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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

Make this dazzling stretch of beaches and natural wonders your home base for a grand adventure

Whether you’re setting out solo, bringing a mate, or packing in the whole family, no road trip along Australia’s East Coast is complete without at least a few days spent exploring the Coffs Coast. A stunning stretch of NSW coastline nestled between ancient high-elevation rainforests and magnificent, undiscovered beaches, Coffs offers amazing biodiversity, stunning natural beauty, and heaps of local charm, without the crowds. Pull up in Coffs Harbour , your perfect home base for these unforgettable day-trips.

1. Southern Beaches

The Coffs region boasts 30 of Australia’s most beautiful, unspoiled beaches, directly abutting a dramatic tableau of mountains and rainforests. Drive South of Coffs Harbour to find up-and-coming surf destinations where it’s still possible to catch an empty wave. First up is the picturesque Sawtell village . Wander the famous fig-tree-lined main street packed with laid-back places to eat and drink. Enjoy panoramic views and seasonal whale sightings at Bonville Headland on the Southern end of the beach.

Nearby Bongil Bongil National Park boasts seven kilometres of empty beach, along with hiking and cycling trails through beachfront rainforests – keep an eye out for koalas living in the trees. Boambee Beach and Boambee Creek Reserve are great for families, with shallow waters perfect for kayaking and SUPing, plus an off-leash dog beach.

family eating lunch in sawtell — Experience small-town charm in Sawtell.

2. Orara Valley Tourist Trail

The Orara Valley Tourist Trail has it all: hinterland bushwalks, birdwatching, horse riding, pristine swimming holes and rolling green pastures dotted with dairy farms and historic villages. And it’s only 15 minutes west of Coffs Harbour.

Sample produce at a roadside stall, stop into Coramba Hotel for a quintessential country pub lunch, or try the Idle in Cafe in Nana Glen for coffee and scones. Then spend the afternoon kayaking the Orara River or mountain biking on Mt Coramba. If you’re feeling adventurous, follow the 4WD touring route along the Orara Escarpment in Bindarri National Park , a rugged landscape with dazzling views that winds through untouched eucalypt rainforests and waterfalls.

A family sitting by the Orara Valley Tourist Trail. — Explore the green heart of Coffs.

3. Dorrigo National Park

Enjoy a classic day trip from Coffs to forest bathe in some of the oldest subtropical rainforests in the world at Dorrigo National Park, part of the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests. These million-year-old ecosystems promise rare bird sightings, towering strangler figs, and epic walking tracks and picnic spots. Try the 6.6 km Wonga Walk to experience dreamy Crystal Shower Falls (where you can walk behind the falls) and the Skywalk Lookout, which offers spectacular views of the valley and coast. Then stop in Dorrigo town for a homey lunch. It’s worth noting that a section of the road between Ulong and Dorrigo – which dates to the 1880s – is unsealed, adding to the area’s end-of-the-earth allure but making travel difficult in adverse weather conditions. Alternatively, head to Dorrigo via the delightful township of Bellingen .

Three people standing at the SkyWalk lookout. — Wander the Skywalk.

4. Northern Beaches

For another tranquil expanse of sun, sand and surf breaks, head north to Woolgoolga (Tourism Australia’s Best Mainland Beach for 2025. Taste the coffee and local-produce breakfast at one of several cafes, then spot whales during their migration season along the Woolgoolga Whale Trail to the headland. Emerald Beach offers clear blue waters and another headland walk, perfect for taking in views of South Solitary Island, a dramatically rocky-cliffed island with a historic lighthouse. Red Rock, some 40km north of Coffs and named for its striking coastal rock formations, boasts a gorgeous estuary reserve that’s perfect for languorous days spent picnicking, swimming, fishing, and connecting with the relaxed local pace.

Freshly caught seafood by the beach, with sparkling ocean views. — Enjoy fresh seafood overlooking Woolgoolga Beach.

5. Jetty precinct

You could easily spend a whole day exploring the Jetty precinct – from its foreshores to the marina to Muttonbird Island. Start with fresh fish and chips from local institution Coffs Harbour Fisherman’s Co-op , before browsing the popular Harbourside Markets held every Sunday on the foreshores.

Take a scenic walk along the breakwall to Muttonbird Island , a cultural and ecological treasure with panoramic views and rich Gumbaynggirr heritage. The Giidany Miirlarl Education Space shares the island’s ancient stories, or join a guided moonlight tour to see the seasonal return of the muttonbirds.

Back at the Jetty Strip, find a buzzing mix of cafes, bars and restaurants with cuisines from around the world, open from morning until late. Don’t miss The Jetty Pavilion , a favourite for its unique menu blending modern Australian cuisine with vibrant world flavours.

walk to muttonbird island from coffs harbour — Walk the path where land meets sea and sky.

6. Grafton

Head inland from mid-October to early November to catch Grafton’s jacaranda season, when the town’s streets and parks are covered in purple. Even better, time your trip between 24 October and 2 November to attend the famous Jacaranda Festival, with special food items, performances and more. At any time of year, follow the self-guided Grafton Heritage Trail to discover the town’s historic buildings, landmarks and stories. Or get the blood pumping with a trip along the longest mapped white-water trail in Australia – the Clarence Canoe and Kayak Trail. Book a tour with Exodus Adventures .

woman walking through jacaranda trees in grafton — Time your Grafton trip to see the jacarandas in full bloom. (Image: @myclarencevalley)

7. Nambucca

Just south of Coffs Harbour sits Nambucca, the ideal town for a relaxed, coastal day trip. Hire a canoe, kayak or boat to explore over 80 kilometres of waterways stretching from the hinterland to the ocean. For those who prefer to stay on dry land (or double up their adventure for the day), stretch your legs along the V-Wall – a scenic coastal walk along the Nambucca River – dotted with boulders painted by the community, sharing messages, art and local stories. Stop along the way to buy Sydney rock oysters direct from local farmers, or try your own hand at fishing. Before heading back to Coffs, refuel on fresh seafood and wood-fired pizzas at Matilda’s in Nambucca .

a boat zooming through Nambucca Heads — Explore Nambucca’s waterways. (Image: Seen Australia)

Visit coffscoast.com and download the Coffs Coast Explorer App for more daytrips and trails.