Old farm near Tenterfield

Tenterfield NSW 2372 (Pop 3 500)

Tenterfield is an historic New England town located 715 km n-e of Sydney. It is known as ‘The Birthplace of the Nation’ after Henry Parkes made his Federation speech here (1889) culminating in the declaration of the Australian Commonwealth (1901). Original inhabitants were the Jukembal Aborigines who called the area ‘Moombillen’ meaning ‘place of wild honey'. White settlement began in 1830s with prosperity arriving due to nearby gold discoveries (1858), tin mining (1870s) and the railway (1886). Today the pastoral industry, orchards, a silica mine and tourism sustain the town's economy. Tenterfield Agricultural Show (Jan or Feb), Oracles of the Bush (bush poetry and music) (Apr), Spring Wine Festival and Federation Festival (Oct). 

Tourist Attractions & Info:
Sir Henry Parkes Museum (formerly the School of Arts - 1876) (cnr Manners & Rouse Sts where Parkes made his Federation speech. Interesting museum with Parkes memorabilia. Open (10am-5pm) weekdays. Historic Tenterfield includes the Post Office (1881), Exchange Hotel (1890), Courthouse (1882), Gaol & Police Station (1874), Criterion Hotel (1872). The Tenterfield Saddler, (1860s) High St inspiration for Peter Allen’s song and tribute to his grandfather who worked here from 1908-60. Centenary Museum and Art Gallery, (1871) Logan St with interesting local history displays and artifacts. Open (12pm-4pm) weekends and (10am-4pm) Wed/public holidays.

Nearby:
Thunderbolt's Hideout, (11 km n-e) Large granite boulders form two caves which were reputedly the hideout of famous bushranger, Capt Thunderbolt. Boonoo Boonoo NP  (24 km n-e) 4 352 ha park of woodlands, cypress forests, flowering plants (in spring), Boonoo Boonoo River and 210 m Boonoo Boonoo Falls.  Bald Rock NP (29 km north) largest exposed granite monolith in Australia (750 m long x 500 m wide x 200 m high) offering excellent 360 deg views. The park also has spectacular canyons and stone arches. Mt Mackenzie Granite Drive 38 km (1 hour) circular drive taking in some of the area’s striking granite outcrops, Ghost Gully and Mt Mackenzie Lookout (1 298 m).

Accommodation:
Tenterfield has 8 motels, two hotels, 2 B&Bs and 3 caravan parks. Visitor Information Centre: 157 Rouse St. Tel (02) 6736 1082.

Airport:
Glen Innes Airport (GLI) Emmaville Rd. (100 km south).

Hospital:
Tenterfield Hospital, Naas St. Tel (02) 6736 3144 or Stanthorpe Hospital, 6 McGregor Tce. (55 km north).

Other Emergency Services:
Fire Brigade Tel (02) 6736 1122.