Camping near Tamworth with campfires

Country music fans can’t miss a stop in Tamworth—the ‘Nashville’ of Australia. Whether snapping a selfie by the 12-meter-tall Golden Guitar, singing along at a country music festival, or visiting the Country Music Hands of Fame Park, there are plenty of ways to get your music fix. Set amid farmlands and national parks, Tamworth also makes a great base from which to explore the New England tablelands. Combine your musical odyssey with a horse riding tour, a backcountry camping adventure, or a waterfall hike.

Western Tablelands 

Rolling farmlands and vineyards stretch north and west of Tamworth. Stop by the gold rush towns of Barraba and Bingara, camp out by Copeton Lake, or go hiking in the Horton Falls National Park. Further afield, hike or mountain bike through the volcanic landscapes of Mount Kaputar National Park, or cool off with a dip in the Rocky Creek Glacial Area.

Eastern Tablelands 

East of Tamworth, wild rivers and forested gorges blanket the landscapes, and there are seven national parks within reach. Hike through World Heritage-listed Gondwana rainforest in the Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, explore off-road in a 4WD in the Carrai National Park, or pitch your tent at remote campgrounds in the Mummel Gulf National Park.

Nundle 

Just south of Tamworth, dive into Australia’s gold rush history in Nundle, take in the views from the Hanging Rock Lookout, or go trout fishing along the creeks. Nearby, Lake Keepit is an idyllic spot for campers, where you can swim, fish, and enjoy water sports in the summer months.

Tamworth is undoubtedly a festival town, and it’s worth timing your visit for one of its famous events. The Tamworth Country Music Festival is held in January, but there’s also the Hats Off To Country Music Festival in July, the Australian Stock Horse National Show in March, and the Taste Tamworth foodie festival in April. Just book your campsite well in advance—the small city can get crowded at these times. 

• Tamworth has bus links to the surrounding towns, but you’ll need your own vehicle to explore the tablelands and national parks.

• Tamworth has a selection of shops where you can pick up camping gear and stock up on supplies.
• Fire bans are common in New South Wales during summer and dry periods, so check local recommendations before lighting a fire.
• A permit is required to camp within NSW’s national parks, and campsites must be booked in advance.

• Well worth the visit for those camping near the Peel Valley, Chaffey Dam is an engineering marvel surrounded by pristine parkland.
• An historic venue and an interesting tale in revival, the Tamworth Showgrounds have evolved over the last century to be the impressive event space that it is today.