Fast facts
- Federation town – claims to be the "birthplace of our nation"
- Glorious natural surrounds of rugged mountains with rural vistas
- 687 km north of Sydney, population 3,300.
Why go there
Tenterfield is an attractive town with many historic buildings dating back to the mid-19th century. It is surrounded by national parks and vineyards, and is known for its autumn colours.
History
Tenterfield was proclaimed a town in 1851, named after a large property in the area owned by Alexander Donaldson. Fred Ward, the notorious bushranger known as Thunderbolt, wreaked havoc in the area between 1864 and 1870. The railway came to town in 1886, making Tenterfield the last stop in New South Wales on the way to Brisbane.
The town's main claim to fame is that Sir Henry Parkes delivered his famous "birth of our nation" speech in the Tenterfield School of Arts in 1889. His rousing speech is credited with being the decisive moment that set the country on its path toward Federation in 1901.
Things to do
- Walk through historic Tenterfield, which has more than 100 heritage-listed buildings.
- Sample fine food and wine at one of the vineyards in the surrounding area.
- Take a historic drive on Mt Lindesay Road – first stop, Thunderbolt's hideout, second stop, the ruins of the "Brisbane Line", which was Australia's second line of defence in case of an invasion from the north in World War II.
Events
- Oracles of the Bush in April is a celebration of Australian Bush culture through verse, song, music and theatre.
Don’t miss
- Climbing up Bald Rock, the largest granite rock in Australia.
- The Henry Parkes Memorial School of the Arts to learn more about the man whose famous speech changed the nation.
- A visit to Tenterfield Saddlery, made famous by Peter Allen's song "Tenterfield Saddler" about his grandfather, George Woolnough, who ran the saddlery from 1908 to 1960.
- Stepping onto the viewing platform at Boonoo Boonoo Falls to see the river plunge 210 metres.
- The Centenary Cottage Museum and its local history collection and memorial to Harry Chauvel, whose Light Horse Regiment served in the Boer War.
- Train memorabilia and photographs at the Railway Museum.
