Dungog

Heritage & culture 

A fine collection of heritage-listed buildings line Dungog’s streets. Explore them on the town walk, where blue plaques highlight fascinating colonial history. The Dungog Museum offers insights into local timber and dairy origins. Film buffs will love the Spanish-style James Theatre, Australia’s oldest operating cinema – the first movie was shown here in 1912. 

James Theatre, Dungog

Learn more about the past at Tocal Homestead, one of Australia's finest colonial farm buildings, a 30-minute drive south of Dungog. For contemporary culture, visit the Dungog Arts Society to see works from locals in the community or Gallery on Dowling, an artist-run exhibition space. 

The historic Tocal Homestead, Paterson

Outdoor adventures 

Dungog is the southern gateway to the spectacular Barrington Tops National Park. Carved from ancient volcanic flows and rising to 1,500 metres above sea level, it’s home to one of the largest areas of temperate rainforest in Australia. The park is threaded with bushwalking and hiking trails, ranging from short and easy to epic overnight adventures. Set up your tent at picturesque campsites, follow cycling trails or fish for trout between October and May. 

Gloucester Tops, Barrington Tops National Park - Credit: Destination Barrington Coast

Mountain bike riders can head for Dungog Common Recreation Reserve, with its 30 kilometres of tracks across varied terrain. Chichester State Forest is another beautiful area with verdant trees, swimming holes along the Allyn River, walking trails and campsites. You can even bring your dog with you for some outdoor exploration. 

Food & events 

You’ll find delicious local beers at the Tinshed Brewery, run by a local husband and wife team. Set right on the main street, it’s the place to chat to the locals over a small batch brew and tasty burger. Discover seasonal produce and other locally made goodies at the Dungog Local Growers Stall, Clarence Town Markets and Gresford Community Market. 

Get a taste of country life at the annual Dungog Rodeo, held over the Easter Long Weekend, and the Gresford Rodeo & Campdraft. Film buffs will enjoy the AGOG – A Feast of Foreign Films festival, held in the historic James Theatre. The biennial Sculpture on the Farm festival showcases large scale outdoor works on Dungog Common. And Dungog PedalFest includes a range of family-friendly cycling events, competitive racing and mountain biking. 

The Annual Gresford Rodeo & Campdraft, Dungog Festival

Getting there & where to stay 

Dungog is a 2.5-hour drive north of Sydney and just over an hour from Newcastle. Alternatively, you can take a scenic train trip from Sydney to Dungog Station, via the Central Coast and Maitland, which takes around 3.5 hours. Accommodation options in Dungog range from camping by the river to caravan parks, country pubs, historic cottages, wilderness retreats and farm stays.