Tenterfield (population 3,900) is located in the New England region and is a 3 hour drive from Brisbane, 2.5 hours from Byron Bay and 7 hours from Sydney.
The convenience of being in town at Henry’s Cottage means you can leave the car and enjoy a leisurely stroll to the nearby Tenterfield Visitor Information Centre, the Centenary Cottage Museum and numerous boutiques, cafes and gift and antique shops.
Just down the road, you will find the ‘School of the Arts’ – a cinema, museum and cafe. It is here you will discover more about our rich history and the famous speech given by Sir Henry Parkes – the speech that changed a nation.
The Railway Museum is in the original station building dating from 1886 and is an excellent example of 19th Century architecture with fascinating examples of rolling stock and rail memorabilia.
Keep wandering and you may find yourself at the Tenterfield Saddler, made famous in song by Peter Allen.
Don’t be surprised if you are caught here for a while chatting away to a local or two. This tiny historic building gives you insight into Tenterfield’s earliest days and still operates as a functioning Saddlery.
For the more adventurous there are scenic walks and drives in the region including the walk to the summit of Bald Rock (Bald Rock National Park), a stunning feature and the largest granite rock in the Southern Hemisphere. Nearby you will also find “Thunderbolts Hideout” and the WWII Tank Traps, as well as Boonoo Boonoo National Park – the waterfalls and lookouts are worth a stop.
There are also local award winning wineries, Tenterfield Golf Course, tranquil fishing and bird watching spots as well as the Mt Mackenzie scenic drive. Tenterfield is well known for its breathtaking autumn and winter scenery with carpets of red and orange leaves and white snow, perfect for those who love the cooler months.
