So, basically

Back in 2019, after a roadtrip across Australia, a stint overseas and a return home… newlyweds Matt and Mon decided to open a coffee shop.

Had they ever owned a coffee shop before? No. But Matt’s years in hospo, and Mon’s background in design meant they’d give it a go. Actually, the pair will give most things ago.

And they don’t do it by halves or even thirds and definitely not eighths.

So when they wandered past a roller door in the backstreets of Tamworth, others might not have bat an eye, but the pair saw potential.

They’ve always kind of been like that.

Seeing magic stuff that other people can’t quite catch. So, when they hunted down the owner and pitched the idea, they began an adventure in uncharted territory.

The coffee shop was a little place. There was no room for tables and basically no room for a chair. The windows were murky and it was hot. Like, hot hot. But people gathered. Down on the driveway and on the side of the road.

Soon people brought their own chairs and flipped milk crates to chat on. Then a whole gaggle of people came to catch up. Locals and people not from around these parts alike hunted down Camp Grounds. Kind of like this hidden ‘X’ on Tamworth’s downtown map.

The dream’s always been to offer spesh coffee and changing brews. To champion regional suppliers, their stories. Traceability matters to us. Things like where food and drink comes from, and how it came to be. Who was involved and that they were paid fairly. It’s not as a cool extra, but an important first step in our selection process.

It makes us grin to know we’ve been living our values ever since that roller door went up the first day. Same in Gunnedah where we ran a second shop for a couple of years. Did you know Miranda Kerr is from Gunnedah? She didn’t come in, but that’s okay (love you Miranda).

What a throwback. Speaking of throwbacks, Matt and Mon are lovers of vintage. Of a time before now. And actually, they met when Mon had a My Little Ponies collection and Matt owned all kinds of Master Of The Universe stuff.

Did you know: before all this, Matt followed Mon to Melbourne under strict instructions not to fall in love with her. But after four years, one WA proposal, and a wedding in a shed surrounded by cows and teatowels from across the country… it was pretty clear he broke the rules.

When Camp Grounds moved to Peel Street in 2023, the crew wondered if being in plain sight would be tricky. After all, the best gems are stumbled upon on an unexpected op shop shelf, in their opinion.

But it’s been great. There’s even room for chairs. The Tamworth Business Awards and Regional Council think it’s pretty cool too, they’ve even given us some tiny shiny statues to say how much they like it.

Then, after chatting with you all, in 2025, Camp Grounds Wine Bar opened. With the same attention to product and produce. With the same commitment to bringing you cool stuff. With the same uncatchable magic, now on the walls and in your cup.

It may or may not surprise you that Matt’s dabbled in wine-making and, well, the whole team appreciates a good drop.So here’s to Camp’s next adventure. Thanks for being a part of it. And thanks for stopping by.

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Happy Campers Say

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Lawyer Jill Smith

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Biochemist Lula Hall
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COMMUNITY

We don’t believe conversations should be had over coffee, wine and food, but with it. In your cup and on your plate. The growers and grinders doing cool stuff, differently. When it comes to whose stuff you’ll taste… chances are, we’ll know them by name and have a little story to share about how their stuff landed on you fork.

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JOY

We’re pretty certain most of life’s problems can be solved with a coin toss, scissors paper rock or a bucket. If not, a good yarn with Matt should set you straight. Come huddle under the canoe (it’s true, we have one on the roof) and solve the world’s problems with us. Or at least have a good chat and a giggle with your mates at Camp.

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ADVENTURE

Whether you’re just passing through, or a Tamworth local, come kick your boots under the table and tuck into something sunny side up, piping hot or extra yummy. Perhaps you’ve got a couple of secs to throw back an espresso before you hit the road. Or it’s a full belly pre-hike fuel up you’re after. Either way, we’re laced up and ready.