Explore & Experience The New England Region
At Tenterfield Motor Inn, we know the must-see local attractions for any visitors to the area. Whether you are looking for a fun family day out or a bit of local history and culture, you’ll find something near our motel accommodation. We have put together some great places to visit, all of which we highly recommend, as well as a little history about our town. If you need further advice or assistance regarding what Tenterfield has to offer, please feel free to ask us before or during your stay.
About Tenterfield
With a population of around 7000, Tenterfield is known as the birthplace of our nation. It is a historical town and home to some very well known Australians, including Sir Henry Parkes who revisited his own constituency. It was then when he made his famous speech proposing to have a union of six colonies into a federation of states.
Tenterfield is also home to singer Peter Allen and his grandfather George Woolnough, who owned the Tenterfield Saddler. This later became one of Peter Allen’s most famous songs, and he has often expressed love for his hometown.
Banjo Patterson and Alice Walker, both local residents, were married at the local Presbyterian Church. Alice was also a resident of the Tenterfield Station. Another distinguished individual connected with Tenterfield is Major J F Thomas. This local solicitor defended Breaker Morant during the 1902 South African War.
Within Walking Distance
Tenterfield has many historical museums displaying photos, artefacts, paintings, tools, and machinery. There are many historic buildings that have been restored to their former glory, as you will notice when exploring our much-loved town.
Right next door to our motel is the magnificent Stannum House, which was originally built in 1880 for Robert Holmes Reid. Robert was a wealthy tin mining giant who contributed hugely to the town’s water and electricity supplies, hospital, meat works, and butter factory. Tenterfield is well known for its mining resources, including gold, tin, iron ore, and many more.
The local community of Tenterfield is very welcoming to tourists and guests looking to explore our town’s rich history. Everyone is only too happy to provide help and information to ensure your stay is enjoyable and interesting.
Around the Area
There is much to do in and around Tenterfield, depending on what your likes and interests are. We are surrounded by an array of magnificent National Parks, Vineyards, most beautiful Autumn colours and we have over 100 heritage listed buildings – just to name some of our features.
Tenterfield is rich in history with buildings that date back to the mid 19 th Century. Tenterfield is where the start of Federation took place. It was Sir Henry Parkes who on the 24 th October 1889 made that famous speech on the “Birth of our Nation” that became the decisive moment that led to Federation.
Tenterfield sits 850 Metres above Sea Level. Our Shire consists of 7, 332 Square km with a population of around 7000 people and is still growing. Tenterfield is marked by 4 distinct seasons. It is marked by having a pleasant moderate Summer and a mild Spring. Our Autumn provides us with a display of a russet-gold foliage with a variety of deciduous trees. Our Winter days are Sunny with crisp mornings and nights. We have a number of Frosts and on occasions snow if we’re lucky!
National Parks
Tenterfield Shire is located on the New England Tableland. It enjoys landscape of scenic and rugged quality which has well watered bushland. Feel free to make nature discoveries through our many walks, partake in a swim at our many waterholes and walks to view the sights.
Walks, Tours and Wineries
There are a number of Walks and Tours throughout the Tenterfield Region. Please see “Tenterfield Tourism” for more information.
Take a visit to our cold climate Wineries. We have so much to offer in reference to variety and style, soil types, altitudes etc. This can be evidenced by the number of Local Wines in our Restaurants and the number of Awards won at Wine Shows coming from our Region.
