Adventure awaits in the quiet village of Torrington, with old mine sites, national parkland, and bushranger history waiting to be explored.
Located 68km south of Tenterfield, Torrington sits on a plateau known as the Mole Tableland. The landscape is defined by rocky outcrops and huge granite boulders, which the Tenterfield region is famous for.
Within Torrington State Conservation Area, visitors can explore the 30,000 hectares of untamed wilderness on one of the walking trails, view magnificent rock formations, including Mystery Face, explore the waterfalls, or visit Thunderbolts Lookout, presenting 360 degree views – a great vantage point to take in the stunning landscapes of the area.
In 1881, an extremely rich tin lode was discovered, and at its peak in the 1920s, 500 men were employed at the mines and there were 16 batteries working in the area. Torrington supported five general stores, a butcher shop, two cafes, a bakery, two billiard rooms, a Police Station, two garages, a school with over 100 children, Post Office, two churches, the hotel, a hall/picture theatre, lodges, several tennis courts, sporting facilities for the many teams, a rifle range and a race course. By the end of WWII, the tin subsidy provided by the Government was dropped and the major mines closed
Mining has given way to fossicking and visitors can enjoy the spectacular scenery of rocky granite outcrops, steep gorges, gently flowing streams as they are fossicking for topaz, beryl and quartz.
The area is also home to 2 Wild Souls Meadery, where you can sample some sparkling honey mead at the cellar door (by appointment). A variety of accommodation is available near Torrington, including camping options inside the State Conservation Area.
If you’re passing through Torrington on a Tuesday morning (9am to 12pm) or Friday afternoon (11.30am to 2pm), make sure you call into the Torrington Hall for a coffee and a chat with some of the locals.
Explore more of the towns and villages of Tenterfield Shire.
