SHANEY HUDSON discovers Tamworth is so much more than just the home of country music.
It’s bedtime in Tamworth, but Indy, our 15-month-old, just won’t sleep. I do the pram shuffle in the restaurant foyer, and a man who looks a little familiar moves aside.
“Good luck,” he grins, a kind gesture of solidarity from a parent who’s been there before. It takes a moment for the penny to drop, but I realise it’s Troy Cassar-Daley, one of Tamworth’s favourite country music stars, fresh from headlining a concert that afternoon.
Festival fanfare
We’re visiting Tamworth for the annual Country Music Festival, held over two weeks each January. Arriving on the weekend, we’re surprised by how family-driven it is, thanks to alcohol-free zones in the CBD, free outdoor concerts each evening, brilliant corroborees and the much-loved Cavalcade street parade, which kicks offwith a fly-over by the local aviation club.
Featuring line dancing, stock-whip displays and floats, it’s the horse-drawn carts that draw the most cheers from Indy ... until he sees a real-life bright yellow Toyota HiLux Tonka truck (the only one in the world) at the 4WD off-roading track.
Golden oldies
Tamworth is the home of country music, and the first stop for any visitor is the Big Golden Guitar. Situated on the outskirts of town, the 12-metre, 500-kilogram icon is our family of three’s first regional “big thing”. We mark the proud moment with a family photo, destined to go straight to the pool room.
Esta historia es de la edición Volume 56 de Holidays with Kids.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición Volume 56 de Holidays with Kids.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Why Caravanning Is The Perfect Family Holiday
Lauren Attard chats to Jayco ‘vanbassador’ JADE BERG about why caravanning holidays make for the ultimate family break.
Hidden gold
Gold Coast local NARELLE BOUVENG shares her insider tips for a twist on visiting Australia’s favourite family playground.
Jamala Wildlife Lodge
Jamala Wildlife Lodge immerses families in the National Zoo & Aquarium’s wildlife while they enjoy luxury accommodation and bespoke African fixtures.
A TO (N)Z
With the travel bubble between Australia and New Zealand in place, we’re sharing our A to Z of holiday highlights for families itching to cross the ditch.
A moveable feast
From binging on bugs to foraging for bush food, 12-year-old RAFFERTY LAIGHT shares his love of exploring culture and making connections through cuisine.
How To Raise A Reader
The benefits of reading are wide and well known. NATARSHA BROWN shares six simple steps to foster a love of books in your little one, and inspire them to dream big for the rest of their lives.
How To Keep Tails Wagging On Holiday
Whether you’re pondering a portion of the Big Lap or simply a short weekend away, Eliza Velk uncovers how to plan your trip so that fido can go too.
There's no place like home
Former NRL star, television personality and proud husband and father BEAU RYAN chats to NATARSHA BROWN about his tips for travelling with kids and his favourite Australian holiday destinations
Gypsy magic
Sea Gypsy Village Resort & Dive Base paves the way to a cleaner, greener Malaysian island experience
Family Matters
Our experts are helping families stay healthy, happy and inspired inside and outside the home.