Muswellbrook

Food & wine 

Fresh produce is abundant in this lush farming region. Visit Hunter Belle Cheese, just on the outskirts of Muswellbrook, for gourmet cheeses made by hand from the milk of local Swiss Brown cows. Pukara Estate Pokolbin is a 300-acre property on the Hunter River near Denman, growing exceptional olives that are turned into olive oil, vinegar, condiments and skincare products. Sample the range at their tasting room in central Muswellbrook. 

Hunter Belle Cheese, Muswellbrook - Credit: Hunter Belle Cheese

Nearby in Denman, you’ll find a number of boutique wineries like Two Rivers, Small Forest (run by Japan’s first female winemaker), and Hollydene Estate, with its excellent Vines restaurant. In town, The Royal Muswellbrook is a classic country pub that dates back to 1893 and The Remington is a modern Australian restaurant inside a chic hotel. 

Hollydene Estate Wines, Muswellbrook - Credit: Hollydene Estate Wines

Art & heritage 

 Set out on the 4.5-kilometre Muswellbrook Heritage Walk and take in 40 historical points of interest. You’ll discover fascinating colonial buildings like the 1869-built railway station and St Alban’s Church, designed by famous English architect Gilbert Scott. Pick up a map at the Visitor Information Centre. 

Muswellbrook Regional Arts Centre Centre, Muswellbrook - Credit: Muswellbrook Regional Arts Centre Centre

Visit the excellent Muswellbrook Regional Arts Centre, set inside the School of Arts building dating from 1871. It’s home to the Max Watter Collection of works from some of the most influential names in Australian contemporary art, hosts many travelling exhibitions and holds the prestigious Muswellbrook Art Prize each year. 

Muswelbrook Regional Arts Centre, Muswellbrook - Credit: Muswellbrook Regional Arts Centre

Get a taste of country life at the annual Bengalla Upper Hunter Show held each March. Enjoy horse demonstrations, fresh produce, woodchopping competitions, rides and fireworks. Rock’n the Brook is a biannual music festival showcasing local and emerging artists. 

The great outdoors  

Lake Glenbawn is just under an hour north of Muswellbrook and is a popular spot for fishing, boating, jet skiing and camping. The lush landscapes of Mount Royal National Park and the rugged peaks of Barrington Tops are also nearby. 

Lake Glenbawn Recreation Area, Upper Hunter

Where to stay  

 Accommodation includes the four-star The Remington hotel, motels, pub rooms and campgrounds. 

Getting there 

Set on the banks of the Hunter River, Muswellbrook is a three-hour drive from Sydney and just under two hours from Newcastle.You can also catch the train direct from Sydney, which takes less than four hours.