New South Wales (North NSW)
Tenterfield

Less than 20km from the Queensland border, TENTERFIELD marks the northern end of the New England Plateau. Although only a small town, it has a confirmed place in Australian history, being the birthplace of the Australian Federation. This title was earned when, in 1889, the Prime Minister of New South Wales, Sir Henry Parkes, made his famous Federation speech here, advocating the union of the Australian colonies; twelve years later the Commonwealth of Australia was inaugurated. A small museum (Sat & Sun 2–4pm; $2) in Centenary Cottage recalls the occasion and displays other items of local interest.

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As throughout the region, however, the real attractions of Tenterfield lie outside town – undulating pastures and orchards, remnants of stands of eucalypt and rainforests, and rugged granite hills. Bald Rock, in a national park of the same name near the Queensland border, about 30km northeast of Tenterfield, is Australia’s second-largest monolith, after Uluru, but a grey granite version, 213m high. It can be climbed from its northeast side, and from the summit there are all-round views taking in both states. 

The excursion to Bald Rock fits in nicely with a visit to 210-metre-high Boonoo Boonoo Falls, set in another national park 32km north of Tenterfield. Access is via a gravel road which can be a bit rough, but it’s worth it, and there’s a beautiful picnic area. 

The NPWS occasionally offers tours to both national parks: details are available from the Tenterfield Visitors Centre, New England Highway (Mon–Fri 9.30am–5pm, Sat 9.30am–5.30pm, Sun 9.30am–4pm; tel 02/6736 1082). Woollool Woollool Aboriginal Cultural Tours (tel 018/669 048 for prices and times) also operates tours to the parks, conducted by trained Aboriginal guides, which look at the relics and visit the ghost town of Boonoo Boonoo; they also visit Bald Rock – tours go Wednesday to Monday and pick up and drop off at the Tenterfield YHA hostel.

Accommodation in Tenterfield includes the central Commercial Hotel, 288 Rouse St, where you can also get counter meals. Tenterfield YHA Lodge, 2 Manners St, is an old country hotel surrounded by parklands, incorporating a caravan park and a small hostel.

For more regional information on Tenterfield, go to: