Upper Hunter

Horses & heritage 

Scone is one of the biggest horse breeding regions in the world, home to many renowned studs including the one that bred champion mare Winx. Experience this proud tradition at the annualScone Horse Festival or visit the Mare and Foal statue. Aviation buffs will love the Hunter Warbirds Museum, where you can try your hand at flying a Spitfire on the simulator. 

Scone Mare and Foal by Gabriel Sterk, Scone - Credit: Anna Rankmore

In Muswellbrook, follow the Heritage Walk to admire its grand buildings dating back to the mid-1800s. An excellent collection of Australian contemporary art can be found in the Muswellbrook Regional Arts Centre. In Denman, the Denman and District Heritage Village displays unique artefacts and vintage vehicles.  

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

Food & wine 

Part of Australia’s oldest wine region, the Upper Hunter is dotted with boutique wineries. Sip and savour at Hollydene Estate , Two Rivers Wines and Small Forest Wines, led by Japan’s first female winemaker. For classic country hospitality, visit the century-old Denman Hotel or dine at The Cottage, set in a quaint building from the 1860s.  

Two Rivers wines, Denman - Credit: TR Denman Wine Co

Delicious local produce also awaits. Visit Pukara Estate in Muswellbrook to see the picturesque olive grove and sample the range of olive oils, vinegars and condiments. Discover everything from creamy camembert to crumbly cheddar at Hunter Belle Cheese, where all the products are made by hand from milk from Swiss brown cows. 

Hunter Belle Cheese, Muswellbrook - Credit: Hunter Belle Cheese

Outdoor adventures 

The Upper Hunter region is surrounded by a number of national parks. In Towarri National Park, just north of Scone, you’ll find sandstone outcrops, secluded waterholes and abundant wildlife, including many black cockatoos. Nearby is Burning Mountain Reserve, where a 5,500-year-old natural underground fire is part of the local Aboriginal Dreaming. The World Heritage-listed wilderness of Barrington Tops sits to the east of the area. 

Burning Mountain Nature Reserve, Wingen - Credit: John Spencer | DPE

Lake Glenbawn is just under an hour north of Muswellbrook and is a popular spot for fishing, boating, jet skiing and camping. 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. 

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

Events 

Check out the region’s festivals in the exciting events calendar. Celebrate the country life at the Scone Horse Festival, the King of the Ranges Stockman’s Challenge & Bush Festival in Murrurundi, the Merriwa Festival of the Fleeces and the Bengalla Upper Hunter Show. Or embrace Aberdeen’s Scottish heritage at the Aberdeen Highland Games. In Muswellbrook, Rock’n the Brook is a biannual music festival showcasing local and emerging artists.  

Aberdeen Highland Games, Aberdeen

Getting there 

The Upper Hunter is around three hours’ drive north of Sydney and two hours from Newcastle. You can also catch the train from Sydney to Scone and Muswellbrook, a scenic trip which takes around four hours. 

Where to stay 

There are accommodation options for every budget. Pitch a tent in the middle of a national park or beside a lake, relax in a luxurious holiday home or cosy cottage, or check in to a hotel, motel or traditional country pub.