Drake

Drake is a small rural town of around 400 people and is located 44km east of Tenterfield in New South Wales. The town boomed in the late 1880s following the discovery of gold to the west of the village, at what would become known as the Fairfield diggings. By the end of 1886, over 1,400 people were living in Drake and more permanent buildings were starting to replace the temporary tent village.

Since the days of the gold rush, Drake has transformed many times over, with rushes and declines and riches and poverty, following the rise and decline of various industries, such as mining, timber and grazing.

Today, Drake offers many exciting outdoor activities, including water activities on the Clarence River, exploring Girard State Forest, and Rover Park 4WD and Motorcycle Park for the more adventurous! You can also visit the nearby Paddy’s Flat Tank Traps and learn about this important part of WWII history.

In Drake Village, you can visit the Drake Resource Centre, which is home to an art gallery, café and store, and enjoy a drink or meal at the Lunatic Hotel.

The area has many bush camping options as well as home stays, B&Bs and a caravan park.

Explore more of the towns and villages of Tenterfield Shire.