Hertz
Budget
Avis
Sixt
Dollar
Thrifty
Routes

Compare 1,000s of Car Rentals

No Booking Fees

No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars

Find Low Prices

Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals

Finding a car rental in Tamworth is easier with Road Genius. Compare prices from dozens of brands around Australia with no booking fees. We list deals from all the major locations, including Tamworth Airport and depots in the city centre. You'll need a car to see the Big Golden Guitar and visit the surrounding country towns at your own pace.

Car Rental Locations & Options

Map of campervan rental depots near 348022
Location 👍 Pros 👎 Cons
Tamworth Airport (TMW)
  • All major car rental companies available (Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, SIXT)
  • Get your car right after your flight arrives
  • Best choice of vehicles in the area
  • Airport fees make car rental more expensive
  • May need to wait in line after busy flights
  • Higher prices during festivals and events
Tamworth CBD
  • Several car rental companies in city centre
  • Usually cheaper than airport
  • Good option if you arrive by train or bus
  • Need transport from airport to get there
  • Fewer luxury cars available
  • May close earlier than airport locations
Tamworth Westdale
  • Some companies (like Budget/Avis) have offices here
  • Usually less busy than city centre
  • Easier to park when returning car
  • Outside the city (5 km from centre)
  • Hard to reach without your own transport
  • Few buses go there

Car Rental Prices

How much does it cost to rent a car in Tamworth?

On average, car rentals in Tamworth cost around AUD $89 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from AUD $42 per day.

How to pay less?
  • Don't just grab a car at the airport. Compare prices for city and Westdale depots, as they can be 10-15% cheaper. A $25 taxi ride to an off-airport office could save you a good chunk of cash on longer rentals.

  • For the Country Music Festival or school holidays, book your car months in advance as vehicles sell out and prices skyrocket. For quieter times, it's still smart to book ahead, but it can be worth checking prices again closer to your trip in case a better deal pops up.

  • If you're renting for five days or more, look for weekly rates. They often work out much cheaper than paying the daily price over and over.

  • Save a few bucks on petrol. Use a fuel price app to find the cheapest pump in the area, and grab a fuel discount voucher when you do your grocery shopping at a major supermarket.

Car hire prices in Tamworth 2025/2026

Parking and Local Driving

Area Parking Type Notes
Tamworth CBD Time-limited street parking 1-2 hour limits on Peel Street and surrounding blocks during business hours
Centrepoint Shopping Centre Free customer parking Time limits apply (usually 3 hours)
Tamworth Regional Entertainment Centre Free parking Large car park for events and shows
Tamworth Regional Airport Short-term and long-term parking available Electronic payment system at exit
Oxley Lookout Free parking Panoramic views of Tamworth and Peel Valley
Big Golden Guitar Tourist Centre Free parking Ample parking including spaces for RVs and coaches
  • Central Tamworth has a mix of free time-limited spaces (1-2 hours) and all-day areas.

  • Payment is not required for car spaces in most areas, but time limits are enforced Monday-Friday (8:30 AM-5:30 PM).

  • For longer stays in the CBD, try the all-day areas near Kable Avenue or behind Centrepoint Shopping Centre.
  • During the Country Music Festival (January), extra restrictions apply and special event areas are set up.
  • Most motels and hotels provide free on-site spaces for guests.
  • RV and caravan spaces are available at designated areas including the Visitor Centre as well as some larger shopping centres.

  • Speed limits: 50 km/h in built-up areas, 40 km/h in school zones during designated times (8-9:30 AM and 2:30-4 PM school days).

  • Traffic flow: Peel Street (main street) can become congested during business hours. Consider using parallel streets for quicker north-south travel.

  • Roundabouts: Common throughout Tamworth. Always give way to vehicles already in the roundabout, especially from your right.

  • School zones: Strictly enforced using fixed speed cameras in some locations.

  • Heavy vehicles: Tamworth has designated heavy vehicle routes. Be aware of trucks, especially on the Oxley Highway and Kamilaroi Highway.

  • Railway crossings: Several level crossings exist in Tamworth. Always stop at flashing signals.

  • Country Music Festival: During January's festival, temporary road closures affect the CBD, particularly around Peel Street for street performances.

  • Tolls: There are no toll roads in or around Tamworth or anywhere in North West NSW. Tolls only apply near Sydney and Brisbane.

Why rent a car in Tamworth

Get a rental car so you can get to:

  • Big Golden Guitar Tourist Centre

  • Oxley Lookout – views

  • Nundle – gold mining village

  • Manilla – paragliding capital

  • Barraba – silo art

  • Lake Keepit State Park – fishing, camping, boating

FAQs

When should I book a rental car for the Tamworth Country Music Festival? Book at least 3-4 months in advance. Vehicles are in extremely high demand and often sell out completely during the festival period (mid-late January).

Is there a charge for parking at Tamworth Regional Airport? The first 2 hours are free, then charges apply. The maximum daily rate is approximately $12 for short-term and $10 for long-term parking.

Can I pick up a rental car in Tamworth and drop it off in Sydney? Yes, one-way rentals to major centres like Sydney are generally available but incur one-way fees (usually $150-300 depending on the company and vehicle).

What type of vehicle is best for exploring around Tamworth? A standard sedan is sufficient for most attractions. If planning to visit national parks or more remote areas, consider an SUV for better ground clearance where permitted by your rental agreement.

Are there toll roads around Tamworth? No, there are no toll roads in or around Tamworth or anywhere in North West NSW. Tolls only apply near Sydney and Brisbane.

How far in advance should I book a rental car for regular (non-festival) visits to Tamworth? For standard periods, booking 2-3 weeks ahead is usually sufficient. For school holidays or when major events are scheduled at the entertainment centre or AELEC, book 4-6 weeks ahead.

Is it possible to rent larger vehicles like minivans or 12-seater buses in Tamworth? Yes, larger vehicles are available but in limited numbers. For minivans, 12-seater buses or similar group transport, book well in advance (6+ weeks) and be prepared to pay premium rates.