New South Wales · Attraction
The Big Golden Guitar
Tamworth's towering country icon
schedule 1 min read / Updated Jun 2026
Standing 12 metres tall and weighing half a tonne, the Big Golden Guitar is the defining landmark of Tamworth, Australia's country music capital. A fibreglass replica of the prestigious Golden Guitar award, it was officially opened by legend Slim Dusty on 25 January 1988. The complex also includes a souvenir shop, National Guitar Museum, Country Music Wax Museum, and a cafe.
The Big Golden Guitar was built as a tribute to the Golden Guitar award presented at the Country Music Awards of Australia each January. The structure is mounted over a steel frame and sits at the southern entrance to Tamworth on the New England Highway, making it the first thing many visitors see as they arrive.
The broader tourist centre is a one-stop introduction to Tamworth's musical identity. The Country Music Wax Museum features lifelike figures of Australian country legends, while the National Guitar Museum traces the history of the instrument from its earliest forms to modern performance models. The cafe is a pleasant spot to rest after browsing the sprawling souvenir shop.
The guitar itself is accessible and lit at night, so visitors passing through after hours can still get their photo. The visitor information centre staff are on hand during opening hours to help plan the rest of your Tamworth itinerary.
Where to stay
Holiday parks near The Big Golden Guitar.
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Scenic views
Lookouts near The Big Golden Guitar.
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