Jennifer Hawkins stayed on site at Goonoo Goonoo station for the two day shoot, taken for the upcoming Myer Spring catalogue, while she was also spotted in town, including dining out at the Pig and Tinder on Peel st.

“I love Tamworth – I have never been here before but is so beautiful,” Ms Hawkins said.

“It is a lot like a smaller Newcastle – everyone is so friendly and it seems nice and laid back, I will definitely be back.” 

While the beauty queen heaped praise on the region, Goonoo Goonoo Station owner Simon Haggarty said the large photo shoot crew were some of the nicest guests they have ever entertained.

While their list of national and international celebrity continues to grow, the new owners have still been mostly blown away by the support they have received from the region’s locals as the restaurant and accommodation arm of the station continues to go from strength to strength.

“We are thrilled to have one of Australia’s most iconic department stores, in Myer, at one of Australia’s most iconic properties, and it has been an honour hosting them and of course Ms Hawkins,” Mr Haggarty said.

The property has been used for a variety of photo shoots over the years, especially recently since being overhauled and re-opened to the public, and the new owners hope that aspect of the business can continue to grow.

“With the landscapes and historic buildings we have got you can really create some stunning images,” Mr Haggarty said.

“The history goes all the way back to the 1830’s, and is the main draw card for people who come here. It really encapsulates the Australian rural setting, and just what the region has to offer our guests.” 

After opening the doors to the public last November word of mouth has spread like wildfire across the local community, before spreading even further abroad, with no shortage of national and international guests such as this weeks photo shoot.

“We do get patronage from far and wide, but the majority of our guests are local, and from Sydney and Brisbane,” Mr Haggarty said.

“We have already been looking at 2018 and even 2019 for a number of events already, and our patronage to the restaurant has just been growing every week so we are really enjoying it.” 

Currently work is underway on the old shearer’s quarters, which are being rebuilt in the exact image that they once stood on the exterior, although the inside will include luxury settings and individual en-suites.

“The shearer’s quarters will extend our accommodation capabilities to 52 people, with the intention of trying to sleep as many of a wedding party as we can,” Mr Haggarty said.

“When we first came here we saw these old building and we had an idea of what we could build here, and it is just great to see them full and people enjoying it.”