich.

    Meanwhile, Leibe European Pastries, Pekárna, Union St Pastry and Praise Joe also have their own flair and loyal followings. While Liebe European Pastries is famed for layered German pastries such as Franzbrötchen, Pekárna’s signatures (like cardamom pastries) are tethered to Czech traditions.

    Head a few blocks west to Wickham, where Union St Pastry is the pinnacle for lovers of European-style viennoiseries, such as croissants and Danishes. A getaway to Newcastle also looks pretty fabulous with a mega brownie or chicken little toastie from Praise Joe.

    2. Destination dining

    Blanca resuarant in newcastle nsw
    Step inside Mediterranean-inspired eatery, Blanca. (Image: Destination NSW)

    Life looks pretty peachy from a table at the breezy Mediterranean-inspired eatery Blanca, which would not be out of place in Mykonos – when it swooped into the Honeysuckle Precinct a few years ago, it caused heads to swivel. Say yasou to mezedes of crudo di mare and sheftalia and grilled Abrolhos Islands’ octopus.

    One may also fantasise about being back in Europe – specifically the 10th arrondissement in Paris – at Frenchie, the oh-so-French bistro that offers Euro-chic elegance with an inventive Australian flair. Indulge in the Date Night set menu, available every Thursday.

    Peregrin is another stand-out. Listen to the sound of the ocean from the rooftop terrace, and order a Summertime Sour during aperitivo hour. Followed by the yellowfin tuna with pickled cucumber and market fish. And brand new on the scene is Papalote – a joint venture from the incredibly talented owners of Humbug and Flotilla serving up tasty Mexican classics.

    3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks

    people swimming at Newcastle Ocean Baths
    Follow Newcastle’s coastline for stunning views and tasty eats. (Image: David Diehm)

    What better way to soak in Newcastle’s legendary coastline and stunning beaches than by visiting its casual coastal eateries while on the Bathers Way?

    Enjoy hot chips and scallops on the sand at Swell Kiosk Bar Beach. Or a housemade sausage roll after a morning surf at Newcastle Beach, thanks to Southy Canteen, which is open from 6am.

    Bring your furry travel companion to Sunnyboy Kiosk for a piccolo and puppuccino with views out to Dixon Park Beach. Try light eats, like acai bowls, or more substantial meals like nasi goreng at Blue Door in Merewether. Do a few lazy laps at Merewether Ocean Baths (the largest in the southern hemisphere) before tucking into swordfish skewers and salad at Merewether Surfhouse.

    You can also watch the ocean compose a bit of magic from your perch at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach, where a matcha latte looks even better with the beach fresco.

    Pause between eats to take in the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths and Bogey Hole – perfect for a digestive swim or scenic picnic spot.

    4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle

    couple eating at Flotilla newcastle
    Flotilla serves up delicious meals. (Image: Destination NSW)

    In recent years, Newcastle’s restaurant scene has evolved to include venues that have elevated the city’s reputation for culinary excellence. In addition to its cafes and kiosks, there’s now an exciting wave of hatted favourites putting Newcastle on the map.

    Humbug is the epitome of Novocastrian dining; the mafaldine with brisket and beef cheek braised in Pedro Ximenez is emblematic of what the owners aim for here. Flotilla neatly knits the Newcastle wining and dining scene together, with young gun Josh Thurston showcasing the art of cooking proteins and produce over fire.

    Bistro Penny is another sophisticated, hatted dining destination in Newcastle. Order the barbecued king prawns swimming in a saffron broth and the oxheart tomato salad.

    5. Newcastle nightlife

    Bartholomew's small bar in newcastle nsw
    Stop by Bartholomew’s for a drink. (Image: Destination NSW)

    As the sun dips in the west, so the city of Newcastle’s nightlife springs to life. Maru Hi-Fi is the next-gen small bar that’s redefining a night out in Newy – the sleek space serves great cocktails and embraces Newcastle’s alt attitude. Next door, Jams Karaoke & Bar is also bringing the vibes.

    If a small bar in a grand old building is more your style, check out Roxanne, Bar Mellow and Bartholomew’s.

    Start planning your Newcastle culinary coastal getaway this summer at visitnewcastle.com.au.

    Where to eat, stay and play in Tamworth