10 of the best family-friendly things to do in Tamworth

Attend the country music festival  

The Tamworth Toyota Country Music Festival is the largest and longest country music festival in the southern hemisphere, held across 10 days every January for more than 50 years. There are ticketed and free events, including the culmination: the Golden Guitar Awards. The whole family can enjoy the festive atmosphere thanks to fun activities like dodgem cars, a Ferris wheel, bungees and live music tailored to young audiences.    

Tamworth Country Music Festival 2019, Tamworth

Visit the Australian Country Music Hall of Fame 

You can’t visit Tamworth and not stop in at the Country Music Hall of Fame, a shrine to all the Australian crooners that have made the industry so special. Browse a stellar collection of memorabilia, take a deep dive into Tamworth’s musical history, and discover the who’s who of the country world through a range of innovative exhibits involving music videos, old-school posters, photographs and instruments dating back close to a century. More memorabilia awaits at The Big Golden Guitar Tourist Centre.  

The Big Golden Guitar Tourist Centre, Tamworth

Go fossicking for gold 

The Tamworth region is known for its gold, gems and mineral discoveries. And you, too, can become a fossicker along the mighty Peel River. Head to Nundle, just a 40-minute drive from the heart of Tamworth, to try your hand at discovering your riches in the Swamp Creek Camping Reserve, Hanging Rock Lookout, Crown Reserve and Forest Way Fossicking Site. It’s a fun way to get out and explore the region – just be aware that fossicking permits are required.    

Nundle Fossicking, Tamworth - Credit: Nundle Fossicking

Pitch a tent at Warrabah National Park 

Bushwalking, fishing, canoeing, birdwatching, swimming… these are all on your family’s agenda when you pitch your tent in Warrabah National Park. One of the few inland river parks in NSW, Warrabah is bisected by more than 14km of the Naomi River in a dramatic gorge, replete with massive granite boulders, calm pools and swelling river rapids. There are numerous picnic areas and camping grounds, so you can enjoy a fun-fuelled, adventure-driven stay.   

 Muluerindie, Warrabah National Park - Credit: Joshua Smith

Enjoy up-close animal encounters at Tamworth Marsupial Park 

Kids will love the chance to get close to kangaroos, wallabies, cockatoos and emus at this extraordinary park, spanning 14 hectares and with free entry. Within the space is an immense adventure playground built by the community, with areas for kids under five as well as those in older age brackets. Alternatively, lace up your hiking shoes to tackle the Kamilaroi Walking Track, which weaves through the park and links other attractions including the Botanic Gardens, lookouts and Flagstaff Mountain.    

Tamworth Marsupial Park and Adventure Playground, Tamworth - Credit: Tamworth Marsupial Park and Adventure Playground

Burn off some energy at Tamworth Regional Playground 

Adjoining Tamworth’s lush Bicentennial Park (don’t miss feeding the friendly ducks) you’ll find this incredible playground, with facilities that will tire out even the most energetic little explorers. Fuel up for a big day of navigating the skywalk, three giant slides, four towers, the bike track, flying foxes and a waterfall with a three-metre sway bridge. Phew! If you need refreshments, there’s a café where you can take a well-earned break.    

Tamworth Regional Playground, Tamworth - Credit: Tamworth Regional Playground

Get your motor running at the Powerhouse Motorcycle Museum 

This private collection of more than 50 bikes from the ’50s to the ’80s is an essential stop for motorcycle enthusiasts. Little rev heads will love checking out bikes from the likes of Ducati, Triumph, Honda, Velocette, Laverda… not to mention an extremely rare, limited-edition F4 MV Agusta Series ORO. If you’re inspired by what you see, head to the gift shop to pick up motorcycle souvenirs.  

The Powerhouse Motorcycle Museum, Tamworth

Take a bushwalk to Oxley Scenic Lookout 

Follow Tamworth's jacaranda-lined White St to the very top, and you’ll find yourself at the Oxley Scenic Lookout. It offers dazzling 180-degree views of the city and Peel River Valley around the clock, but is definitely the best seat in the house as the sun goes down. If you want to keep walking, this is the base camp for the Kamilaroi Walking Track, which winds its way through the bushland of Oxley Park linking the Botanic Garden, Marsupial Park, Oxley Lookout and Flagstaff Mountain over a distance of several kilometres.  

Oxley Scenic Lookout, Tamworth

Saddle up for a day of horse riding 

Get set for a day of wild fun with Tamworth and Kootingal Horse Riding Adventures, catering to the whole family with two-hour trail rides as well as pony jaunts. The experiences operate out of Swamp Oak Station, an enormous working cattle station that you can tour before or after your ride. Little ones will also love the petting pen, where you can meet baby sheep, calves and rabbits, among other farm animals.     

Tamworth & Kootingal Horse Riding Adventures, Tamworth

Ride the Tamworth Miniature Railway 

Speaking of fun modes of transport… it’s hard to look past the Tamworth miniature trains. Jump aboard and chug along the oval-shaped track, heading through tunnels and over bridges before landing back at the station. Bring along lunch supplies to enjoy in the picnic pavilion after your ride.