Where to eat, stay and play in Tamworth

Lara Picone Lara Picone
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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.

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)

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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)

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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.

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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.
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Why the Central Coast is a foodie mecca

    Elise Cullen Elise Cullen
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    Underpinned by grassroots hospitality and award-winning organic produce, the Central Coast’s gastronomy scene is thriving, with the region quickly becoming one of the best destinations in NSW for epicures.

    Revered for its rugged natural splendour and laid-back seaside charm, NSW’s Central Coast has soared in popularity in recent years, becoming a top choice for an affordable slice of weekend escapism for Sydneysiders. Just a short 45-minute drive north of Sydney, it’s the kind of place that, no matter how many times you visit, leaves you with the sense that there’s always more to uncover. But while the ocean pools, bushwalks and beaches have (rightly) taken the spotlight, it’s the Central Coast food offerings which have been quietly simmering in the background.

    From fresh-as-it-gets seafood and juicy organic citrus you can pluck yourself, through to regenerative farming and reputable farm-to-fork dining, this coastal gem has become an idyllic foodie mecca. Here are some of the best ways to immerse yourself in grassroots hospitality and gastronomic glory on the NSW Central Coast.

    vegetables in a basket at Bells Garden at Bells At Killcare
    From picking your own, to farm-to-table, discover the best Central Coast food experiences. (Image: Remy Brand)

    Central Coast oyster experiences

    From humble grub to opulent delicacy, oysters have ascended into a league of their own. Epicureans are fascinated by them – willing to pay upwards of $35 per dozen (double at some of Sydney’s reputable fine dining restaurants) – and ‘shuck bars’ seem to be popping up at every milestone celebration.

    But it’s rare to find places that really draw back the curtain on how they’re farmed and why everyone is mad for these molluscs. The Central Coast, however, is home to several of these venues. With its pristine waters, mild climate and nutrient-rich estuaries, it’s the perfect breeding ground for oysters.

    Learn about oyster farming and, importantly, how to shuck them at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours. Nestled on the Hawkesbury River at Mooney Mooney, Sheridan Beaumont and her team offer a hands-on foodie experience where you can feast on dozens of oysters (white tablecloth and all) while wading through the calm waters. You can even bring your own bottle of bubbles to wash them down.

    guests in the water for an experience at Sydney Oyster Farm - Central Coast food
    Learn tricks of the trade at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours. (Image: Remy Brand)

    Elevate your oyster knowledge even further by heading north over the Hawkesbury River Bridge to the Hawkesbury River Oyster Shed. Tour their scenic oyster leases and saltwater paddocks by boat to uncover the distinct characteristics of the Sydney rock oyster and creamy Pacific oyster. They’ve also partnered with Broken Bay Pearl Farm to offer a one-of-a-kind oyster and pearl farming guided tour, showcasing the Central Coast’s very own pearl oyster, the Broken Bay ‘Akoya’. But if you’re simply in the mood to devour a dozen delectable oysters while soaking in the tranquil river views, pull up a chair at the shed. It’s friendly in every sense of the word: pets, families and BYO welcome.

    shucking oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm
    Taste freshly shucked oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm. (Image: James Horan)

    Central Coast farms to pick your own fruit

    While the Central Coast is known for its breathtaking 40 beaches and 80-kilometre coastline, its lush hinterland is equally impressive – abundant with orchards and agriculturally rich farmland. And when it comes to the simple joy of picking your own fruit, the Central Coast is a ripe playground.

    Family-owned Meliora Farm at Peats Ridge is an orchard that blends conventional, biodynamic and organic philosophies. Third-generation farmer Tim Kemp and his wife Elise are dedicated to honouring the family legacy by growing a rich variety of oranges, lemons, limes, mandarins and avocados. In late May, roam the sustainable and nutrient-dense property during ‘Pick Your Own’ weekends.

    Eastcoast Beverages is another bountiful citrus orchard boasting over 60 hectares of fruit. From June you can learn about the cultivation of high-quality ingredients – like lemons, limes, grapefruit and oranges – by touring both the farm and factory before setting out and picking your own straight from the source. You can also sample an array of citrus-inspired sweet and savoury treats at their on-site cafe, Bambino’s.

    If it’s just juicy oranges you’re after, Cedar Farm in Dooralong is a must-visit. Located about 30 minutes north of Peats Ridge, it features 15 flourishing orchards and over 3000 orange trees – with take-home bags during the season (from July) at low prices. Not bad for a fruity weekend haul.

    woman picking oranges at Oranges at Dooralong
    Pick your own citrus fruits on the Central Coast. (Image: James Vodicka)

    Organic dining

    What makes the Central Coast hinterland so special is the unwavering respect the communities have for their cherished backyard. Locally owned and operated farms are all striving for more sustainable practices and methods to both enhance biodiversity and reduce environmental impact, each with a heartwarming food philosophy.

    The Food Farm in Wyong Creek believes good food is worth both the work and the wait. Devoted to regenerative farming, first-generation ‘farmily’ Tim Eyes and Hannah Greenshields are recognised for their grass-fed, grass-finished beef and pasture-raised, gold medal-winning chickens. With an open gate policy, The Food Farm encourages visitors to swing by and try some of their slow-grown produce at their small ‘honesty’ farm shop. With no staff, you can pick up a few quality cuts of meat and pasteurised eggs, leaving the owing amount in cash or via eftpos.

    Keeping the spirit of generational organic farming alive is Fanelli Organics. Nestled in the Central Coast’s scenic and sleepy Mangrove Mountain, founders Eden and Louise Fanelli own over 45 hectares of plentiful farmland and orchards that produce a huge range of organic fruit and vegetables, like purple Dutch carrots, blood oranges, broccoli and Tuscan kale. A true home-grown operation, Fanelli Organics shares its fresh produce with local restaurants and community markets, including the beloved markets at Like Minds Cafe at Avoca Beach every Wednesday afternoon.

    farmers holding fresh produce picked at Fanelli Organics
    See where your food comes from at Fanelli Organics.

    Paddock-to-plate dining

    High-quality ingredients go hand in hand with premium dining, and the Central Coast is home to several paddock-to-plate restaurants that showcase its diverse and rich agriculture. Paired with warm, grassroots hospitality, there are culinary triumphs, new menus and revered chefs constantly popping up, putting the local dining scene firmly on the map.

    Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce. Nestled in thick bushland with wraparound verandahs, floral gardens and an idyllic dam, the gourmet homestead and bakehouse is unlike any restaurant on the Central Coast. Here, head chef Reece Collins and his team serve up an impressive breakfast and lunch menu that oozes rustic charm. Pull up a comfy armchair on the expansive deck, listen to birdsong, and tuck into flavoursome dishes like the farmhouse Benedict with honey-cured ham, lemon myrtle hollandaise and Warrigal gremolata, or the hearty beef brisket pie with confit garlic potato purée and rainbow chard.

    woman writing in notebook next to a table of food at Saddles, Central Coast food
    Taste country-style cooking at Saddles. (Image: Destination NSW)

    Delivering a slice of sophistication and luxury to the shores and bushland of Bouddi Peninsula is Bells at Killcare. One of the few boutique resorts on the Central Coast, it’s known for its premium service and five-star suites, as well as its bountiful kitchen gardens that boast an orchard, olive trees, avocado trees, free-range hens and a honey bee hive.

    Cameron Cansdell has returned to Bells at Killcare as head chef, bringing his expertise to the casual yet refined menus that feature a raw bar with Oscietra caviar, freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters and Moreton Bay bugs, all served alongside optional matched wines. Sample some of Australia’s best regional wines and standout dishes, like roasted Wollemi duck with grilled leeks, rocket, grilled grapes and 10-year-aged balsamic, or the shareworthy salt-crusted snapper with herb salad and salsa, before roaming the picturesque gardens, wine in hand.

    cocktail at Bells At Killcare
    Sample incredible wine, cocktails and dishes at Bells At Killcare. (Image: Nikki To)

    Plan your next visit to the delicious Central Coast.