Tamworth, NEW SOUTH WALES
Airing Date: Feb 19th, 2002
Tamworth is about a five hour drive north of Sydney and you will soon discover that there is more to this place, than the week-long Country Music Awards in January.
There is also the Country Music Gallery of Stars - a wax museum, which pays tribute to some of the great names of the industry such as John Williamson, Jimmy Little and Reg Lindsay.
Further down the road in the Tamworth Regional Entertainment Centre is the Roll of Renown - 26 granite boulders featuring tributes to Aussie music greats.
After that it's onto the audiovisual display called 'Walk a Country Mile,' a time-line of the music scene dating back over 200 years.
In the centre of town is the 'The Hands of Fame' display where you can compare your prints with over 200 country music stars.
When you're feeling a little hungry head to Stetson's Steak House, specialists in monster meals.
Finally, although you may want to visit it at the start of your Tamworth trip, head to Wild West Fashions and pick up the latest in cowboy gear. It'll really help you blend in with the locals in Australia's country music capital.
The facts
Qantas flies to Tamworth. Return airfares start from $241 ex-Sydney. Additional taxes/levies/charges apply.
Qantas
Tel: 13 13 13
Country Music Gallery of Stars is open daily from 9am to 5pm. Admission costs $6 for adults and $3 for kids.
Rooms at the Alandale Flag Inn start from $88 per person per night.
Alandale Flag Inn
Tel: 02 6765 7922
Tamworth Regional Entertainment Centre Opening hours are from 10am to 4pm during 'festival week', as well as Easter and long weekends. Tours are available on demand all other times. Entry costs $6 for adults and $3 for kids.
Golden Guitar Tourist Centre
Tel: 02 6765 2688
