Tabulam is a small town located in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, Australia. It is situated on the Bruxner Highway between Casino and Tenterfield.
Tabulam is located on the traditional lands of the Bundjalung people, who have lived in the region for thousands of years. The area was first settled by European settlers in the mid-1800s, with the town of Tabulam being established in the early 1900s.
For visitors to Tabulam, it’s worth knowing that the mighty Clarence River was once spanned by a remarkable wooden structure. The old Tabulam Bridge, a De Burgh timber truss bridge, opened in 1902 and held the title of the longest single-span timber bridge in the Southern Hemisphere. This bridge served the community for over a century, playing a vital role in connecting the region and holding significant local and cultural importance before it was replaced and demolished in 2020. Today, you can still connect with its legacy. A dedicated tourist display and remembrance park has been created near the site of the original bridge. This includes a viewing platform constructed from a salvaged truss of the old bridge, replica trusses, interpretive signage detailing its history, and a cultural sign, offering a glimpse into the engineering feat and the stories this iconic structure held.
One of the most significant figures in Tabulam’s history is Harold Lasseter, a prospector who claimed to have discovered a rich gold deposit in the outback in the early 1900s. However, Lasseter’s gold deposit was never found and he died in the desert while searching for it. A monument to Lasseter can be found on the western side of the bridge over the Clarence River.
The town of Tabulam has a rich history of pioneering and agriculture, with many of the original settlers being involved in the farming and timber industries. Today, Tabulam is still known for its rural charm and strong community spirit.
The Tabulam Light Horse was also an important part of the town’s history, with the local troop serving in the First and Second World Wars. The Tabulam Light Horse Memorial is located in the town, commemorating the service of the soldiers from the region.
Another significant figure in Tabulam’s history is Sir Harry Chauvel, who was born in the town in 1865. Chauvel went on to become a highly decorated soldier and military commander, serving in both world wars and leading the Australian Light Horse during World War I.