Around our place

Anketell Forest is a wildlife refuge, accommodation venue and farm on 2000 acres just off the New England Hwy between Tenterfield & Deepwater. See here for directions.

Anketell Forest is home to a multitude of endemic plant and animal species including many listed as endangered or vulnerable. The forested granite boulder hills are an integral part of the vital Deepwater / Bolivia Hill bio-region and wildlife corridor linking the eastern coastal ranges with the western slopes and plains.

Environmental science students and research professionals are invited to contact us and possibly arrange a visit for study purposes.

Anketell Forest on foot

Walk, stroll, meander, wander. Enjoy miles of private bush tracks amongst the 2000 acres of Anketell Forest. Walk to splendid Eagle Rock and find rare species in its sub alpine crevices. Take an eastern range track and spot the naturally bonsaied Port Jackson Figs growing from thin narrow cracks on the sides of huge granite boulders.

Come for the flowering of the rock-orchids, the wild flowers in spring or the blossom of the Tablelands wattle and grevillia. Enjoy the rich deep colours of autumn, the crystal clear nights of winter followed by its frosty mornings, and the warm days of summer.

From log to living room

As well as managing the forest for wildlife, Steve and Kerri salvage solid fallen timber for use in building and furniture. Almost all the furniture in Tor Cottage and The Shearing Shed, plus doors, decks and walls are built from timber milled and crafted on-site.

National Parks and Nature Reserves within 30min – 90min drive

Bald Rock- 60 mins north

Basket Swamp – 60 mins north

Bolivia Hill – 10 mins east

Boonoo Boonoo – 60 mins north

Gibraltar Range – 75 mins east

Girraween – 70 mins north

Kings Plains – 60 mins west

Torrington – 25 mins west

Washpool – 75 mins east

Wineries

There are many vineyards in the Granite Belt of Queensland (45-90min north on the New England Highway) and on the northern New England Tablelands of NSW. Here are some recommendations from Anketell Forest. Check opening hours with venue.

• Kurrajong Downs Vineyard, Tenterfield (Est 1996 – Bruxner Hwy, east of Tenterfield) – Semillon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon. Vineyard, cellar door, and restuarant. Ph: 02 6736 4590
• Deetswood Wines, Tenterfield (Est 1996 – Washpool Creek Rd, Tenterfield) – Semillon, Chardonnay, Voignir, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon. Vineyard and cellar door. Ph: 02 6736 1322
• Wright Robertson, Glencoe (Est 1999 Certified Organic – “Waratah Ridge”, New England Highway, Glencoe) – Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir and Shiraz with a small area of Riesling. Cellar door. Ph 422 203 817 or 02 6733 3220