Positioned in the naturally resplendent New England region, Tenterfield is a rural town with Heritage-listed architecture, fascinating railway history and wonderful art galleries. Tenterfield is surrounded by magnificent national parks, which reveal an array of native wildlife, hikes and swimming holes.
Things to do in Tenterfield
In the centre of Tenterfield you’ll find many of the town’s top restaurants, cafes and boutiques. Grab a slice of cake and coffee at The Corner Cafe, before browsing the men’s fashion at Flanagans Mercers or enjoying a pampering massage at Faeheart Wellbeing. Come back at night to enjoy authentic Chinese at Sing Wah Chinese Restaurant.
If you’re interested in the area’s history, tick off some of Tenterfield’s historic buildings, such as the fully-restored Victorian-era Historic Stannum House. Admire antique treasures in three display rooms, before enjoying a buffet lunch in the on-site restaurant. Sir Henry Parkes School of Arts is the perfect place to immerse yourself in Australian history, culture and environment with multimedia displays and visual stories.
Do you love nature? Head out into the wilderness at Bald Rock National Park, about a 25-minute drive away. Here you can trek picturesque trails to lookouts offering panoramic vistas of the countryside. The Boonoo Boonoo Falls walking track is another must-do for outdoor adventurers, thanks to its 210-metre-tall waterfall and swimming areas.
Learn about Tenterfields rail history at the Tenterfield Railway Museum, which first opened in 1886. Inside you’ll find historic railway artefacts, while outside you can admire the beautiful Victorian-Gothic architecture. Wash all this history down with a glass of wine at Zappa Wines, a passionate winery with popular cool-climate wines.
Getting around Tenterfield
Tenterfield is about a three-hour drive from Northern Rivers towns, such as Byron Bay, Lismore and Ballina. It’s also a 3.5-hour drive from Brisbane and Coffs Harbour. You can easily walk to the centre of town, but a car is necessary for exploring further afield.