National Parks in and around Tenterfield to explore

There are so many amazing national parks both in and surrounding Tenterfield for you to explore while staying at the CBH in town. Whether you like to be challenged, or just prefer to walk a few hundred meters to take in the breathtaking views- Tenterfield has many varying trails and hikes for all abilities and levels so everyone can enjoy the glorious nature Tenterfield has to offer.
The historic town of Tenterfield is located 275km from Brisbane and is positioned slam dunk right in the middle of the Granite Belt. The town is nestled in a valley striding the great dividing range so it’s not surprisingly, the region is rich in granite producing amazing rock formations and flourishing bush land for you to explore.

On top of the list (and only 25 mins drive away from town) is Bald Rock. Bald Rock is the largest granite rock formation located in the Southern Hemisphere, and it truly is magnificent to climb. You will not be disappointed with the 360 degree nature views when you reach the top. There are two ways to climb to the top- scrambling up the fairly steep and sheer rock face itself, or enjoying the easier bush trail as it winds itself up the vegetation rich side of the rock until you reach the top. You’ll pass Eucalyptus, Mountain Gum and New England blackbut, providing plenty of shade to escape the heat. Whichever way you choose, the view is breathtaking and the varying colour formations of the granite rock itself with amaze you. There are plenty of picnic tables, BBQ facilities, drinking water and toilets available at the base of Bald Rock as well in the nearby camping grounds.

Just at bit further along the same road to Bald Rock you will come across Boonoo Boonoo National Park (just 27 km from Tenterfield). Boonoo Bonnoo is known for its stunning cascading waterfall (the scenic lookout for this is just a short stroll from the carpark) and many rock pools to climb around and explore. Boonoo Boonoo is a firm favourite among the locals in summer with it’s very large swimming hole. There are several hiking tracks available to choose from around the area, making is suitable for all walking ability levels.

Journeying further across the border into Queensland, and located half way between Stanthorpe and Tenterfield, is the Girraween National Park. Girraween meaning ‘place of flowers’ is again another hiking delight with stunning wildflowers and granite rock formations scattered throughout the park. Not to be missed if you are keen, is climbing the extremely steep Pyramid Rock. It’s quite a hike to the base of the sheer rock and certainly a steep climb up to the the very top, but the experience and views are well worth the effort.

As with most of the National Parks there is a fee (usually around $8) but it is cash only and involves you leaving the cash in an envelope in a little box with your registration number written on it, so be sure to have enough cash in the car (and a pen to write with too!).

Whichever national park you choose to explore, whether on foot or by car, you will certainly enjoy every moment of your adventure. And at the end of your exhausting day exploring, you can collapse in the comfy lounge chairs by the fireplace in the wine bar at the CBH and relax with a glass of local wine sharing stories with other keen explorers. Then after a hearty dinner in our restaurant simply wander up the stairs to you accommodation room and slip into bed for a good night’s sleep preparing to do it all again tomorrow!