Tamworth One and Only

THE ONE RESTAURANT

Inside the recently refurbished Powerhouse Hotel Tamworth by Rydges, The Workshop Kitchen is where locals (and visitors who have read up on the dining scene) come for special occasions. Paul Kelly Design sets a sophisticated tone with a rich, earthy colour palette for the dining space, and the impressive open kitchen that takes centre stage. See rydges.com

THE ONE HOTEL

Goonoo Goonoo Station is a working cattle station 20 minutes’ drive from Tamworth. When you enter you drive into the ‘‘village’’, which has been left looking much like the workers’ township it was from the 1840s until the 1980s. All of the buildings have been refurbished – some transformed into new spaces (the butcher’s shop is now the front of house, for example); others restored to their former glory and made accessible for hotel guests to explore. See goonoogoonoostation.com

THE ONE CAFE

A popular haunt of families and large groups, Hopscotch Restaurant & Bar is a cafe, kiosk, bar and restaurant all in one. Because of its parkside location (Tamworth Regional Playground is right next door), it’s an obvious choice for family brunches, lunches and everything in between. See hopscotchrestaurant.com.au

THE ONE LOOKOUT

For a stunning view of Tamworth, Oxley Lookout is well worth the short drive from the centre of town. It’s particularly enjoyable to admire the sprawling city and paddocks on the outskirts of town during sunrise or sunset, but any time of the day is pleasant and gives you an idea of how big Tamworth is.

THE ONE FAMILY ATTRACTION

The Tamworth Marsupial Park and Adventure Playground is a haven for kids of all ages, and is close to Oxley Lookout. Entry is free, although visitor donations help fund upkeep. Families have plenty to do here, including stopping by the bird and animal exhibits (kangaroos, echidnas and possums are a highlight), strolling through the bush, and running amok in the huge fenced playground.

THE ONE MUSEUM

Tamworth was the first city in Australia to replace street gas lighting with the ultra-modern electric variety in 1888. The Tamworth Powerstation Museum features intriguing exhibits, including displays that cover key moments in Australia’s electrical history and highlights various international advancements in the field. See tamworthpowerstationmuseum.com.au

THE ONE MUST-DO

A snapshot of the clan in front of the 12-metre-high Golden Guitar is a must-do in Tamworth. It’s the city’s accolade to its country music legacy, and in 2018 it celebrated its 30th anniversary. Pop into the Tamworth Visitor Information Centre while there, which is also home to the Country Music Wax Museum and the National Guitar Museum.

THE ONE PUB

Reopened in September 2020 after a major renovation, the Courthouse provides a fantastic country pub experience. There’s an array of spaces to unwind with a drink in hand, including indoor and outdoor dining areas, a sports bar and a public bar, and a family area with soft play equipment. The drinks list is extensive and the bistro menu features Aussie pub classics and fancier options, with produce sourced from local suppliers and Australia’s premium grazing districts, where possible. See courthousetamworth.com.au

THE ONE GALLERY

More than just a gallery, the Tamworth Regional Gallery is an arts hub, with programs including artist talks and workshops. The precinct is home to two temporary exhibition spaces, and the exhibitions rotated throughout the year include some of national significance and some featuring regional artists and students. The gallery is one of the oldest regional galleries in NSW and celebrated its centenary in 2019. See tamworthregionalgallery.com.au

ONE MORE THING

Take the one-hour-and-a-bit drive to Barraba to admire the Barraba Silo mural, The Water Diviner. The spectacular 40-metre-high artwork is by Sydney-based artist Fintan Magee and has become a big drawcard for the charming country town.

The writer was a guest of Destination NSW, see visitnsw.com; destinationtamworth.com.au