Tenterfield sits at the northernmost point of the New England Tablelands in northern New South Wales. With the exception of brief flirtations with cedar getting and gold mining, cattle production has remained virtually unchallenged as the primary regional industry. The township's connection with the Federation of Australia in 1901 is Sir Henry Parkes. When he lost his seat in East Sydney in 1882, Tenterfield was honoured to offer him theirs. In return Parkes' political actions demonstrated a fond partiality to the region.

The Jukembal people were the original inhabitants of Tenterfield and surrounds. Their legacy remains with the declaration of Wellington's Lookout as a sacred site. "Woolool Woolooh" features a mushroom shaped rocky outcrop, a traditional Jukembal worshipping site.

Initial European occupation and naming of Tenterfield is surrounded by some debate. It has been claimed that a Mr Caleb Templer established the earliest run which he named "Templestowe Downs". However it is Mr R R. Mackenzie who is officially recorded and commonly accepted as the first Tenterfield land owner. Upon occupation of his station in 1840, Mackenzie named it "Tenterfield" after the home of his aunts in Haddington, Scotland. Although continuing its management, Mackenzie later sold his station to Sir Stuart Alexander Donaldson. Quite ironically, Donaldson went on to become the first Premier of New South Wales, while Mackenzie became Premier of Queensland. Furthermore they were both subsequently knighted.

An application for the survey of a town site for Tenterfield was received by Surveyor General, Sir Thomas Mitchell in 1849. Assistant Surveyor John James Galloway was directly despatched for this purpose in December of that year. Galloway's plans were approved in July 1881, and Tenterfield was gazetted on October 7 1851. First sale of land occurred in 1854, resulting in the transaction of 39 of the 41 blocks offered.

Postal services were enjoyed by the Tenterfield community from 1849. In January 1851 the station storekeeper Simon McEachnie was serving as official Post Master. Telegraph services arrived with the establishment of a line between Sydney and Brisbane in 1861. Then in 1874 a branch of the Government Savings Bank opened and the residents petitioned for a new larger building. This was approved the following year. However a number of delays frustrated this, and although a tender was chosen in 1878, work was not completed until 1881.

The community similarly agitated for the establishment of a National School as early as August 1850. However it would be 1864 before the first teacher, William Goudy, took charge of an initial enrolment of 30 children. The inaugural district journal, "The Tenterfield Chronicle", was published by local printer Mr Patrick Ritchie from 1860. "The Star" followed in 1870. The foundation stone of the Prince Albert Memorial Hospital was laid in December 1863, and it officially opened in October 1865. Tenterfield School of Arts building was completed in 1870, and updated 5 years later with a new brick version.

Tenterfield's Anglican "Church of Christ" was opened for worship by 1860. St Mary's Roman Catholic Church followed with its foundation blessed in 1866. This was complemented by a convent and school run by the Sisters of St Joseph in 1881. The Methodist weatherboard church of 1867 was devastated by fire in 1928, and was replaced 2 years later. The "temporary" Presbyterian church of 1884 still stands today, and witnessed the marriage of famous Australian poet Banjo Paterson to a local Tenterfield girl by the name of Alice Walker.

The Tenterfield community welcomed with some relief the arrival of the railway in 1886. Planned from the late 1860s, its construction was marred by many political and industrial delays. The line to Tenterfield was officially opened by Governor Lord Carrington in October 1886. Soon after Surveyor Francis drafted the final extension of the line to link New South Wales with Queensland. This stretch from Tenterfield to Wallangarra was completed in June 1888.

Located within the Great Dividing Range on the northern end of the New England Highlands in northern NSW, Tenterfield offers visitors stunning natural beauty with a contrast of rugged mountains and serene rural landscapes. Distinctive historical features and a variety of attractions add to the charm of the town.

Natural Attractions

Tenterfield is well known for the picturesque willow lined banks of Tenterfield Creek and the many varieties of trees throughout the district. One of Tenterfield's more famous trees is the Old Cork Tree, brought from England by Edward Parker in 1861 and planted over a century ago. The stately old tree is a famous landmark; its thick trunk and sprawling branches covered in rough textured cork give the tree its famous 'old man' character, and it is believed to be the largest of its species in Australia.

In Autumn the town is transformed into a rich blaze of colour as tree lined streets are aflame in Autumnal tones from gold to scarlet; tall poplars and pinoaks, liquid ambers and claret ashes join with a host of other varieties to complement each other in a spectacular autumnal display. In spring, the surrounding bushland becomes a carpet of colourful wildflowers. Warm summer days are followed by cool mountain evenings - year round Tenterfield has much to delight visitors of all kinds.

As well as its magnificent trees, Tenterfield has a variety of other natural attractions, including Ghost Gully, striking rock formations on the western outskirts of town shaped by erosion. The Doctor's Nose, Weeping Rock and Mount Mackenzie Lookout offer panoramic views of the town and surroundings, north to the Queensland border. The Rocky River Drive offers visitors incredible mountain scenery and the picturesque expanses of the Rocky River.

Bluff Rock is a granite outcrop situated 10km south of Tenterfield on the New England Highway. It was Edward Irby and his brother Leonard who passed the huge granite rock while moving to Deepwater Station from Tenterfield Station in 1842. They named the outcrop St Swithins Bluff as they passed it on St Swithins Day.

Parks and Gardens

Tenterfield has a number of beautiful parks and gardens which highlight its magnificent trees, including Robert Brush Memorial Drive, Jubilee Park and Bruxner Park with its splendid golden ash. Rotary Park offers shady picnic areas, a playground and a variety of colourful trees. Bluff Rock just south of Tenterfield is one of Tenterfield's best known landmarks; the view between the poplar trees to the unusual granite outcrop is superb.

There are also ten State Forests in the Tenterfield district where visitors can enjoy spectacular sights, including native animals and a dramatic range of trees and plants. Bald Rock National Park is home to Australia's largest exposed granite rock - a dome 750m long, 500m wide and rising 200m above the surrounding bush and scrubland. The magnificent Park is dotted with wildflowers, has beautiful walking tracks, and many interesting wind sculptured rocks and impressive granite boulder formations to view.

Boonoo Boonoo National Park has special appeal to bushwalkers. The Park has a stunning 210m waterfall, and above the falls delightful pools are surrounded by lush green forests. A rainforest gully and Cypress Rest, a popular picnic and swimming sport, are features in the Park, while Morgan's Gully, a remnant of the gold mining days also provides an interesting walk.

Wineries

Tenterfield and surrounding districts has a young and vibrant wine industry. It produces a selection of vintages that have unique and distinctive flavours as a result of the growing and ripening conditions which are unlike any other wine district in Australia. Twelve wineries are open for tastings and inspections, all within 40 minutes drive of Tenterfield. The Spring Wine Festival held over the first two weekends in October is an opportunity for visitors to enjoy good food and fine wine in a festive atmosphere.

Historical Attractions

Tenterfield has a great many heritage attractions. The Historical Town Walk which can be followed through the streets takes visitors to many historical sites and heritage buildings, including historic homes and cottages, public buildings and stores. As well as providing visitors with a view and feel of the town, the walk is a showpiece for the interesting local history of the area, as the stories of its development are reflected in its streets.

Perhaps one of the town's most famous heritage buildings is the School of Arts which stands as a national memorial to one of the main figures in 19th century politics, Sir Henry Parkes. The building was the venue for Parkes' famous Tenterfield Speech in October 1889 which set in motion events that lead to the formation of Federation in 1901. The School of Arts has been acquired by the National Trust and contains a significant collection of Parkes relics including a portrait by Julian Ashton.

Another famous landmark is the blue granite Saddler's Shop, classified by the National Trust and made famous by Tenterfield born Australian entertainer Peter Allen. Allen sang of his grandfather George Woolnough in the song "Tenterfield Saddler". Woolnough had worked the Shop for more than 50 years, and the current saddler welcomes visitors to inspect the building and to view his work.

Other points of interest include the Tenterfield Court House, Police Station, Post office and churches. The Court House built in 1885 is a magnificent example of innovative 19th century Australian architecture, and features a superbly crafted glass ceiling. The Police Station, Gaol and residences built in 1874 are still in use today. The buildings resonate with history and have a unique colonial style, and the Gaol in particular has exceptional masonry work.

Tenterfield's churches, St Mary's Hall and St Stephen's Presbyterian Church have their own history. St Mary's built in 1867 is an outstanding example of colonial craftsmanship. St Stephen's built in 1884 is not only a beautifully designed church of great historical value, but was the venue for the marriage between legendary poet Banjo Paterson and Miss Alice Walker, daughter of the occupier of what was then Tenterfield Station. Other sites of heritage value include the grandly designed Tenterfield Post Office built in 1881 and Stannum House, an 1888 designed Victorian Villa built for mining magnate John Reid.

One of Tenterfield's more notorious historical attractions is Thunderbolt's Hideout. The Hideout consists of a number of large granite boulders which forms two caves - one used to stable the bushranger's horse the other as a camp. Climbing to the top of the boulders, visitors can enjoy a view of the area including the road which in Thunderbolt's time was the main road north.

Tenterfield is also the location of an Aboriginal Sacred Site - the Woolool Wooloolni is a centre of spiritual power for the Bundjalung Tribe. Recent interpretations of the site by Aboriginal people have suggested it may be linked with Uluru or Ayers Rock in Central Australia. This site of great natural beauty and spiritual value is open to visitors.

Museums

The Centenary Cottage Complex holds the largest collection of historical material relating to Tenterfield. Significant both architecturally and as a source of history, the cottages are spectacular in Autumn set against a background of golden trees.

Harry Chauvel Gallery is a memorial to General Sir Harry Chauvel, the first Australian to command a military corps, and foundation member of the Upper Clarence Light Horse Regiment which had its origins in Tenterfield. The old Petrie Cottage is a reminder of Tenterfield's early workers.

Tenterfield's Railway Station is one of Tenterfield's most delightful attractions. When the station was first opened over 100 years ago, the opening was described as being the biggest event in NSW railway history. Today the Railway houses a rare collection of railway memorabilia.

Tenterfield also has a unique and precious collection of dolls housed in the Hillview Doll Museum; over 1500 dolls including antique, novelty and international dolls are exhibited in one of Tenterfield charming old homes.

Events

Tenterfield hosts a number of popular events each year including the New England Sheep Dog Trials and an Agricultural Show in late January, an Autumn Colour Celebration in April, Yulefest in July and a Spring Wine Festival in October. Other October events include the large Federation Festival celebrating Tenterfield's contribution to Federation, and also a Rodeo. November sees the annual Gem Festival take place.

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