Tamworth, New England North West — New South Wales

Tamworth is a city found in the northwestern part of New South Wales, situated on the banks of the Peel River. It is located in the New England region of the state.

The city has been designated several nicknames. One is the ‘Country Music Capital of Australia,’ owing to its annual Tamworth Country Music Festival held every January. The city is also known as the ‘National Equine Capital of Australia’ because of the numerous equine events hosted by the city, as well as the construction of the World Class National Equine and Livestock Events Centre. Lastly, Tamworth is also known as the ‘City of Lights’ because it holds the distinction of being the first in southern hemisphere to use electricity in its street lights.

The city has several historic buildings and structures that are part of its heritage walk. Example of which is the Railway Bridge, constructed in 1882 and situated on the riverbank. Along Peel Street is Munro’s Mill, recognized as the first flour mill in the area and was built in 1863. Several homes that were constructed in the late 19th century can also be found on Marius Street, as well as the Wesleyan Church that was built in 1872. Another historic religious structure is found on the corner of Marius and Brisbane Streets, the St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church. On White Street is an office complex that was once used as a Dominican convent in 1882. Situated on Fitzroy Street are two government building constructed in the late 19th century, the Victorian Classical-style post office and the lands office.

The city also boasts of several attractions related to its annual country music festival. The Hands of Fame Park, located on the corner of Bridge Street and Kable Avenue, is where select country musicians leave their hand prints on concrete, perhaps to leave a permanent, personal mark on the city. The park is also the departure point for the city’s heritage walk. The Australian Country Music Foundation Museum, located on Brisbane Street, holds several exhibits and music performances the whole year through. A related structure, the Country Music Heritage Hall and Heritage Museum on Bridge Street, houses several items and costumes related to country musicians. At the New England Highway, visitors will get to see the gigantic guitar that is a replica of the Australasian Country Music Awards Trophy. Standing 12 meters high, the guitar is the city’s most recognizable landmark. The area also has several wax figures of country singers and musicians, as well as collections of rocks, minerals, and gems.

Natural attractions is also abundant in Tamworth, starting with the Oxley Scenic Lookout, accessed through the Scenic Drive and provides visitors with spectacular views of the city and the river, while offering facilities for picnics and barbecues. The Oxley Marsupial Park also has picnic facilities, with lots of wildlife calling the area home.

Also of interest is the Goonoo Goonoo, a historic sheep station accessed through the New England Highway.

A short distance outside of Tamworth is Lake Keepit, adjacent to the Lake Keepit National Park. Numerous fish species in the lake make it an ideal spot for fishing. The area also has facilities for water skiing, sailing, swimming, walking, camping, and picnics.