Tenterfield - A Federation Town

Enveloped by six national parks and World Heritage Sites, historic Tenterfield is a gem in the New England region of NSW. Nature’s bounty aside, the region is known for its superb wineries and farm gates, and is also the ‘birthplace of Australia’ – this is the town where Sir Henry Parkes made his famous 1889 speech calling for Australia's federation.  

The Tenterfield Saddler was made famous by Peter Allen's tribute to his past and grandfather George Woolnough in the 'Tenterfield Saddler'.

Since 1860, the building has been used as a bank, private residence, and saddlery.

Homestead Gorge trail takes you on a moderately challenging hike along Homestead creek between the rich-red rocky cliffs that shelter ancient Aboriginal rock engravings. If it has been raining, a large mirror-still rockhole will be waiting for you at the end of the walk.

Basket Swamp Falls are approx. 40 minutes drive (30knm) from Tenterfield in Boonoo State Forest. These falls are a stunning part of the Basket Swamp Creek system. This system drains a large area (approx. 200 hectares) of waterlogged heath and sedge species, filtering rainfall from the tablelands into the Clarence River catchment.

Tenterfield is home to a giant Cork Tree (Quercus suber), which was brought out from England in a jam jar in 1861. It still grows today in Wood Street and is believed to be one of the largest of its kind in Australia. The tree flourishes in the New England climate and enjoys the same lucky reputation as its English counterparts.

After Banjo Patterson proposed to his sweetheart, Alice Walker, at Boonoo Boonoo Falls lookout, there was movement at Tenterfield cattle station. Word had passed around that the station owner's daughter had got away. Alice didn't have a chance and she and Banjo married in 1903.

During World War II, low profile, defensive positions were established along many roads throughout Australia. The Mount Lindesay Road (then known as the New England Highway) was the only all-weather road from Sydney to Brisbane up until the 1950s, and was one such road to have tank traps constructed along it. It was part of the ‘Brisbane Line’.

The Sir Henry Parkes School of Arts is a must see for visitors to Tenterfield, offers a fresh and exciting approach to Australian history, culture and environment, with a focus on Federation. Stories of Australia's history are told through exciting and innovative displays and the museum features the Banquet Hall, where Sir Henry Parkes delivered his famous Federation speech in 1889.

Fred Ward, better known as Captain Thunderbolt, was the longest roaming bushranger in Australia’s history. He was very familiar with the Tenterfield region, using it as both a hideout and hunting ground for his hold-ups. Thunderbolt’s Hideout is 12 km north of Tenterfield, along Mount Lindesay Road. The site is signposted, and the hideout is a short 150-metre walk from the road.

Tenterfield Station opened in 1886 and was the last station built on the Sydney to Brisbane railway line. For 103 years, Tenterfield Station made history - playing host to the full range of trains from yesteryear to the XPT.

Sit back, relax and get lost in the picturesque surrounds of the mountains, farmland, rock formations and multi-coloured woodlands on the Mount Mackenzie Scenic Drive. This one hour, 38 kilometre drive is a must-do when visiting Tenterfield and showcases the town's spectacular surrounds from many different angles.

It's well worth visiting Bald Rock National Park. From Bald Rock picnic area, follow the Border Link trail to the base of Bald Rock, where you'll pass through eucalyptus, mountain gum and New England blackbutt. There are tremendous views of Girraween National Park, Queensland, along the way.