Big Golden Guitar

Rising from the flat plains of the Hunter Valley like a mirage of country-music fame, the Big Golden Guitar is Australia’s most photographed roadside monument. Standing 12 metres tall on the outskirts of Tamworth – the nation’s country music capital – this glittering icon is a must-stop for anyone driving the New England Highway. Snap a selfie with the giant six-string, then wander into the adjacent Golden Guitar Museum to trace the stories of Slim Dusty, Joy McKean and other legends. The attached souvenir shop and tourist centre make it easy to grab a cold drink, a stubby holder or a CD of classic Aussie country tunes.

Highlights & What to See

• The Big Golden Guitar itself – a 12-metre-high steel-and-fibreglass replica, floodlit at night and perfect for that iconic road-trip photo.
• Golden Guitar Museum – a free walk-through exhibition of country-music memorabilia, including stage costumes, guitars and gold records from the Tamworth Country Music Festival.
• Tamworth Regional Gallery & The Australian Country Music Hall of Fame – a short drive away in town, housing the official Hall of Fame and rotating art exhibitions (check opening times).
• Weswal Gallery – a community-run space showcasing local painters and photographers, a nice contrast to the guitar’s bling.
• Oxley Scenic Lookout – a five-minute drive from the guitar, offering panoramic views over the Liverpool Plains and the Great Dividing Range.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most travellers spend 20–30 minutes at the Big Golden Guitar – enough for photos, a quick browse of the museum and a pit stop. If you’re keen on the full country-music experience, add an hour to explore the museum properly and visit the nearby Hall of Fame in town. The site is open daily and free to enter, so it works well as a short break on a longer drive between Sydney and Brisbane or as a quirky detour from the Hunter Valley wine region.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Tamworth city centre – 5 km south, with the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Capitol Theatre and a handful of good pubs and cafés.
• Nundle – a historic gold-mining village about 40 minutes east, with the Nundle Woollen Mill and scenic drives through the Great Dividing Range.
• Moonbi Lookout – a quick stop on the New England Highway north of Tamworth, offering sweeping valley views.
• Werris Creek – a railway heritage town 30 minutes west, home to the Australian Railway Monument and museum.
• Hunter Valley wine region – about 2.5 hours south, perfect for pairing a country-music stop with cellar doors and gourmet food.

Please check official sources for current details.