Historic Tenterfield Buildings
- The Sir Henry Parkes Memorial School of Arts
Listed by the national Trust and the site of Sir Henry’s landmark Federation Speech 24th October 1889. Originally built as a “reading room” the building underwent a major facelift in 2001 to mark the Centenary of Federation – the addition of a new Library featuring “The George Woolnough Wing”, Federation Museum and a state of the art Cinema/Theatre complex ensures that the School of Arts will continue to serve the community for some time.
Open daily 10am – 5pm. Ph 02 6736 3592
- Historic Stannum House
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This stately mansion was built in 1888 for John Holmes Reid a wealthy tin mining magnate. Tastefully restored Stannum is open for limited homestay and for group tours. Stannum was used as a Camp hospital during 1942-44.
- Tenterfield Saddler
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Built in 1860 of quarried blue granite, the National Trust listed Saddlery has been immortalized in the song “Tenterfield Saddler” by Peter Allen as a tribute to his grandfather George Woolnough.
Open daily 10am-4pm.
- Police Station, Courthouse & Gaol
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Listed by both the National Trust and Australian Heritage Commission the Police Station, Gaol and buildings were built approx 1874.
A temporary Courthouse was first built in 1859 by Erasmus Styles and George Fagg with the present Courthouse, being built in 1878 by the McGauran Bros. The building features a spectacular skylight. The McGaurans were also building the Post Office – running into financial difficulties so other builders were called in to finish the job.
The Court of Petty Sessions was established on 30th April 1847 – the first case tried was for the crime of stealing a builder’s tape.
In the 1880s a groom for Cobb & Co, Tom McDonald planted trees in the grounds in his spare time.
- Tenterfield Railway Station & Museum
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In 1884 the Great Northern Railway had reached Glen Innes and then continued northwards. As it approached Tenterfield accompanied by its bush pubs and host of navvies the old town woke to a new form of life, a wild and uproarous kind! The line was completed by 1st September 1886 – the official opening took place 19th October 1886 – a great day for Tenterfield.
Great arches were erected across the streets and appropriately decorated, flags flew everywhere and business places decorated their premises. Opened by the Governor, Lord Carrington is said to have been one of the largest openings of NSW Rail.
The coming of the railway proved to be the greatest factor in the prosperity of the Tenterfield district.Photograph courtesy Mary Warwick
- Deloraine
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Built by William Patrick in 1874 of blue granite the National Trust listed and very stately building has been beautifully restored and is now a very comfortable B&B.
- Tenterfield Post Office
- Built in 1881 by the McGauran Bros and listed by the National Trust this classical building features Italiante façade, clock tower and metal mansard roof. On the day the Post Office was completed the son of the foreman, a renowned “daredevil”, stood on his head on top of the tower!
- Centenary Museum & Petre Cottage
- The house was built by Thomas McGauran in 1871 for Michael Egan, a blacksmith, the walls being 12 inches thick. The land was bought at the first land sales for the town held 9th March 1854.
The Cottage features a fine collection of 19th century Tenterfield memorabilia and opens 10am – 4pm Wed to Sun. Ph 02 6736 2844