Tenterfield
NSW 2372 • Rest of NSW
About Tenterfield
Tenterfield is a historic New England tablelands town in northern New South Wales, sitting at approximately 963 metres above sea level about 300 kilometres south of Brisbane and within the Tenterfield Shire Council area. With a population of 4,067, the town has a notably mature demographic — the median age of 55 reflects its appeal to retirees and long-established families, with relatively modest incomes typical of regional New South Wales. The wider area spans nearly 670 square kilometres of rolling pastoral country, making Tenterfield the commercial hub for a large rural hinterland.
Tenterfield holds genuine historical significance as the birthplace of Australian federation, with Sir Henry Parkes delivering his famous federation speech here in 1889 at the heritage-listed Tenterfield School of Arts. The town is also known as the hometown of entertainer Peter Allen. Residents enjoy a quiet country lifestyle with access to local shops including a Coles supermarket, historic streetscapes along Rouse Street, and proximity to the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia — a UNESCO World Heritage site. The cooler highland climate and scenic surroundings attract visitors and tree-changers seeking a slower pace of life.
Tenterfield falls under postcode 2372 and is governed by Tenterfield Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Lismore electorate.
Location
Transport & Commute
Bus Services
- NSW TrainLink coach — Brisbane & Armidale Approx 3–4 hr to Brisbane, 2 hr to Armidale
Commute to Brisbane CBD
🛣️ Located on the New England Highway near the Queensland border; Sydney is approximately 730 km south
The town centre along Rouse Street is walkable for daily needs, but most residents rely on a car for broader travel
Supermarkets Nearby
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ColesRouse Street Tenterfield 2372 NSW
Schools
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Bruxner Hwy
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58-66 Scott Street
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Tenterfield High School ICSEA 9146736 1200 89 High Street
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6736 1401 75-79 Wood Street
Heritage-Listed Places
There are 6 heritage-listed places in or near Tenterfield, listed on the NSW State Heritage Register.
Crime Statistics
NSW crime data is provided by the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR). Use the interactive tool below to explore recorded crime incidents in Tenterfield by offence type, year and trend.
📊 View Tenterfield Crime Statistics on BOCSAR ↗Data source: NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research · Search for "Tenterfield" under Suburb
Housing 2021 Census
40 state housing + 30 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)
Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census
School Sector Breakdown
Demographics
Population Growth
Gender Distribution (Census 2021)
Income Comparison
Country of Birth 2021 Census
Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)
- 1. England 91
- 2. New Zealand 42
- 3. Philippines 21
- 4. Germany 18
- 5. India 18
- 6. Italy 13
- 7. Netherlands 9
- 8. Ireland 7
- 9. Japan 6
- 10. Scotland 6
Ancestry 2021 Census
Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)