Scone

Scone Highlights

Horses & heritage

One of the biggest horse-breeding regions in the world, this where the champion mare Winx – one of the greatest racehorses of all time – was raised. The bronze Scone Mare and Foal statue celebrates this rich tradition. There’s more equine heritage on show at the Scone Horse Festival in May. Running for 10 days, there’s parade through town, exciting performances from horses and their riders, race days, and much more.

Scone Horse Show, Scone - Credit: Scone Horse Show

Visit some of the area’s most famous studs and meet the next generation of champions with Upper Hunter Tours. You can also explore the beautiful countryside on a guided horse ride with Banool Park. For more local culture, visit the Scone Museum housed inside the old jail or be immersed in aviation at the Hunter Warbirds Museum. You can even try your hand at flying a Spitfire in the simulator. Or dine at The Cottage, set in a quaint building from the 1860s.

Hunter Warbirds Museum, Scone - Credit: Keiron Ball

Natural beauty

Towarri National Park, just north of Scone, is home to abundant wildlife, including striking black cockatoos. You can pitch a tent at Washpools campground inside the park. Near Towarri is Burning Mountain Reserve, where a 5,500-year-old natural underground fire is part of the local Aboriginal Dreaming. World Heritage-listed Barrington Tops is east of Scone, offer rugged wilderness and untouched bush.

Washpools waterhole, Towarri National Park – Credit: John Spencer/DCCEEW

The compact Scone Mountain National Park is on the northern edge of the town and has three-kilometres of mountain bike trails that range from family-friendly rides to adrenaline-fuelled descents. Lake Glenbawn is nearby and a popular spot for fishing, boating, jet skiing and camping.

Scone Mountain National Park, Scone – Credit: David Brown/DCCEEW

Where to stay

You’ll find accommodation options to suit all budgets, from charming colonial cottages and luxe holiday houses to motels, bed and breakfasts, lakeside holiday parks and farm stays.

The Cottage Scone, Scone, Upper Hunter - Credit: Alicia Taylor

Getting there

Scone is just over three hours’ drive north of Sydney and around two hours from Newcastle. You can also catch the train direct from Sydney, which takes four hours.