Enveloped by six national parks and World Heritage Sites, historic Tenterfield is a gem in the New England region of NSW. Nature’s bounty aside, the region is known for its superb wineries and farm gates, and is also the ‘birthplace of Australia’ – this is the town where Sir Henry Parkes made his famous 1889 speech calling for Australia's federation.
Discover more about the region and explore Gabarraa’s curated itineraries at www.gabarraaluxuryescape.com.au
EATS
Bad Manners Cafe
48 Manners St
Bad Manners in Tenterfield truly shines as an outdoor garden café, complete with a cozy fire pit. Known as a fantastic coffee/breakfast spot, it’s especially celebrated for its freshly made cinnamon donuts, which have become a local favorite. Must try
Stone Fruit
STONE FRUIT is in the heart of Tenterfield on Rouse Street. The namesake, a nod to the Granite Belt Region and its recognised produce. You can expect a cellar full of hand selected wines, both local and imported. The menu will honour growers from the Granite Belt and New England regions. Great Bar with an amazing selection of wines
The Potting Shed
A delightful gem in Tenterfield, blending all-day dining (Breakfast is especially good) with a unique lifestyle boutique experience. This charming spot offers a refreshing mix of antiques, Italian linen, homewares, and garden essentials, creating an inspiring and relaxed environment that’s perfect for a leisurely outing.
Balancing Heart Winery
The stunning Balancing Heart Vineyard borders Girraween National Park and offers spectacular views across the Robertson Ranges. Enjoy complimentary wine tasting at the cellar door, stroll the vines on a free self-guided tour, snap a pic in front of the iconic ‘balancing heart’ rock and meet the friendly vineyard animals.
A delicious menu including stone-fired pizzas is available 7 days and you can choose to dine in the cosy cellar door, on the sunny deck or throughout the numerous grassy alfresco dining areas overlooking the dam. There’s even a boutique whisky and cigar bar onsite, ‘The Rabbit Hole’ operates seasonally or by appointment. Balancing Heart releases new wines every season, has live music every weekend and a schedule of vibrant regular events. Their cellar door, wines and winemaker Mike Hayes (2017 Australian Winemaker of the Year) are all multi-award winning, which promises a unique, vibrant and enjoyable guest experience.
The Royal hotel
130 High St (Bruxner HWY) The Royal Hotel is a historic establishment that has been serving locals and travellers since 1849. Originally known as the George Inn, it holds the distinction of being Tenterfield's first licensed premises. The hotel is a classic 19th Century styled Pub restaurant with high ceilings and beautiful timber polished local timber walls and offers a delicious pub menu
ADVENTURE
Bald Rock
Standing at 1,300m above sea level, Bald Rock is Australia's largest granite monolith and a hidden natural wonder within an 8,000ha national park. Towering 260m above the surrounding bushland, it offers breathtaking views, scattered boulders, granite arches, and awe-inspiring lookouts. Explore Bald Rock or Little Bald Rock via one of the marked trails, with stunning vistas extending into Girraween National Park.
Getting there; from the cabin, take the scenic Black Swamp School Road for a 20-minute drive to the Bald Rock car park.
Hiking Options
- Direct Route: A steep, near-vertical climb up the rock face—challenging but rewarding.
- Scenic Route: A more gradual, winding trail through bushland, leading to the summit.
Both walks are particularly magical at sunrise or sunset—perfect for adventurers seeking an unforgettable experience!
Boonoo Boonoo National Park
Not far from Bald Rock, Boonoo Boonoo National Park is a haven of waterfalls, swimming holes, hiking trails, and camping spots. Its beauty once inspired Banjo Paterson, who proposed to his sweetheart Alice Walker here, and it continues to captivate visitors with its romantic and wild landscapes. The Boonoo Boonoo Falls, a 210m cascade plunging into a deep gorge, is the park’s highlight. After good rainfall, the waterfall is even more spectacular, creating a dramatic backdrop for a picnic or a refreshing swim in the secluded rock pools along the river. In spring, the bushland bursts into colour with wildflowers.
Recommended Walks
- Boonoo Boonoo Falls & Rockpools Walk (600m return, easy)
A short stroll leading to a breathtaking lookout over the waterfall and gorge, with well-placed platforms for panoramic views. Just beyond the falls, explore the Boonoo Boonoo rockpools, a series of crystal-clear swimming holes nestled among the granite boulders—perfect for a dip on a warm day.
- River Walk (3km return, easy-moderate)
Follow the Boonoo Boonoo River past rock pools and through wildflower-filled bushland, with plenty of spots for a refreshing swim.
- Morgan’s Gully Walk (2km return, moderate)
Explore the rugged granite landscape, with rock pools, interesting boulders, and a glimpse into the park’s gold mining history.
Mount Mackenzie Scenic Drive (Tourist Drive 9)
For a truly scenic experience, take a drive along the Mount Mackenzie Scenic Drive. This 38 km loop offers stunning views of mountains, farmland, and rock formations. Starting from the Tenterfield Visitor Centre, the route leads you past granite outcrops, unusual rock formations, and stunning vistas, including views of Wallangarra and the surrounding mountain ranges of southern Queensland. The drive culminates at the Mount Mackenzie Scenic Lookout, which offers one of the best views in the Northern Tablelands.
Glen Rock Gardens (if it's open to the public)
Nestled on a 200-acre farm, Glen Rock Gardens is a photographer’s paradise, offering breathtaking views across its 10-acre garden. Open during select dates, these award-winning gardens are spectacular year-round, with unique garden rooms, lakes, and water views. Be sure to check their Instagram page and website for the next Open Gardens dates:
www.glenrock gardens.com.au @glenrockgardens
Girraween National Park
Just 20 minutes from Tenterfield, Girraween National Park is one of Queensland’s most beloved parks, known for its massive granite outcrops, perfectly balanced boulders, clear-running streams, and spectacular wildflower displays in spring. This stunning park offers over 17 km of walking tracks, leading to rewarding discoveries that highlight the area’s natural beauty, from the short walks to challenging hikes.
