Tamworth isn’t just home to Australia’s largest country music festival, nor the country’s largest guitar for that matter, but to one of its most memorable country escapes. Goonoo Goonoo Station (pronounced gun-a-gun-oo) has all the bells and whistles of a luxe regional escape, partnered with a good dose of history as a restored working station from the 1830s. Of course it’s not just delicious. that has sat up and taken notice of the revamped estate; it’s swept its fair share of design awards including the Blacket Prize for the best regional project at 2017 NSW Architecture Awards and the Sir Arthur G. Stephenson Award for Commercial Architecture.

In 1841, the AACo (Australian Agricultural Company) established a sheep station at Goonoo Goonoo to further its merino business. It was there that a homestead was built, joined in the years to come (after a freehold title) by a school, a church, and an inn to welcome travellers. In 1849 the station became known as South Tamworth, a private company town, with the old highway (which now forms the main track through the village) trailing through it. Ownership over the following years was largely maintained by the AACo until present owners the Haggarty family purchased the then beef property in 2011, adding to a 1619ha subdivision of Goonoo Goonoo purchased in 2009.

With the purchase of the station, the Haggarty family came into the ownership of a 19th century village. Around 30 properties sat ready for demolition (with most in deplorable conditions), but the Haggarty clan instead proposed restoration. The family utilised a team of heritage architects and builders to begin restoration immediately; a build which took 6 years to complete. The result is a quirky collection of buildings which have largely been restored into luxury accommodation, as well as a handful of events spaces, surrounded by acres of pasture, horses, and cattle. With that in mind it’s not hard to see why the station is a booming destination when it comes to weddings.

Not rooms so much as cottages; there are seven different accommodation options available catering to couples (and individuals) to larger groups. The most recent is the Shearer’s Quarters, a country chic studio equipped with a king bed, ensuite bathroom (and in some cases bath), air conditioning, mini bar, and TV, available from $165 per night.

At the other end of the spectrum is the homestead, from $875 a night. The mammoth building can accommodate up to 10 guests with its 5 (super luxurious) king beds. There’s also a private lounge room, private pool, private courtyard and dining room to relax in; an ideal destination for the kind of family reunion that warrants plenty of comfort. In-keeping with its regional surrounds, the interiors of all of the station’s accommodation options are country chic, laden in simple creams, whites, and plenty of (recycled) wood. While playing homage to its heritage, that’s not to say that Goonoo Goonoo station has scrimped on modern amenities, with most cottages equipped with both baths and ample kitchen appliances should you wish to stay in and cook up a feast.

Within the station’s grounds is Glasshouse Restaurant; considered to be Tamworth’s best eatery. The building itself in which the restaurant is housed in an architectural feat; a state-of-the-art venue that was formed between two repurposed heritage buildings in 2016. The multi-award winning restaurant is all glass windows and repurposed timber and brick, and sits on the top of a hill, offering it sweeping views of the surrounding property and distant Liverpool Range. It being settled on a cattle station, the restaurant obviously has a few different cuts of meat to choose from. Focused on the local and the hearty when it comes to dishes, it’s open for dinner wed to sat, and for breakfast on weekends.

With a chapel and ample gardens to wander through, Goonoo Goonoo is proving more and more popular for brides and their entourage. But it’s not just weddings that the property is suited; its ample accommodation options align well with big groups, from extended family get togethers, to the increasingly popular corporate retreat. Within the village grounds is also a tennis court, a pool (two if you include the homestead’s), a restaurant, a communal drinking den/lounge room and a rather impressive outdoor firepit (for drinking your wine by of course).

Tamworth central is only a 15 minute drive away; a location home to a series of old school Australian pubs as well as the Country Music Hall of Fame and (of course) the Big Golden Guitar. Tamworth is also home to new bakery Sonny’s (for all your gourmet pie and sausage roll needs), and casual dining at Pig and Tinderbox (another local favourite). A 40 minute drive away from Goonoo Goonoo station is the petite town of Nundle, home to an Antiques centre, a quaint country general store and a good old-fashioned pub (The Peel Inn). On its outskirts is Hanging Rock lookout; a rocky outlook that provides jaw-dropping views of New England.

The New England district is the dream country getaway for those eager to escape the sights and sounds of the big smoke, and see more of the sunburnt nation. Goonoo Goonoo Station provides ample privacy and seclusion with a good side of creature comforts (plush beds included), and access to the starry nights that city inhabitants rarely view. BYO good book (and maybe your Akubra).

Goonoo Goonoo Station is a five-hour drive from Sydney and a seven-hour drive from Brisbane. It sits at 13304 New England Highway, Timbumburi. Goonoogoonoostation.com.