Tamworth Golden Guitar: big shine, quick grin

Blue sky, bright gold and two very curious Beagles. We pulled in at the Golden Guitar and did the classic Tamworth ritual: photos under the big icon, a read of the plaques and a quick lap of the forecourt before the heat kicked up again. James and the pups stood right beneath the body of the guitar for scale. It never gets old how delightfully huge this thing is.

Plaque facts in plain English

The Golden Guitar here pays tribute to the trophy presented at Australia’s country music awards. The plaques credit the concept and build to local champions of the festival era and mark milestone anniversaries of the unveiling. In short, it stands as Tamworth’s calling card for country music and a magnet for road trippers who love a Big Thing.

What to look for

• The front-on shot that frames the whole guitar against the sky

• The detail lines along the body and neck that make it read like a real instrument

• The plaques at the base for a quick history hit

• A wide angle from the side to capture the scale without crowds

Our moment

We parked close, grabbed water for Penelope and Bert and wandered straight over. The forecourt is tidy and easy to navigate on lead, and the brick paving makes for sturdy paws. One pup sniffed every shadow, the other posed like a pro, and we copped a few “good dog” comments from fellow travellers. It is the simple kind of stop that resets a long drive.

Quick extras

• Coffee fix at Zarraffa’s nearby made the pit stop complete

• If the sun is fierce, aim for morning or late afternoon for softer light and cooler bricks

• Keep dogs on lead around the forecourt and bring a bowl for water

Keep the Tamworth vibes rolling

If you are planning a night out while you are in town, check our Tamworth Paint and Sip page for upcoming sessions and private options. It pairs nicely with a Golden Guitar selfie and a lazy afternoon exploring the region.