The Githabul Aboriginal people are the original inhabitants of the area and much of their cultural legacy remain today and the language is being taught in the local school. The first European record of the MacPherson Ranges was by Logan, Fraser and Cunningham, who saw the rugged mountainous area from Mount Barney’s peak in 1828. Francis Roberts, a surveyor marking the border between New South Wales and Queensland, and his assistant Isaiah Rowland, were the first Europeans to traverse the area.

Woodenbong, officially declared a village in 1908 is rich in natural and cultural history and is located in the shadow of Mt Lindesay standing proudly at 1280 metres above sea level in the MacPherson Ranges/Border Ranges of Northern NSW, 10 km south of the NSW/Queensland state border. It is situated at the north western border of the Kyogle Local Government Area at the edge of the Tenterfield Shire. Woodenbong is 59 km from Kyogle and 143 km from Brisbane or the Gold Coast.

On a map Woodenbong looks like it is isolated, but in reality it is reasonably close to several major centres, including shopping and agricultural links to Warwick, Killarney and Beaudesert.

The area used timber as its main source of employment in the early years and dairy, cattle and crops soon followed. Since then the village has seen many changes and is now a delightfully hospitable place to reside and visit. Modern times attract many bike riders, both road and trail bike riders, firstly due to the inspiring mountain roads to travel and welcoming hospitality and secondly the signature event of the Australian Dirt Bike Adventures being held twice a year in Woodenbong over the past several years.

In the 2006 Census the population count was 332 in the village and total area count was approaching 650 (although in 2014 estimated at 500) and is rich in natural and cultural history. Woodenbong is a peaceful village that has always had a strong sense of community and pride.

With its country charm and many local businesses, services and a large number of community groups which more than cater for the local residents.

Education ranks highly with an excellent central school from K to year 12 that offers a high standard of education, particularly in agriculture and IT, a Pre-School.

Woodenbong has very close ties with the nearby village of Urbenville and the local Muli Muli Aboriginal Community.

The communities have strong links due to their location and proximity and shared community interests, for example the high school is located in Woodenbong and the hospital is located in Urbenville.

Urbenville is situated 13 km south of Woodenbong mostly in the Tenterfield Shire and Muli Muli is situated midway between the villages approximately 6km south of Woodenbong in the Kyogle LGA.

The village is situated in a very picturesque area nestled among mountain peaks and valleys and surrounded by World Heritage rainforests and State Forest’s the area is not short of breathtaking views and scenery. These include the Border Ranges National Park, Koreelah National Park, Toonumbar National Park and Mount Warning National Park in NSW. They are also accessible to the Lamington National Park, Mount Barney National Park and Springbrook National Park in Queensland.