THE ROAR of thousands of motorbikes will be heard across the region over the October long weekend, and local tourism providers are already celebrating.
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Tamworth's first ever National Thunder Motorcycle Rally is expected to inject $1 million into the local economy in a massive boost for the accommodation and hospitality industries.
Council's events coordinator Michaela Stevens said the four-day motorcycle rally will see 2000 bikes roll into Tamworth, but it won't just be for bike enthusiasts, with music, food and family friendly entertainment all part of the fun.
"There's four days of activity with staged entertainment each afternoon and evening from about 2pm to midnight," she said.
"There's organised rides throughout the region, so it's a great opportunity for visitors to come and checkout the region."
The national event is set to draw thousands of visitors to the Australian Equine and Livestock Event Centre (AELEC), which proved its success as a motorcycle rally venue after it played host to the Harley-Davidson National Rally in 2015.
That event was the catalyst for bringing the National Thunder Rally to Tamworth, but it was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19. Council hopes it will be the first of many thunder rallies to come.
Council are working closely with police and Transport for NSW to ensure traffic impacts are minimal.
Powerhouse Hotel Tamworth general manager Daine Cooper said the local tourism and hospitality industry can't wait for events to kick off again.
"Having these events more often between seasons is a boon for Tamworth," he said.
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"We're selling motorbike packages over the weekend to ensure that people come in, enjoy the accommodation, get a bit of a feed and enjoy the bikes over the weekend."
And as far as local motorcycle enthusiast Wayne Newton is concerned, everyone's hitting the road for Tamworth this October long weekend.
"When I was in Queensland at the Rockhampton rally, nearly everyone was saying they'll come to Tamworth's rally.
"All the motels will be full, the coffee shops and pubs will be full because there's just going to be thousands of people here."
The National Thunder Rally will roar into town from Friday, September 30 to Monday, October 3, 2022.
Registrations are open now at www.nationalthunder.com.au
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Caitlin Reid
Caitlin Reid is a journalist at the Northern Daily Leader, focussing on a range of topics including Tamworth Regional Council, education, property and entertainment. To get in touch, email caitlin.reid@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Caitlin Reid is a journalist at the Northern Daily Leader, focussing on a range of topics including Tamworth Regional Council, education, property and entertainment. To get in touch, email caitlin.reid@austcommunitymedia.com.au
