Discover the Tamworth Region
Tamworth is the Australian Country Music Capital and home to the largest Country Music Festival in the Southern Hemisphere. Don’t be fooled though, there’s much more to the city!
Tamworth proudly proclaims itself as Australia’s Country Music Capital and it is only one of the noteworthy reasons proclaiming visitors to sing its praises as a destination. The city has an extensive repertoire of attractions from the natural wonders of Mother Nature to its cultural and artistic offerings, as well as top restaurants showcasing regional produce and wine.
It is the hub of a regional council of about 58 000 people who live in the city or in the towns of Barraba, Manilla, Bendemeer and Nundle. The Tamworth Regional area is about three times the size of Sydney basin or about the same as Lake Eyre.
TAMWORTH REGION STATISTICS
Population
Region Population: 64,522 residents
Tamworth Population: 35,415 residents
Manilla Population: 2,014 residents
Kootingal Population: 1,862 residents
Barraba Population: 1,329 residents
Housing
Tamworth
Median House Price: $527,500
Median House Rental: $446
Manilla
Median House Price: $335,000
Median House Rental: $390
Kootingal
Median House Price: $510,000
Median House Rental: $450
Barraba
Median House Price: $250,000
Median House Rental: $300
Employment
Average Wage: $56,403
Top Three Occupation Groups:
- Professionals
- Technicians and Trades Workers
- Labourers
Top Three Employment Sectors:
- Health Care and Social Assistance
- Retail Trade
- Education and Training
Market insight data from realestate.com.au for the year ending January 2025, Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2023, and Urban Area Population Data, Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2021 Census Data.
Recognised by many as the sporting horse capital of Australia, Tamworth is a thriving equine centre boasting four major equine association headquarters (NCHA, ABCRA and AQHA) making way for some of Australia’s most glamorous and action packed equine events.
Horses are big business in the Tamworth area with various international, national and state championships regularly held in the district along with Australia’s richest sporting horse event, the NCHA Futurity (annually in May/June) as well as the ABCRA National Finals Rodeo showcased during the Country Music Festival every January. However its not all sporting horse action in Tamworth as there is also a range of showjumping, three-day eventing, trots, dressage, polo and polocrosse, driving and carriage plus a very healthy racing scene (especially on Tamworth Cup and Melbourne Cup days!) based in the region.
As a direct result of this strong industry that is only getting bigger, Tamworth and surrounding areas have become a breeding centre with hundreds of studs and supporting business now established in the city all of which have the latest equine facilities available.
In 2008, the city opened the doors to a $30million world-class Australian Equine & Livestock Events Centre (AELEC) which houses an indoor arena with seating for 3,100 spectators (expandable to 5,000), as well as stabling for 500 horses, truck parking and camping facilities for over 200 vehicles. The AELEC is the principal equine facility in Australia and many locals are predicting that in time, equine will grow to become a bigger industry than country music.
The Tamworth Country Music Festival attracts 40,000 people each year with a wide variety of concerts and events
Enjoy fine dining at the award winning Glasshouse Restaurant on Goonoo Goonnoo Station
There are more than three main industries in the Tamworth region. Many may be surprised to learn that Tamworth is actually one of the primary pilot-screening and training facilities in Australia, with students from across the nation (as well as Singapore) sent to Tamworth to learn how to be Defence Force Pilots. With more than 250 personnel in town continuously rotated over two-week periods you can be guaranteed there is always a pilot or two in town!
Tamworth is a dynamic, modern and progressive city and a major regional service centre with an easy going lifestyle and a strong economy. Tamworth may be synonymous with country music in Australia but Tamworth is much more than just big hats, shiny belt buckles or golden guitars. It’s a friendly city where hospitality is based on city style with a country heart.
The Manilla township offers country living and a main street filled with character only 45kms from Tamworth
Immerse yourself in Australia's wool heritate at the Nundel Woolen Mill
TAMWORTH REGION CLIMATE
Tamworth
| Average Maximum Temperature: |
24.3oC |
| Average Minimum Temperature: |
10.2oC |
| Average Yearly Rainfall: |
673mm |
| Average Days of Rain Per Year: |
64 |
Barraba
| Average Maximum Temperature: |
24.5oC |
| Average Minimum Temperature: |
8.2oC |
| Average Yearly Rainfall: |
687mm |
| Average Days of Rain Per Year: |
65 |
Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology, Tamworth and Barraba 2023
Tamworth is a vibrant, easy going place where the lifestyle means work isn’t the be all and end all and there is plenty of time after work to play sport, play with the kids or just take it easy. Salary rates in Tamworth are comparable to Sydney salaries, if not better for many career sectors – but the biggest bonus is in the work/life balance. You get to enjoy it more as a result of lower housing costs, less time travelling to and from work and improved cost of living.
Enjoy an early morning walk down before the main street and enjoy breakfast at one of the many cafes
The kids will be entertained for hours at the Tamworth Adventure Playground, one of many in the region
Fun Facts About the Tamworth Region
- The Tamworth Region enjoys a warm climate with hot summers and mild winters.
- Tamworth is known as the "Country Music Capital of Australia," as it hosts the world’s second-largest country music festival, and communities around the Tamworth Region host events and activities as part of the festival.
- Dubbed the “First City of Lights,” Tamworth was the first Australian city to use electric streetlights in 1888.
- Tamworth is the third largest inland city in New South Wales (after Wagga Wagga and Albury).
- One quarter of the region's population lives outside of Tamworth city.
TRANSPORT IN THE TAMWORTH REGION
Public Transport
Driving from Tamworth to:
Sydney - 413km in 4 hours and 40 minutes
Brisbane - 573km in 6 hours and 45 minutes
Driving from Manilla to:
Sydney - 457km in 5 hours and 15 minutes
Brisbane - 572km in 6 hours and 40 minutes
Driving from Kootingal to:
Sydney - 419km in 4 hours and 45 minutes
Brisbane - 557km in 6 hours and 30 minutes
Driving from Barraba to:
Sydney - 503km in 5 hours and 45 minutes
Brisbane - 526km in 6 hours
Would you like to know more about the Tamworth Region?
You can find out more on the Tamworth Tourism website or the Tamworth Regional Council website or contact the council for further information on 02 6767 5555 or the information centre on 02 6767 5300.
Assistance for Essential Workers to Move to Tamworth
Are you an essential worker considering moving or have recently moved to Tamworth?
The Welcome Experience is a free service through the NSW Government to support essential workers to relocate, settle in and become one of the locals. As part of the service, Emma Grant, the Local Connector for Tamworth, will provide you with individualised support every step of the way as you settle into your new home.
Check your eligibility and find out about The Welcome Experience
Education in the Tamworth Region
Discover the range of education and childcare options in the Tamworth Region
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Find Your Dream Home in the Tamworth Region
Discover a home that is perfect for you to rent or buy in the Tamworth Region
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Employment Opportunities in the Tamworth Region
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Health Care Services in the Tamworth Region
There are a range of health care services in the Tamworth Region so you can get the support you need.
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Recreation in the Tamworth Region
The sky is the limit for the recreational activities to enjoy in the Tamworth Region.
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