Tenterfield - A Federation Town
Architecture dating back to colonial days, famous historical figures and a significant speech on Federation delivered here in 1889, paint the picture of Tenterfield - a small New England town steeped in history. Along with Bathurst and Cowra, Tenterfield's location as a centre on the New England Highway between Sydney and Brisbane lent itself as a major voice in the Federation debate which would later transform the nation. It was here Sir Henry Parkes gave his famous talk on Federation at the town's now famous school of arts, which help set the wheels in motion and brought the tides of change to the numerous colonies of Australia in the late nineteenth century.
Today, Tenterfield retains its colonial charm and country appeal where flannelette is the uniform of choice for many of the locals, and cattle and other livestock dotted around the countryside paint the picture of a traditional farming community. However make no mistake, Tenterfield is no boring, ordinary country town, it boasts activities and things to see and do that other towns of its size and profile could only dream of.
Tenterfield's Historic Museums
The Sir Henry Parkes School of Arts Museum is a perfect start point to learning about and exploring Tenterfield
The above-mentioned
Sir Henry Parkes School of Arts Museum on Rouse St (New England Hwy) houses a significant collection of Federation memorabilia and chronicles the impact of Federation on social, cultural and economic life in the nation. The centre includes a theatre, public library and includes personal collections of Sir Henry Parkes who has since been dubbed the 'Father of Federation.' It is a lovely building and cultural hub of town, complete with courtyard coffee shop and a great starting point for visitors exploring the town.
Museums are aplenty in Tenterfield, which is unique for such a small town. Other museums worth a visit include the Centenary Cottage Museum on Logan Street boasting a large collection of memorabilia relating to the district and includes a 1860s wooden timber workers cottage with rustic machinery from a bygone era.
The Tenterfield Railway Museum is another museum worth a look while you're in Tenterfield. Opened by NSW Governor Lord Carrington in 1887, it features a heritage operated railway station and locomotive to view and explore. Tenterfield was the last station built on the now defunct Sydney to Brisbane railway line and the preserved infrastructure gives a good impression of the importance and glamour of rail during in the late nineteenth century.
image courtesy of tenterfieldrailwaymuseum.com
Tenterfield Post Office built 1881
One of the most charming features of Tenterfield is seeing history reflected in its colonial buildings which abound in the town. A walking tour is the best way to see these buildings which are located on or just off the New England Highway which divides the town in two. Opposite the School of Arts is the historic and grand Post Office - an imposing building complete with clock-tower and archways and what I personally would like every town or suburb's post office to resemble. I can dream can't I?
Further up Rouse Street is historic
Stannum House built on the highest point in town and a perfect example of Victorian era grandeur where many notable visitors including Banjo Patterson have stayed. Gazing up at the enormous structure, I felt a resemblance to a British countryside manor house and pictured servants and stewards working around the clock to please their masters. The residence, now privately owned, runs tours Wednesday to Sunday at a cost of $8 per person and showcases the remarkable restoration work of a property that also features marble fireplaces and cedar spiral staircases.
Historic Stannum House
Fans of the renowned Tenterfield-born entertainer Peter Allen, who was married to even-more renowned Liza Minelli, are sure to be familiar with 'The Tenterfield Saddler' a song penned by Allen about his grandfather who was the saddler in town for 52 years. Still producing authentic hand-made leather goods today, the
Tenterfield Saddler (High St) is an essential place to visit to step back in time and admire the leather-making and tradition of this town icon where there has been only five saddlers since 1870.
New England Scenery and Countryside
Beautiful New England countryside in Autumn on the outskirts of Tenterfield
Perhaps the most charming feature of Tenterfield and a character of the town in its own right is the rugged countryside that it is set in. The New England region of Northern NSW features a cool dry climate and almost zero humidity giving the countryside distinct seasons and a rustic and often dry landscape.
Being from suburban subtropical Queensland,I have rarely been so excited about trees, let alone been exposed to trees which actually change colour since I had naively thought that was exclusively a northern hemisphere phenomenon. Stately Poplar and Oak trees line the streets in town and if you are lucky enough to visit during Autumn months you will be treated to a spectacle of colour as the trees change to gold and ruby. Combined with the backdrop of traditional homesteads and rugged countryside, you'll forgive me for being completely enchanted. Snapping away at nothing in particular was commonplace during my visit however my next stop was to visit one of Australia's most remarkable trees which stood only a few streets away.
Australia's oldest cork tree was planted in Tenterfield in 1861 and is located on the aptly named Wood St. Brought over from England the tree is also one of the largest in Australia and since I had never seen or considered that cork came from a tree, it is another sight worth a look in a town rich in history and country appeal.
Australia's oldest cork tree is found in Tenterfield
