With all roads leading to Tamworth for the city's upcoming annual country music festival, NSW Police are urging country music fans to plan their trip ahead of time and travel safely on the roads.
Attendees will see a high-visibility police operation in full swing for the major event, from Friday 16 January 2026 until Sunday 25 January 2026.
Tamworth Country Music Festival is Australia's largest music festival, with a program featuring more than 700 ticketed and free shows across 10 days.
General duties officers from Oxley Police District and across Western Region, assisted by specialist police, will be focusing on road safety, anti-social behaviour and alcohol-related violence to make community safety the number one priority.
Western Region Commander, Assistant Commissioner Andrew Holland APM, said this highly anticipated event draws a significant crowd and creates an increase of motorists on regional roadways.
"Across the ten-day event, we will see an increase of vehicles on our local roads, and I encourage everyone to plan their trips, be patient and drive to the road conditions," Assistant Commissioner Holland said.
"Not only will there be country music fans travelling across the state from far and wide, but school holiday travellers will also be on our roads."
Assistant Commissioner Holland said police will be saturating roadways in Tamworth and the surrounding areas, targeting dangerous driver behaviour.
"If you're getting behind the wheel – stick to the speed limit, wear a seatbelt, never drive when tired, do not use a mobile phone while driving and never drive if affected by drugs or alcohol," he said.
"Drivers and riders need to follow all road rules and take responsibility for their actions, including the safety of their passengers, and other road users.
"This is not about ruining the fun. It's about protecting lives," Assistant Commissioner Holland urged.
Festivalgoers are also encouraged to be patient when they arrive in Tamworth, as a number of roads will be closed during the 10-day event.
"Our number one priority is community safety and officers will be out in force, targeting criminal and anti-social behaviour," Assistant Commissioner Holland said.
"The message is simple – think before you drink, keep an eye on your mates, and enjoy the event responsibly."
With camping the preferred accommodation option for festivalgoers; police offer the following safety and security tips:
- Plan your trip in advance and if possible, make a booking;
- Get to know your surrounding campers;
- In large crowds, be mindful of your own safety and security as well as that of people around you;
- Leave valuables at home – if you must take valuables with you, ensure they are secured and kept out of sight;
- Lock your caravan or campervan when unattended;
- Where possible, use a lock to secure your tent;
- Where possible, use a portable alarm in your tent or camper;
- Plan for changes in weather conditions;
- Ensure valuables are not left in unattended vehicles;
- Report any suspicious behaviour to police.
For comprehensive event details, visit the official festival website: www.tcmf.com.au
Special-event traffic information can be found at: www.livetraffic.com.
