CamperMate
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, travel advice and restrictions are frequently changing. Get the latest information (here)
  • Accommodation
        • ACCOMMODATION
        • New South Wales
        • Northern Territory
        • Queensland
        • South Australia
        • Tasmania
        • Victoria
        • Western Australia
        • ALL DESTINATIONS
  • Campervan Hire
        • BUSINESSES
        • Britz
        • Let's Go Motorhomes
        • Mighty
        • Maui
        • LOCATIONS
        • New South Wales
        • Northern Territory
        • Queensland
        • South Australia
        • Tasmania
        • Victoria
        • Western Australia
        • BROWSE ALL
  • Destinations
        • DESTINATIONS
        • New South Wales
        • Northern Territory
        • Queensland
        • South Australia
        • Tasmania
        • Victoria
        • Western Australia
  • Download The App
  • Stories
        • GETAWAY GUIDES
        • New Zealand
        • New South Wales
        • Northern Territory
        • Queensland
        • South Australia
        • Tasmania
        • Victoria
        • Western Australia
        • ADVICE
        • 4WD
        • Adventure & Sports
        • Camping
        • Caravans & RVs
        • Fishing
        • GEAR REVIEWS
        • 4WD
        • Adventure & Sports
        • Camping
        • Caravans & RVs
        • OUTDORIAN MAGAZINE
        • Blog Home
  • Book Experiences
CamperMate
  • Win the Ultimate NT Road Trip
  • Holiday Here This Year
  • List Your Business
  • About Us
  • Maps
  • Accommodation
        • ACCOMMODATION
        • New South Wales
        • Northern Territory
        • Queensland
        • South Australia
        • Tasmania
        • Victoria
        • Western Australia
        • ALL DESTINATIONS
  • Campervan Hire
        • BUSINESSES
        • Britz
        • Let's Go Motorhomes
        • Mighty
        • Maui
        • LOCATIONS
        • New South Wales
        • Northern Territory
        • Queensland
        • South Australia
        • Tasmania
        • Victoria
        • Western Australia
        • BROWSE ALL
  • Destinations
        • DESTINATIONS
        • New South Wales
        • Northern Territory
        • Queensland
        • South Australia
        • Tasmania
        • Victoria
        • Western Australia
  • Download The App
  • Stories
        • GETAWAY GUIDES
        • New Zealand
        • New South Wales
        • Northern Territory
        • Queensland
        • South Australia
        • Tasmania
        • Victoria
        • Western Australia
        • ADVICE
        • 4WD
        • Adventure & Sports
        • Camping
        • Caravans & RVs
        • Fishing
        • GEAR REVIEWS
        • 4WD
        • Adventure & Sports
        • Camping
        • Caravans & RVs
        • OUTDORIAN MAGAZINE
        • Blog Home
  • Book Experiences
CamperMate
  • Accommodation
        • ACCOMMODATION
        • New South Wales
        • Northern Territory
        • Queensland
        • South Australia
        • Tasmania
        • Victoria
        • Western Australia
        • ALL DESTINATIONS
  • Campervan Hire
        • BUSINESSES
        • Britz
        • Let's Go Motorhomes
        • Mighty
        • Maui
        • LOCATIONS
        • New South Wales
        • Northern Territory
        • Queensland
        • South Australia
        • Tasmania
        • Victoria
        • Western Australia
        • BROWSE ALL
  • Destinations
        • DESTINATIONS
        • New South Wales
        • Northern Territory
        • Queensland
        • South Australia
        • Tasmania
        • Victoria
        • Western Australia
  • Download The App
  • Stories
        • GETAWAY GUIDES
        • New Zealand
        • New South Wales
        • Northern Territory
        • Queensland
        • South Australia
        • Tasmania
        • Victoria
        • Western Australia
        • ADVICE
        • 4WD
        • Adventure & Sports
        • Camping
        • Caravans & RVs
        • Fishing
        • GEAR REVIEWS
        • 4WD
        • Adventure & Sports
        • Camping
        • Caravans & RVs
        • OUTDORIAN MAGAZINE
        • Blog Home
  • Book Experiences
Exploring Rocky River
  • New South Wales

Timeout in Tenterfield: a Rocky River roadie

  • October 1, 2018
  • No comments
  • 13K views
  • 7 minute read
  • Kevin Smith
Total
1
Shares
1
0
0

Tenterfield, 20 kilometres from the Queensland border in the New England Tablelands, NSW, is well known for its history, songs by Peter Allen and the surrounding stunning national parks. A great way to explore this area is to ‘get a feel’ for its local history. Start with a walk around town, locating the old stone buildings that have been up for over 100 years, then make a break for the bush.


A bit of history

The first known European to pass through the Tenterfield area was Allan Cunningham during his 1827 investigation of the Darling Downs. White settlers soon followed, arriving in the late 1830s to begin grazing operations in the fertile land. But the fortunes of the town were boosted when gold was discovered in the district in 1858 in areas that included the Rocky River, Morgans and Ropers Gully nearby Drake and on the Timbara Plateau.

Exploring Rocky River

In the following years, Tenterfield developed with a bank, Anglican church, flour-mill, school, blacksmiths shop and other significant buildings. By 1879, 1500 people called Tenterfield home, and in these years a police station, jail and courthouse were erected. Then the bushrangers came.

In 1868 Captain Thunderbolt (aka Frederick Ward) made an appearance around Tenterfield and called the surrounding hills his home where today you can still explore the caves where he (supposedly) hid.

Today Tenterfield is located in an area primarily devoted to sheep and cattle grazing, though timber, mixed farming and tourism provide other local industries and is home to over 4000 people.

Exploring Rocky River

Setting off

The Rocky River trip starts just south of the heart of town as you wander down the aptly named Scrub Road then onto Billirimba Road. Keep an eye out for abandoned farms and transport machinery as they sit quietly in the paddocks from days gone by. With long, straight tree-lined sections of dirt, you can gaze across the paddocks with views towards the mountains in the distance – views to die for in every direction.

With Quilgeran Pinnacle to your right and Black Mountain to your left, you feel pretty small as you follow the road as it snakes through the terrain. Soon you pass through the locality of Steinbrook, not much anymore, just a big kink in the road with several 90-degree corners and the old hall.

Exploring Rocky River

From here on you pass through private stations, breeding primarily cattle in the valleys. Old sheds, massive trees, and cattle yards – everything seems to look old and plenty of opportunities for photo stops. 35km along, Billirimba Road winds its way down to the Timbarra River and the intersection of Upper Rocky River Road to your right.

It might have only taken an hour to get this far but if you’re looking for one of the best camping options around, head up here to your right for 3km to Wunglebung Station.

Exploring Rocky River

Camping in cattle country

Camping at Wunglebung is by appointment only and when the owners Katrina and Stu meet you at their ‘office’ you can see why they keep it so private. The property’s driveway crosses the Timbarra River and once you cross the other side it’s a beautiful place. Campsites are limited along the Timbara to keep the place private, clean and manageable.

Exploring Rocky River

After you’re shown to your exclusive camp the rest is up to you whether you want to relax, kayak (these are supplied) or explore the hills. Kat is happy to give you a rundown on the history of the station, advice on the drive up the valley or heads up on the 4wd tracks in the hills.

This 2000 acre working cattle station has a serene feel to it and that’s the way they want it kept. There’s no hooning, no mad scrabbling off-roading, shooting, motorbikes or quads: it’s a peaceful place.

Exploring Rocky River

Stay & play

It’s a bit hard to relax when you can swim, kayak or go platypus stalking. Then there’s wandering around the old yards, relics and remains of the original homestead. Wunglebung is a photographer’s paradise. The kids will love the unique showers in horse floats and the tin dunnys on the property.

Exploring Rocky River

4wd exploring is possible up to the valley towards Washpool NP. Easy station roads that lead you for an hour up into the gorge country, crossing the upper reaches of the Timbarra River into more densely-timbered areas and then eventually to a gate where the Bicentennial trail continues south. If you’re keen for a little more, Kat or Stu can point you into the hills where you can tackle Billyrimba Trail in the nearby NP.

Exploring Rocky River

Billyrimba is suited to high-clearance 4wds as it twists and winds its way to nearly 700 meters above sea level. Midway along there is a handful of mines and some mining gear from the bygone days and the views from here are to die for. Looking across to the far plateaus, down into the valleys trying to work out what and where things are – it’s pretty spectacular.

Exploring Rocky River

A changing landscape

When you’ve had enough or it’s time to leave Wunglebung, head back to Rocky River Rd and swing right towards Drake (53km away). There’s a single lane, low-level bridge that crosses the headwaters of a little waterway (one of many that flow down from the range above you) that was once the centre of a major gold mine debacle.

The mine was developed in the late 1990s but after six months it was shut down due to the risk of pollution into the Clarence River system (the largest system after the Darling River system).

Exploring Rocky River

The Rocky River road narrows down as it passes between huge boulders that line the road. 100 years ago this was the main thoroughfare between Tenterfield and Drake then onto Grafton. The road workers simply could not move these granite boulders that in some case are as large as a bus so they simply built the road around them.

Exploring Rocky River

As the road follows the Timbarra river, the drop-offs are steep where you can see massive pools of water and where the rocks get moved after every big flood, there’s pockets of dry rainforest, old sheds in the hills and then around the next corner acres of tree felled paddocks where the cattle roam freely across and along the road. After a while farmhouses are roadside so look out for dogs that may run out, and drive slowly as it keeps the dust down.

Exploring Rocky River

An added bonus when travelling here is the amount of birdlife you can see beside the river – from shags, kingfishers and the common old crow it’s good fun for the kids to play a spot the bird game.

The roads out here are typical of the old Cobb & Co run roads. They rise, fall then twist their way over the terrain – this was to keep the stagecoach fairly level and flat for those on board.

There are areas along here beside the river where camping is not allowed and these are sign-posted for all to see, but at the 25 km mark, a huge grassed area with tracks leading down to the Timbarra are welcoming sites either for camping or just a cuppa.

Exploring Rocky River

Riverside fun

Stopping under the old Casuarina Trees is pretty special here as the water flows past. Don’t forget to throw a rod in and either team it up with some old meat for a chance to snag a freshwater Yabby or a Fork Tail Catfish for a feed.

There are no toilets here and no bins. Night time brings out owls, little squeaking bats, frogs start croaking and if you sit still long enough and scan the grounds with a torch you may see possums.

Exploring Rocky River

If you are a keen punter and the weather is right, swimming in the Timbarra River is pure bliss where clean fresh water that has filtered through granite particles leaves you feeling relaxed and clean. Whether you’re staying for an hour or a night, have a scout around for any rubbish that may have been left behind, this keeps the area pristine and makes for a happy landowner.

There is nothing too difficult about this road provided you’re in a proper 4wd. But for added safety, why not choose 4wd high. This will give you some added traction as these granite-based roads can be slippery and the road surface can catch you out if find yourself trying to avoid another 4wd that suddenly appears.

Exploring Rocky River

Heading for the hills

Soon the cleared country farmlands turn to a thicker growth as you veer away from the river and into the hills. Tall timber sections covered with vines and small farms lead the way, and the elevation soon rises, this is where the road changes into Long Gully Road and from dirt to tar. It gets steep as it enters Girard State Forest and the terrain gets a bit more serious as you climb to near 1000 metres above sea level in a few kilometres.

Exploring Rocky River

Being on the southern side of this range, the rainforest is stunning and is generally a bit cooler than the flats below. With tall cool-climate ferns, long-trunked Bangalow palms and coachwood trees, it’s a totally different ecosystem to what you have just left behind. Even the wildlife changes and you hear the sounds of whip-birds, frisky paddy melon wallabies and even shy lyrebirds that may dart across the road.

You know when you’re getting to the top as there are large stands of scrubby timber – iron bark, black butt and scribbly gum plus dozens of grass-trees that seem to dance in the wind as you zoom past.

Girard State Forest soon gives way to farms and dodgy looking houses and eventually, you’ll come to the Bruxner Highway which runs between the coast and backs up to the tablelands past Tenterfield.

Exploring Rocky River

Download the free CamperMate app

So what the hell is CamperMate? We’re basically a bunch of travel addicts who love the outdoors, which is why we’ve created one place where you can book caravan parks, rent campervans, as well as share your experiences and stories. Whether you’re planning your next Australian road trip or camping adventure don’t forget to download our free app before you go, to find everything you need when you’re on the road.

Total
1
Shares
Share 1
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Kevin Smith

Kev's been writing about offroading and the outdoors for over 20 years and really knows his stuff (although he'd probably be the last to admit it). He's travelled the length and breadth of this country and doesn't look like slowing down any time soon.

Previous Article
Camp Cooking 101: your recipe for success
  • Camping

Camp Cooking 101: your recipe for success

  • September 30, 2018
  • suzanne
View Post
Next Article
Central Australia: a seven-day itinerary
  • Northern Territory

Central Australia: a seven-day itinerary

  • October 2, 2018
  • Laura Dunn
View Post
You May Also Like
View Post
  • New South Wales

White Cliffs: discover the town underground

  • August 2, 2021
  • Matt Cheok
View Post
  • New South Wales

Be charmed by these country towns in Outback NSW

  • July 30, 2021
  • Matt Cheok
View Post
  • New South Wales

Explore a forest of drowned trees at Menindee Lakes

  • June 23, 2021
  • Matt Cheok
View Post
  • New South Wales

Camping oceanside in Southern Eurobodalla

  • June 7, 2021
  • Matt Cheok
View Post
  • New South Wales

7 world-class experiences you can do in Newcastle

  • February 24, 2021
  • Alison Banney
View Post
  • New South Wales

Adventure Cliffside in Coorabakh National Park

  • February 9, 2021
  • Kevin Smith
View Post
  • New South Wales

Blue Mountains adventures to try this weekend

  • January 28, 2021
  • suzanne
Alpine stream along the Main Range Track
View Post
  • New South Wales

Hiking Resolutions: 8 fantastic day walks in NSW

  • January 11, 2021
  • Toby Ley
Search Articles By Location
Recent Posts
  • A Guide to Road Tripping the Red Centre Way in the NT
  • A Guide to road tripping the Nature’s Way in the NT
  • Uluru region guide
  • Kakadu region guide
  • Alice Springs region guide
webcasinode.com
This error message is only visible to WordPress admins

Error: No feed found.

Please go to the Instagram Feed settings page to create a feed.

Accommodation
  • Accommodation NSW
  • Accommodation QLD
  • Accommodation VIC
  • Accommodation SA
  • Accommodation WA
  • Accommodation NT
  • Accommodation TAS
Destinations
  • New South Wales
  • Queensland
  • South Australia
  • Tasmania
  • Northern Territory
  • Victoria
  • Western Australia
Campervan hire
  • Campervan hire Sydney
  • Campervan hire Brisbane
  • Campervan hire Melbourne
  • Campervan hire Perth
Information
  • About Us
  • Privacy and Security
  • Terms & Conditions
  • List your business
  • Maps
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
© CamperMate 2019

Input your search keywords and press Enter.

Powered by Convert Pro

Please Insert Your Valid Phone Number

We will send you a SMS containing the download link.
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Please Insert Your Valid Phone Number (1)

We will send you a SMS containing the download link.
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.