When Cathryn van der Walt found the property that would soon host her Slow Stays, Mirumiru Bubbletent and Sunday at Mirumiru in Tenterfield NSW she also discovered a part of herself she never knew she was missing.
“I love leaving a hot and humid Brisbane and arriving in Tenterfield with autumn leaves around, popping the fireplace on and watching the sunset set with a great local red in hand,” she says. “Waking up to a frosty, foggy start to the morning in winter and capping it off with a pink sky is also a favourite.
“Roadside farm stalls, buying freshly picked stonefruit, and farming neighbours that truly look out for you are also lovely memories I’ve collected during my time here.”
Tenterfield NSW is a special part of the New England High Country, sitting just south of the Queensland border, around three-and-a-half hours’ drive from Brisbane or just under three hours from Byron Bay.
This charming Federation town is surrounded by six national parks that you can hike, bike, swim or tour in, plus it is home to Bald Rock, the largest exposed granite monolith in the Southern Hemisphere. “Hiking here for sunrise or sunset is spectacular and it has a walking track suitable for families and more committed and capable hikers,” says Cathryn.
A true four-season destination, there are no traffic lights, no global fast food chains – just an old fashioned country town, still with plenty to see and do. “At night Tenterfield’s clear skies make you feel like you are on top of the world and you can almost touch the stars.”
This is Cathryn’s Tenterfield Guide.
Photo: @littlenook_andco
Where to get the best coffee in Tenterfield NSW
I love Little Nook & Co in Rouse Street which is open 7 days – do not miss Kendyl’s homemade cakes and slices as she bakes from the heart with truly delicious coffee – and the outdoor fireside option at Bad Manners over the weekend.
If you are brekkie or gluten-free donut lover then Bad Manners is a must. If you are more of a tea person then I’d recommend The Bohemian Tea Room with a large selection of teas, traditional offerings like scones and a lovely garden to sit in and while away the time.
Photo: @stonefruit.bar
Best Tenterfield restaurants and bars
For friends visiting the town looking for a romantic stay I always recommend Stonefruit for a light meal and some truly impressive local wines. You can’t go past Knucklehead Wines by a local young winemaker that punches well above its weight. Stonefruit has also been awarded the SMH Best Drinks List in Australia giving you more local Granite Belt and international wines to choose from. I particularly love popping in for a grappa, espresso and a pastry for breakfast too!
We also recommend the back deck during summer or inside by the fire at the Commercial Hotel for lunch or dinner (outdoors is pet friendly).
For a truly unique local and family-friendly dinner you can’t go past the Golf Club. We also love sending friends to Balancing Heart Vineyard for its famous Scarlet and Shiraz BBQ dinner. It’s perfect for couples to wander through the vineyard and watch the sunset together – and ideal for families to keep the kids entertained hand feeding the animals. And it’s only 20 minutes from town.
Photo: @mynotesfrom
Best way to enjoy the sunset in Tenterfield
Drive to the top of Mount Mackenzie! Or for those less adventurous romantics there is the Mount Mackenzie lookout and the iconic Tourist Route 9 on the western side of town.
Packing a picnic or cheeseboard, a bottle of bubbles and watching a High Country sunset up here is a ‘moment’ and takes you past historic homes and granite outcrops along the way. You’ll feel part of history as you see farms and homes that have existed for decades, and traditional sheep and cattle operations.
Photo: @rubenandflax
Best local shopping in Tenterfield
Where to stay in Tenterfield NSW
Cullendore High Country campgrounds
Tenterfield Lodge Caravan Park (for its updated cabins close to town)
The Ivy Leaf Chapel Bed & Breakfast
For those seeking a unique glamping experience, Mirumiru Bubbletent provides off-grid accommodations under star-filled skies, just minutes from Tenterfield, with breakfast included and wine on arrival.
The farm also houses a 110 year old character filled Queenslander – Sunday at Mirumiru– ideal for large family groups or guests that want to combine a glamping and farm stay.
Feature image: Stonefruit via @visittenterfield
