A PARK saved from extinction just a few short years ago has been voted Tamworth’s number one tourist attraction.
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Marsupial Park, courtesy of 40 mostly “excellent” ratings from visitors, sits atop the rankings of popular travel site TripAdvisor.
The free Endeavour Dr park earned rave reviews for its menagerie of native animals, barbecue facilities and children’s play areas.
In 2009, volunteers formed the Friends of the Tamworth Marsupial Park group to save the then run-down park from closure.
One visitor from Bendigo, who gave it a five-star review, said: “Congratulations to the volunteers who run the park.
“Couldn’t believe how good it was when it is free. Well worth a donation though to keep it going.”
The attraction is currently just pipping Oxley Park Lookout on the fluid rankings system, with the Capitol Theatre coming in at number three.
The privately run Powerhouse Motorcycle Museum, which features more than 50 vintage bikes, comes in at fourth, followed by the iconic Big Golden Guitar Tourist Centre.
Destination Tamworth manager Craig Dunstan said it was no surprise to see the ever-popular Marsupial Park at the top of the rankings.
“It’s a great place to visit and a really good one for the family, and that’s probably why it comes out at number one,” he said.
“To the people who come through the information centre, we certainly say if you’ve got some time, go up to Marsupial Park.”
1) Marsupial Park
A mecca for both local and visiting families, it is no surprise to see the free Endeavour Dr attraction top the list.
Emus, cockatoos and wallabies are just some of the native animals guests can observe as they picnic in the park.
The park is only going to increase in popularity when the much-anticipated Adventure Playground is built on the site.
It is worth noting the attraction was on the cusp of closure just a few short years ago before volunteers stepped in to take control of its up-keep.
2) Oxley Park Lookout
Quite simply, the best views in town.
The exquisite panoramic perspective of Tamworth’s city centre and the broader Peel Valley is a must-see for any visitor.
A barbecue area, picnic tables, walking tracks and information boards providing a brief history of the city all add to the appeal.
3) Capitol Theatre
The council-run theatre is the undoubted jewel in the city’s thriving art scene’s crown.
The 402-seat auditorium, located in the Centrepoint arcade, plays host to dozens of local, national and international performances each year.
4) Powerhouse Motorcycle Museum
Motorcycle enthusiasts travel thousands of kilometres across the country to see this unique private collection of bikes.
More than 50 motorcycles in pristine condition from the 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s - including Ducatis, Hondas, Triumphs and Laverdas - are displayed.
5) The Big Golden Guitar Tourist Centre
It’s big, it’s gold, it’s shaped like a guitar and no visit to Tamworth is complete without being snapped striking a cheesy pose in front of it.
But there is far more to the centre than just it’s iconic six-stringed structure.
There is also the wax museum paying homage to Australia’s biggest country music stars past and present and, for sports fans, the largest privately-owned collection of Sir Donald Bradman memorabilia in the country.
6) Walk a Country Mile Museum
7) Powerstation Museum
8) Longyard Hotel
9) Bicentennial Park
10) Australian Country Music Hall of Fame