Tamworth tourism operators are encouraging the community to get out and enjoy the sun this June long weekend, with more opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors opening up.
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After long months in quarantine lockdown, people are ready to get out and about, with the Tamworth Visitor Information Centre reporting increased enquiry as to what's open and what's on.
Coordinator of Economic Destination Development Kate Baker said it's locals who are critical to making tourism a success.
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"Locals are our ambassadors," she said.
"Our largest market in Tamworth is the visiting friends and relatives market. So if our locals aren't ambassadors for us we're pretty much a shot duck. So certainly we ask locals to get people out."
She encouraged Tamworth residents to keep safe and maintain social distancing rules, but to enjoy themselves too.
"Get out and celebrate; it's going to be a beautiful weekend with beautiful weather. Most things are open. Go out and support them."
Ms Baker said the "last few months have been a really challenging time" for the tourism sector, but it was preparing for a return to normal.
The Visitor Information Centre has put together a list of what you can get up to this weekend
In Tamworth:
- Tamworth Visitor Centre and the iconic Big Golden Guitar. See an enormous replica of the real golden guitar country musicians battle to win every Tamworth Country Music Festival. The Museum will be open for reduced hours during the long weekend, with the cafe open on Saturday from 9am to 2pm. Call 6767 5300
- Tamworth Regional Gallery. Check out the latest exhibition at the city gallery. Founded in 1919, it's the oldest regional gallery in NSW. Open 10am-4pm Sat & Sun of the long weekend. Ph-6767 5248
- Tamworth Marsupial Park and Adventure grounds. Recently named one of Australia's most kid-friendly attractions, alongside the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital, Sydney Harbour and the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. Get up close to the animals and stop for a picnic lunch
- Tamworth Bicentennial Park. Enjoy the good old-fashioned outdoors and give the kids a break from the screen with some fun in the park. Next door Hopscotch café is open for a hot drink or lunch too.
- Visit the Oxley Lookout for a bird's-eye view of Tamworth. Head off on the Kamilaroi Walking track, which starts at the lookout, to get the legs working again after a long wait in social isolation.
- The Powerhouse Motorcycle Museum. The museum houses a private collection of over 50 motorcycles in pristine working order from the 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s. Call 6766 7000 to find out more.
- Tamworth and Kootingal Horse Riding Adventures. Offering two-hour rides, three times daily, the horse ride is a great opportunity for new riders or experienced hands. Book ahead for the long weekend on 0467 644 250.
Chaffey Dam
- Open during the day only, Chaffey is a great place for a picnic lunch by the water.
Nundle
- Mount Misery Nundle Gold Mine Museum. Walk through a disused mining shaft and meet the ghost of Cranky Jack, a lucky miner who died in a mine accident before he could cash in. Open during the long weekend.
- Drunken Trout Farm café open for lunch by appointment only. Call 6769 3665 for lunch at 12pm or 1.15pm.
- Nundle Woollen Mill will be open for visitors. Call 1300 686 353 to book a viewing of the mill, one of Nundle's great attractions.
- Enjoy a picnic lunch at Sheba Dam.
Manilla
- Molly Mays Café will be open during the long weekend from 8am to 2pm.
- Warm Discussions Café. Call 0488 451 261 to book lunch.
- And make sure to check out some unique shops like Burrell's Bazaar and The Manilla Folder in Manilla.
- Enjoy an easy walk along the Namoi River.
Barraba
- And make sure to visit the famous Barraba silos, to see some of the most striking silo art in the region.
Andrew Messenger
Politics, environment and energy journalist at the Northern Daily Leader. I also write about health, bushfires and occasionally music. I'm a Brisbane boy by way of Charleville and Hobart who now lives in in beautiful New England. Get me at andrew.messenger@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Politics, environment and energy journalist at the Northern Daily Leader. I also write about health, bushfires and occasionally music. I'm a Brisbane boy by way of Charleville and Hobart who now lives in in beautiful New England. Get me at andrew.messenger@austcommunitymedia.com.au
