Tenterfield claims the title of “the Birthplace of Our Nation”, for it was here that Sir Henry Parkes, at that time the Premier of NSW, gave his famous Tenterfield Oration on 24th October 1889. Parkes advocated the Federation of the six Australian colonies, primarily for the united defence of the continent. Parkes was on his way back from talks with the Premier of Queensland, and put the finishing touches to his speech at Stannum. The town has much to attract and interest visitors, from historical buildings and beautiful tree-lined streets, to one of the best country golf course in Australia.