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Hunter Region: Home | Our Towns | Nature | Attractions | Accommodation

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Our Towns
Newcastle
Port Stephens
Lake Macquarie
Cooranbong
Cessnock
Kurri Kurri
Maitland
Singleton
Muswellbrook
Denman
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Towns and villages located within the region covered by the Hunter Region iMag

 

Newcastle – “The Gateway to the Hunter Valley”

newcastle-3The Newcastle region is known for its Coal and Steel industries but since 2000 when BHP began to phase out its steel production, the city has undergone considerable change and is now less of an industrial centre but a bustling commercial and administrative hub, full of attractive, Victorian Architecture.
Newcastle’s history is steeped in coal production so much so that by the 1850s the industrial base of the city had been established. As the region developed as a major coal producer, port and railhead, mining villages such as Stockton, Carrington, Cardiff, Swansea, Charlestown, Minmi, New Lambton, Wallsend, Hamilton, Adamstown, Abermain, Gateshead, Merewether and Waratah were established. Clearly, the names of some of these mining villages reflect the fact that the origin of many of the miners was the British Isles.
The city is 156 km north of Sydney and is located at the mouth of the Hunter River. It has stunning beaches, natural beauty and provides a perfect base from which to explore the Hunter Valley.
Newcastle Visitor Information Centre - Ph: 1800 654 558 www.visitnewcastle.com.au


 

Port Stephens port-stephens-3Port Stephens is surrounded by water, with the Pacific Ocean to the east, the Hunter River to the South, the Paterson River to the west, and the Karuah River to the north.
This area is a major tourist/visitor destination because it offers pristine waterways, spectacular scenery, unspoilt national parks and abundant wildlife.
The most easterly peninsula “Tomaree” and the adjacent Tilligerry peninsula are well known for their tranquil atmosphere and beautiful waterfront settings.Stockton Beach sand dunes “the Golden Bight” runs 32km south from the Tomaree Peninsula to the mouth of the Hunter River at Newcastle.
Find Port Stephens by travelling the Pacific Highway, through the township of Raymond Terrace. From here explore the picturesque rural hinterland.
Port Stephens Visitor information centre - Ph: 4980 6900 www.portstephens.org.au
Nelson Bay Town Management - Ph: 4984 4751 www.nelsonbaybusiness.com


 


Lake Macquarie


Cooranbong

Cooranbong is located 116 km north of Syndey, and situated at the base of the Watagan Mountains. Cooranbong is the major gateway to the Watagan Mountains state forest, so rich in the natural beauty of Australian flora and fauna where spectacular views will take your breathe away providing campsites, lookouts, walking trails, picnic areas and well sign posted forest drives. Cooranbong is a quiet township, which blends the history and charm of yesterday with inviting country. The town center has a nice little restaurant and a variety of shops which include the well known and popular Elephant Shop selling a large range of Amethysts, Agate, Onyxware, Crystals, hand carved furniture and imported goods from South-East Asia. Cooranbong has two major historical buildings, the Catholic Church dating back to 1862 and the old sand stone Post office built in 1881.

 

Cessnock

cessnock3Cessnock -a mining town in the Hunter Valley -151 km north of Sydney
It became a major mining centre at the turn of the 20th century and as a result, is a residential, commercial and government centre. As a base though, it is a perfect place from which to explore the wine-growing regions.
As with most mining towns, many early landholders in the Hunter Valley were of Scottish descent and over the last century, coalmining as a major contributor to the economy, was supplemented by wine-making, timber, pottery, dairying and cattle.
From the late 1950s many coal mines closed and wine production slowly replaced coal as the core of the local economy.
The Greater City of Cessnock was declared in 1984 and encompasses 25 formerly separate towns and mining villages that had developed around collieries.
Hunter Valley Wine Country Tourism - Ph: 4990 0900 www.winecountry.com.au

 

 

Kurri Kurri

kurri-kurri3Located approximately 11 km from Cessnock, Kurri Kurri is an old coalmining town. Coal was discovered in 1856 but the pits began to close from the late 1950s when wine slowly supplanted coal as the core contributor to the regional economy. In 1972 an aluminium smelter was completed and is still a primary industry for local employment.
The town has over 40 murals showcasing the areas history, heritage and uniqueness. Visitors can come by bus or by car to see the magnificent murals and undertake a tour by a local guide.
Kurri Kurri Visitor Information Centre - Ph: 4936 1909 www.kurrikurri.com

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Maitland

maitland-3Maitland, in the Hunter Valley is only 30 minutes drive from the centre of wine country and offers an abundance of unique attractions, fine dining, shopping and accommodation.
Maintaining an interesting mix of heritage and contemporary elegance, Maitland has preserved its past while presenting the present in in its street scapes. Many buildings date from the early 1800’s. All of this in a relaxed environment with picturesque views.
Maitland has something for everyone: Tiger Moth joy flight, local nightlife, local produce, speciality wines, country hospitality, walking tours.
Maitland Visitor Information Centre - Ph: 4931 2800 www.maitlandhuntervalley.com.au
Maitland City Centre - Ph 4934 1981 www.maitlandcitycentre.com.au



 

Singleton

Singleton, only a few hours drive from Sydney, offers beautiful gardens, historic and cultural sites and boutique wineries but by contrast it also hosts heavy industry, huge mining operations and enormous power stations.
It has a relaxed life but continues to develop with grace. Singleton awaits you with a thriving community providing cafes and fine dining, wonderful shopping opportunities and historic attractions.
Singleton Visitor Information Centre - Ph: 6571 5888 www.singletontourism.com.au

 


Muswellbrook

Muswellbrook is a substantial and very attractive town of historic buildings and tree-lined streets situated beside the Hunter River, 257 km north of Sydney, 26 km south of Scone and 144 metres above sea-level. Muswellbrook is continually expanding due to the employment opportunities provided by the eight coalmines in the district.
Take a couple of hours a morning or a whole day to visit the thoroughbred horse studs, wineries, historic homesteads, mines and the town Art Gallery, or enjoy the town walk {approx 4.5 km long} passing many of the early and significant buildings of Muswellbrook.The towns Agricultural Show is held in April and the Spring Festival in Sept – Nov. The Muswellbrook Cup is held on Melbourne Cup Day.
Muswellbrook Visitor Information Centre - Ph: 6541 4050 www.muswellbrook.org.au


 


Denman

denman-street-sceneDenman is a small rural picturesque town with spectacular views of rich pastures spreading out from the banks of the Hunter and Goulbourn rivers. Denman is situated 276 km northwest of Sydney and 24 km southwest of Muswellbrook.
Denman is home to some of the best wine producing vineyards in the world including well-known Rosemount Estate, which was developed on the site of an original vineyard planted in the 1860’s. Spend a day exploring the delights of the wineries and take in some spectacular views. All wineries cater for visitors with picnic, BBQ or restaurant facilities.
Denman is well served by the wide range of B&B’s, country cottages and farm stays, these are complimented by a variety of restaurants and café to satisfy all tastes. Shopping for gifts and jewellery is also a delight.
 
 
What's On

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'What's On' in the Hunter Region of NSW

FEBRUARY 2012

Events in Lake Macquarie

Lake Macquarie Big Fish Bonanza
4th – 5th February - Game-fishing tournament. Lake Macquarie Game Fishing Club email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Music in the Podium
Every Friday evening, 6pm – 9pm - Free music concert series, Warners Bay Foreshore. Ph: Warners Bay Chamber of Commerce 0458 549 222 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
 


Events in Hunter Valley Wine Country
Visit www.winecountry.com.au for more details

11 February, 5pm-10pm Rod Stewart
Hope Estate - 2213 Broke Road Pokolbin
www.hopeestate.com.au

4 & 5 February, 2pm Indulge your senses – Shiraz & Chocolate Tasting
Wyndham Estate Winery, 700 Dalwood Rd, Branxton. $5 p.p. 02 4938 3444
www.wyndhamestate.com

18 February, 4pm-10pm IL DIVO
Hope Estate - 2213 Broke Road Pokolbin
www.hopeestate.com.au

 


Events in Maitland

17-19 Feb Annual Maitland Show
At Maitland Showgrounds with loads of special attractions and great show program including:
Rodeo - Friday 18th Feb at 6pm; Fireworks - Saturday evening of 19th at 9.15pm;
Championship Dog Show - All breeds to be judged at 9.00am on Saturday 19th Feb; Ashton Circus - Monster Trucks. www.maitlandshow.com.au

8 - 25 Feb Secret Bridesmaids' Business
Maitland Repertory Society, Repertory Playhouse, High St (Opp Town Hall), Maitland. Wednesday evening (8 Feb) Fri & Sat evening (10-25 Feb) at 8.00pm, Sun matinee (12 & 19) 2.00pm. Cost: Adults $20, Concession $15, Groups 10 + $15. Ph 02 4931 2800
www.maitlandrepertory.com

 

 

Events in Upper Hunter Country

Sun 6 February: Upper Hunter Fruit and Vegetable Festival
A fun day for the family. Fruit and vegetable displays and auction, market stalls, rides and entertainment. 12pm, Skellatar Park Race Track, Muswellbrook. Gold coin entry, for details including categories, stall holder enquiries call Les on 043 907 6489.


Events in Liverpool Plains

24 Feb: The Quirindi Akubra Cup Race Day
A great social event on the local calendar! The Quirindi Racecourse and the Quirindi Jockey Club feature different races each month with the two biggest races being the Akubra Quirindi Cup and G.A. Hill Lightning Handicap. Held in February each year, the 1600m Quirindi Cup is a $25,000 race which features many horses which have competed in the Walcha Cup a week prior. The G.A. Hill Lightning Handicap is a 1100 metre race which follows the Quirindi Cup.
The Quirindi racecourse is located on Wallabadah Road in Quirindi and is the show course of country races. Since 1946 the Quirindi Jockey Club has organised all the race meets with this 15 currently organised for each year. The racecourse is graded as a dead 4 track and features starts for 1000m races to 2000m races. For more info ph 0408 461 905.