TAMWORTH TOWN

The internet was so slow in the Hunter Valley that I gave up blogging on the road. We are home now

and I will continue with our trip. On the last day in Tamworth our friends, Dianna and Graham showed us around the town. It is a bustling country town famous for its Country Music festival every year and its equestrian events.

It was the last day of our reunion too. So our little group of ex Judo Club and Scooter Club members posed for our 2013 photo. Graham took the shot.

Penny, who belongs to choirs suggested that our theme song should be "Stayin' Alive". We all thought this very appropriate for our aged group. Every meal together we toasted to "Stayin' Alive"

Main street Tamworth

Old and new council chambers.

The new Equestrian and Livestock Centre

Inside the Equestrian Centre

I liked the bright orange seating.

Afterwards we went to visit the Botanic Gardens

 The gardens mostly comprised of native flora.

Grevillea and bees

Finally we drove up to the lookout where you can see over the whole town of Tamworth. Then we headed back to our motel for a rest before our Farewell Reunion Dinner at the Cattleman's Restaurant (Where else when in cattle country?)

 Yes and we toasted to "Stayin' Alive". Unfortunately the Bee Gee twins haven't stayed alive. Did you know that they started their career in Oz and I saw them perform on the Gold Coast when they were children?

TRENDY TAMWORTH

On our way home from Canberra last month we stopped overnight at Tamworth in NSW. It is a large country town located in a beautiful fertile valley north west of Sydney. It is a rich agricultural area for grazing and grain. It is a thriving city, very modern and clean.
Tamworth is famous for two reasons. It was the first place in Australia where all residents were supplied with electricity but more well known is its massive Country Music Festival held every January. It is considered one of the top ten music events held in the world. More than 600 musicians playing in 2,500 performances in a wide range of venues for 10 days.

We found a trendy cafe for lunch and a coffee.

Besides modern shops there were still gracious old buildings showing off their architecture.

  

There are theatres, cinemas, clubs and bars galore. A big choice of restaurants, cafes and farmer's markets.

The footpaths are nicely paved with many big trees providing plenty of greenery and shade. The streets become alive with non stop buskers during the festival. It is here where Kasey Chambers, Troy Cassar-Daley,  Beccy Cole and Keith Urban  began their careers. One of the nicest towns we visited on the way home.