Sisters in Country lead ‘Harmony Road’ tour to Tamworth 2026 – be-spoke tourism boosts international presence at country music festival.
New Zealand’s acclaimed trio, Sisters in Country, are set to be a major international highlight at the 2026 Tamworth Country Music Festival (TCMF), bringing a dedicated group of international fans with them on the exclusive Harmony Road Be Spoke Tour with The Travel Brokers.
The tour, managed by Kay Gregan of The Travel Brokers, has secured 20 international travellers, showcasing the powerful impact of niche music tourism in bringing international visitors to the renowned Australian event.
Sisters in Country: Celebrating a Legacy
The formidable musical partnership, Sisters in Country, features two celebrated New Zealand-based artists, joined by a world-class instrumentalist:
- Jodi Vaughan: The legendary vocalist known to New Zealand households from the iconic 1980s TV show That’s Country, boasting gold and platinum albums.
- Aly Cook: An award-winning songwriter and ARIA Charting artist with a strong trans-Tasman following.
- Special Guest Marian Burns: The “Fiddle Queen,” a multi-award-winning fiddle player and recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award at Tamworth’s Golden Fiddle Awards.
“We are incredibly excited to share the spirit of country music with our fans through this unique travel experience,” said Jodi Vaughan. Aly Cook added, “The ‘Harmony Road’ is all about connecting. It’s fantastic to show our New Zealand friends the magic of Tamworth, especially since our music has been charting so well in Australia.”
Tamworth Highlight: ‘Hands Across the Tasman’ Showcase
The pinnacle of the tour will be the Sisters in Country-hosted event, “Key 2 Artist Showcase: Hands Across the Tasman,” scheduled for Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 1:30 PM through to 5.00pm at the West Tamworth League Club – The Event Centre. Hands Across the Tasman Showcase – Tamworth Country Music Festival.
This showcase is a vital cultural exchange, featuring the trio’s signature rich harmonies and fiery fiddle performance. Emphasizing seasoned talent, the duo proudly celebrates their enduring passion for music.
The event will officially present emerging talent from both nations, with Sisters in Country set to introduce:
- Keily Smith: The reigning MLT NZ Gold Guitar Overall Winner 2025—known for her powerful, evocative vocals and commanding stage presence.
- Aroha Williams: Respected New Zealand country musician and the MLT Gold Guitar Overall Classic Winner 2025, adding depth and traditional prowess to the Kiwi lineup.
- Maddison Connor: The talented MLT NZ Gold Guitar Intermediate Winner 2025, representing the future of New Zealand country music.
- Tahla Ward: From the NZ group ‘The Dollys,’ who have already wowed Tamworth audiences with their incredible vocal talent.
- Steerhead: An awesome country rock group and a genuine crowd favourite, delivering hard-hitting rhythms and raw, modern energy.
- Beccy Nethery: A multi-award-winning recording artist known for her compelling songwriting and artistry.
- Damien J Johnson: An awesome singer-songwriter bringing a unique country-alt vibe from Ipswich.
- Kayla Rose: An expat Kiwi living in Queensland, this powerhouse will be launching her next single at the event! Kayla is from a legendary Country music family—her late Uncle Kevin Greaves and Grandfather Rusty Greaves both performed on the Grand Ole Opry stage
Opportunities and Trans-Tasman Unity
The ‘Hands Across the Tasman’ showcase is a vital platform designed to turbocharge the careers of all participating artists. For the New Zealand talent, it provides direct exposure to the Australian market at the biggest Country music festival in the southern hemisphere.
The event’s underlying theme is unity, celebrating both established artists and the freshest talent, creating a uniquely supportive and vibrant atmosphere and afternoons entertainment.
Sisters in Country Other shows
Sisters in Country are also nominated in the Duo/Group section of the Traditional Country Music Awards of Australia for their current single “If that’s the way you want it’ . They have been invited to perform their nominated song at the National Jamboree at Tamworth Townhall, an event run by the CCMA Capital Country Music Association that has been an event at Tamworth Country Music Festival since 1968. CCMA National Jamboree 10am – 12pm Wed 21st Jan is a FREE sponsored event.
Sisters in Country will be performing as guests artists featuring the wonderful Marian Burns at The Golden Fiddle Awards at Capitol Theatre 10.00am on Friday 23rd of Jan Tickets are here.
Sisters in Country will perform on the Toyota Fanzone Stage on Friday the 23rd of Jan at 3.10pm.
LISTEN to Sisters in Country album on your favourite digital platform.
The ‘Harmony Road’ Journey
The 12-night, all-inclusive tour runs from January 17-29, 2026, offering fans a guided cultural and musical adventure that includes:
- A Sydney Harbour sunset dinner cruise.
- A boutique wine-tasting experience in the Hunter Valley.
- Travel stopping at small towns along the way
- The three-night immersion into the Tamworth Country Music Festival, including the “Hands Across the Tasman” showcase.
- Coastal travel through Coffs Harbour and Byron Bay, concluding with a Gold Coast retreat.
Impact on Tourism
The success of this highly tailored, artist-led tour is a clear indicator of the demand for bespoke, high-value international tourism. Much needed post covid to inspire people to travel again and boosting the economy from the sale of airline tickets to bus charters, hotel rooms, hospitality, tourism operators etc .
“By bringing 20 dedicated fans directly into Tamworth, the ‘Harmony Road’ tour is providing a tangible boost to the regional economy—filling rooms and supporting local businesses,” said a tour spokesperson Aly Cook. “This model of boutique music tourism is great for the festival, leveraging a devoted international fan base and ensuring Tamworth remains a global drawcard for country music lovers and importantly encouraging people to travel and support live music.”
There is a handful of tour positions left if you are interested in coming on the Harmony Road Tour contact Kay Gregan – kay.gregan@thetravelbrokers.co.nz.
