Tamworth New South Wales
The country music capital of Australia, Tamworth is famous for its music festival and hall of fame. Although many of the town’s attractions associate themselves with country music, the historical buildings in the centre of town provide something else to see.
Located three and a half hours north of Newcastle, Tamworth is a great place to stop, whether it’s a rest break or a longer one to see the town’s attractions. This was our last stop on a road trip through Dubbo and Gunnedah.
Oxley Scenic Lookout
Overlooking town, the Oxley Lookout provides amazing views of the surrounding countryside. Named after the first European explorer to visit the area, the lookout also acknowledges the original inhabitants, with information boards providing information on the Kamilaroi people.
A great place for a break on your journey, if you don’t want to stop in the town centre. The large carpark allows plenty of space for parking, including caravans.
Tamworth From the Oxley Scenic Lookout 
Oxley Scenic Lookout Picnic Area
Bicentennial Park
Located in the city centre, with easy access, Bicentennial Park is a great place to relax, with ponds, grassed areas, a playground, and walking tracks. We walked from Peel Street where we had left our car, because this let us see the CBD as we walked. Starting at Fitzroy Street with the country music busts, we walked through the park enjoying the views.
Country Music
Reflecting Tamworth’s association with country music, a large section of the park had busts and other artwork dedicated to country musicians.
Buddy Williams Bust in Bicentennial Park 
Female Country Singer Sculpture Bicentennial Park 
Mural in Bicentennial Park
Sculptures
Scattered throughout the park we found several sculptures placed around ponds and in garden beds.
Rock Carving at the Pond 
Emu Sculpture in Bicentennial Park
Waler Memorial
The Waler Monument commemorates the Australian Light Horse and depicts an Australian Trooper saying farewell to his Waler Horse in the deserts of the Middle East at the end of World War One.
In the early stages of World War One, they were mostly purchased from NSW which gave them the name of Walers, coined by the English.
The most famous of all feats of the Waler Horses at war was the Light Horse charge on Beersheba in 1917. The horses were without water for 48 hours in the hot Sinai Desert and then undertook a 4km cavalry charge across the burning plains to take Beersheba and its wells.
Tamworth War Memorial
The War Memorial stands next to the Waler Monument and depicts service personnel on granite blocks. The names of those killed in battle are engraved on the plaque.
Man O’ War Gates
These interesting gates originally stood on Bennelong Point, but were removed with the construction of the Sydney Opera House. Purchased by a local family and gifted to the local Returned Servicemen’s League they now stand as a tribute to the Royal Australian Navy.
The Australian Country Music Hall of Fame
The Australian Country Music Hall of Fame, features a collection of memorabilia from Australian country music artists. If you are a country music fan, this is a must visit while in town. Located on the corner of the New England Highway and Peel Street, makes it easy to find.
Tamworth City Centre
Dominican Convent Building
Now the local conservatorium of music, this old building dating from 1882 was once a convent. Now leased by the conservatorium, it is well maintained and preserved for future generations to admire.
Saint Nicholas Catholic Church
Dating from 1877 Saint Nicholas Catholic Church is on the corner of White and Marius Streets.
Bells Out the Front of Saint Nicholas Church
Tamworth War Memorial Town Hall
Located in Fitzroy Street, the Tamworth War Memorial Town Hall was opened in 1934 as a memorial to Tamworth and district soldiers and war workers.
Slim Dusty Statue
The statue of Slim Dusty and his wife Joy McKean recognises the contribution the couple made to Australia’s music heritage. Located in busy Peel Street, it is easy to find.
Street Art
Wandering through the CBD, we came across several pieces of street art and sculptures. These reflect local culture, from the music festival, sport, bushrangers, and aboriginal heritage.
Street Art in Peel Street 
Sculpture Outside the Library 
Street Art in Peel Street
Buildings
Walking through the streets of the CBD we found some beautiful old buildings. Many have changed hands since being built but have managed to retain their character.
Post Office 
The Old Bell Tower 152 Marius St 
Bussell Apartments Peel St 
Courthouse Hotel on Peel St 
Power Station Museum 
Tamworth Power Station Museum
The Big Golden Guitar Tamworth
In keeping with the country music theme for Tamworth, its contribution to “Big Things” is a giant golden guitar. The golden guitar is presented to the winner of the Tamworth Country Music Festival, making this Big version appropriate. Located on the south side of town, it is one of the first things you will see if travelling from Sydney.
Roll of Renown
Located not far from the Big Golden Guitar, the Roll of Renown sits outside the Entertainment Centre. The award honours Australians and New Zealanders who have shaped the industry by making a significant and lasting contribution to Country Music.
To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.
