SMILING locals, a buzzing restaurant culture, natural wonders and, of course, country music, have helped Tamworth be named the nation’s most “perfect country town”.
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Leading travel website traveller.com.au bestowed the title on Tamworth this week, praising it as the ideal spot for a family holiday.
A panel of six well-known Aussies, including country legend John Williamson and Tamworth’s own golden girl Felicity Urquhart, scoured the country looking for the top towns across a range of categories.
In announcing Tamworth the perfect country town, Ms Urquhart said it was about a whole lot more than country music.
“Everything you could possibly need to enjoy a holiday is at your fingertips there,” she said.
“There are obviously great music venues, not just country, as with the conservatorium there are amazing talents coming out, so there are always acts to see of any kind.
“Then if you’re a foodie, the area boasts some stellar restaurants, using top-quality local produce and there’s sport, great shops and very friendly people.
“Oh, and did I mention: hardly any traffic lights?
“The weather is cool in winter and warm in summer too – just the way it’s supposed to be.”
Judges recommended travellers visit the Walk a Country Mile Museum, take a selfie at the Golden Guitar, catch a live music show and order a camel steak at the Safari Club.
Golden Grain Motel owner Anthony Painter said the city’s sporting pedigree and friendly people added to its tourism currency.
“I think council did a brilliant job with its sports audit and we have truly world class sporting facilities here,” Mr Painter said.
“There are a lot of state championships held here that have never otherwise been out of the Sydney metro area.
“Everyone seems to appreciate how friendly the locals are too. We’re a city now, and whatever you want to do you can pretty much do it here.”
Mayor Col Murray said that great indefinable – culture – is what made Tamworth such an iconic Aussie town.
“We’re such a friendly place and a real can-do community,” Cr Murray said.
“Because we don’t have a coastline, a famous waterfall, a university or armed force or a massive government department, we’ve had to do everything off our own socks. That’s made us a very caring and authentic community.”
Tenterfield was named the “perfect heritage town”, with judges noting its rich history and connection to the federation movement.