Paceway Tamworth

Paceway Tamworth is a caravan and camping park on the old Showgrounds site in Taminda, and it is also a working harness racing venue. That combination is the whole pitch for dog owners: large grassy sites at backpacker-friendly prices, a strict lead rule, and the chance to watch the trotting horses work from your own camp chair.

Dogs at the Paceway

Dogs are welcome to stay overnight on the powered and unpowered sites, which take tents, caravans and motorhomes alike. The lead rule applies everywhere within the campground and is not a suggestion, so pack a decent fixed-length lead. There are no dedicated dog facilities beyond the open grounds, so bring your own bowls, food and pick-up bags. Site fees are reported at roughly $25 to $45 a night depending on whether you need power; confirm the current rate when you book.

Worth knowing

The park hosts regular harness racing race days and trials scheduled by HRNSW and Sky Racing, and free entry to the trots is a noted perk for campers. On event days the grounds are busier and horses are moving through, so check the racing calendar before you arrive and keep your dog settled and leashed well clear of the horse traffic. Reviews consistently mention clean amenities and a friendly caretaker, and there is a dump point on site.

Getting there and parking

The site sits centrally in Taminda with good access for big rigs. Enter via Gate 2 for the camping area; on-site parking is ample and laid out for caravans and motorhomes without a squeeze. Book by calling the caretaker on (02) 6765 9382, and use the call to confirm pet rules, particularly around race meetings.

Close by with the dogs

Central Tamworth is a short drive for a meal or a coffee run, and Oliver Brown is a solid cafe option. If the paceway is full, Tamworth Holiday Park is the obvious fallback in town.

More options are listed on the New South Wales pet friendly stays guide and the Taminda destination page.

Max: the lead rule here is about horses, not red tape. Give anything four-legged and racing-fit a wide berth, and call ahead on event days so you know what you are driving into.