Scone

Australian Stock Horse Museum: photographs and displays on stockhorse history, and the headquarters of the Australian Stock Horse Society; open Mon–Fri; Kelly St. Mare and Foal: life-size sculpture by Gabriel Sterk; Kelly St. Historical Society Museum: large collection of local photographs and household furniture and appliances in an old lock-up (1870); open 9.30am–2.30pm Wed, 2.30–4.30pm Sun; Kingdon St.

Moonan Flat This small town sits at the base of the Barrington Tops. It has a beautiful suspension bridge, a small post office and the Victoria Hotel (1856). The hotel was a Cobb & Co coach stop during the gold-rush era and was reputedly patronised by bushranger Captain Thunderbolt. It is small but friendly, and has accommodation and an adjoining restaurant. 50 km NE. For Barrington Tops National Park, see Gloucester.Lake Glenbawn: watersports, bass fishing, picnic, barbecue and camping facilities and a rural life museum; 15 km E. Burning Mountain: deep coal seam that has been smouldering for at least 5000 years. Take the 4.6 km track through the bush; 20 km N. Wineries: several offering cellar-door tastings; brochure from visitor centre. Tours: thoroughbred stud and sheep station; bookings at visitor centre. Trail rides: throughout area, and mustering opportunities for experienced riders; bookings at visitor centre.

Port Stephens 136 km

 Port Stephens is about 220 km north of Sydney and offers a mixed bag of quality species. In the estuaries, bream, flathead, mulloway and whiting dominate the catch while beach anglers do well on tailor, whiting and... Find out more

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Lithgow to Mudgee 169 km

Early settlers following in the footsteps of Blaxland, Wentworth and Lawson took three weeks of hard trudging to cross the majestic Blue Mountains. These days the drive from the Penrith plains in western Sydney takes... Find out more

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Hawkesbury-Nepean River 174 km

The Hawkesbury River is regarded as one of the most consistent waters for big mulloway, or jewfish as they are called. It was with mulloway in mind that I went to the river to fish with Colin Tannahill. The river flows... Find out more

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Botany Bay 217 km

Recently I fished a hot-water outlet alongside the Kurnell refinery pier in Botany Bay, a few hundred metres from a monument dedicated to Captain James Cook’s landing in Australia in April 1770. A year before,... Find out more

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Port Hacking 226 km

In my youth, bream was a species anglers sought to put food on the table. It was a ‘kill it and fillet’ favourite. Both yellowfin and black bream fought well, but the sedentary nature of bait fishing –... Find out more

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Lake Copeton 238 km

Lake Copeton has an excellent catchment area, fed by the Gwydir River and runoff from the New England Tablelands. The lake is about 46 km west of Inverell on the Gwydir Highway. Its dam wall was constructed primarily to... Find out more

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South-West Rocks 244 km

When it comes to popularity, there are two types of fishing destinations: those that are hot all the time and those that wax and wane depending on the season. South West Rocks is in the first category. For as long as I... Find out more

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Burning Mountain Nature Reserve 22 km

Forget global warming for a while and marvel at this coal seam, about 30 metres underground, that has been burning as hot as 1700°C for an estimated 5500 years. A 3.5-kilometre walk to the top of the mountain through... Find out more

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Barrington Tops National Park 63 km

Best known for its superb bushwalking among ancient Antarctic beech forest and rainforest that receives snow several times a year, this 83 403-hectare park is one of the highest spots on the Great Dividing Range and even... Find out more

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Kayaking, Newcastle to Port Macquarie 103 km

Barrington Outdoor Adventure Centre at Gloucester offers an exciting one-day tour down the Barrington River. Guides can tailor the trip for beginners or family groups, choosing a quieter part of the river where there are... Find out more

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Birdwatching near Newcastle 130 km

A reclaimed 45-hectare wetland area just 10 minutes drive from the centre of Newcastle has been Ramsar-listed and is an excellent spot to see up to 213 bird species, including more than 2000 pairs of breeding egrets. The... Find out more

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Wine-tasting - Mudgee 135 km

Mudgee is probably best known for its vineyards and wine, and there are a growing number of organic wineries, including Botobolar, Lowe Family Wines, Martins Hill and Thistle Hill. Broombee also has organic fruit and... Find out more

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Snorkelling and diving around Nelson Bay 141 km

Nelson Bay and surrounds offer some superb snorkelling and diving. Many locations are accessible by boat only, such as beautiful Broughton Island, but there are some exceptional shore dives and snorkelling – some... Find out more

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Picnicking in the Blue Mountains 170 km

Take a picnic up to the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden in Mount Tomah at any time of year and you will not be disappointed. At 1000 metres above sea level, it is usually cool in summer, brimming with flowers in spring,... Find out more

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Koala-spotting - Coonabarabran 174 km

Coonabarabran is home to one of the healthiest koala colonies in the state, and the solitary mammals are often seen in and around the town. Try the Porcupine Reserve and while there check out the view over the Liverpool... Find out more

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The Great North Walk 174 km

Although it links two of Australia’s most populated cities, Sydney and Newcastle, and passes through some beautiful bushland, the Great North Walk does not get the foot traffic you might expect. A 250-kilometre,... Find out more

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Bushwalking in and around Sydney 180 km

Surprisingly, Sydney does offer some superb bushwalking through secluded bushland. Aboriginal engraving and art sites are quite common, and many are not publicised, simply leaving you to discover them, appreciate them,... Find out more

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The Vintage Golf Club 88 km

Hunter Valley semillon, with its zesty aromas and flavours, is sometimes described by wine experts as ‘Australia’s wine gift to the world’. Its appeal also lies in its capacity to age well. The same... Find out more

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Pacific Dunes Golf Club 123 km

Advances in club and ball technology, aimed at helping players hit longer and straighter, have had a big effect on golf course architecture since the early 1990s. Many new developers have urged designers to stretch... Find out more

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Newcastle Golf Club 126 km

Long before American Tom Doak became the revered course designer he is today, he travelled the world playing and studying more than 800 courses. He made notes on every one, before compiling them into what he called ... Find out more

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Kooindah Waters Golf & Spa Resort 147 km

Throughout his playing career, Craig Parry has won tournaments around the world thanks to a mix of sound strategy, good ball-striking and a first-class short game. He brought those same key elements – golfing... Find out more

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Magenta Shores Golf & Country Club 153 km

There is something truly inspiring about a golf course – whatever the quality of its playing surfaces – that offers the smells and sounds of the ocean. This is perhaps what first persuaded the Scots to use... Find out more

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Terrey Hills Golf & Country Club 182 km

A golf course, by its very nature, is a living and constantly changing thing. A fine example of the way a course can grow and the effect this can have on its original design lies at Terrey Hills, about 40 minutes... Find out more

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Monash Country Club 185 km

The first few years after World War II were boom years for golf course construction in Sydney, particularly north of the harbour. The founding members of Monash Country Club – which is today located high in the... Find out more

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Castle Hill Country Club 186 km

Back in 1821, Irishman George Acres received a land grant and is understood to have planted Australia’s first citrus trees. He planted them on the land where the fairways of Castle Hill Country Club now weave... Find out more

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Pymble Golf Club 188 km

Pymble Golf Club has a rich history of nurturing some of the finest ball-strikers Australia has seen. The great Kel Nagle was the club’s resident professional for five years, and it was on the Pymble practice... Find out more

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Avondale GOLF CLUB 190 km

When 19th-hole conversation turns to discussing the best places to play golf in Sydney, one course often slips under the radar. Avondale Golf Club quite rightly ranks among the harbour city’s finest courses. Yet... Find out more

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Kerv Espresso Bar

Kerv Espresso Bar is a popular and funky cafe in the heart of Scone, serving excellent coffee and light meals in the bustling interior or slightly quieter courtyard. Enjoy a gourmet pie, Turkish bread, salad or the... Find out more

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The Larda

The Larda’s slick fit-out belies the building’s 1889 origins, but foodies continue to return for gourmet delicacies that are available to eat in or take away with you. The bulging deli cabinet displays... Find out more

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Billy Kwong 206 km

This up-market restaurant in Surry Hills claims to have been the first restaurant in New South Wales that chose to become carbon neutral. Owned and run by passionate advocate of sustainability and ethical eating Kylie... Find out more

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Green Gourmet 206 km

These totally vegan restaurants have fascinating dishes including mock fish, made from taro, mushroom steaks and desserts such as green tea moon cake.... Find out more

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Hunter Beer Company 95 km

Potters Brewery, as this microbrewery is also known, might seem like a rather odd addition to this convention-based accommodation complex, which is named after the historic beehive-shaped pottery kilns scattered around... Find out more

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Bluetongue Brewery 116 km

Set up in 2004 by a consortium of Hunter region identities, including wine man Bruce Tyrell and hotelier Ian Burford, Bluetongue Brewery soon established a significant regional market for its premium lager and alcoholic... Find out more

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Steel River Brewery 123 km

Every brewhouse has its own distinct personality – new ones are punched out in uniform fashion and pretty much look the same, but pre-loved ones tend to have a bit more character and, more often than not, a... Find out more

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Murray's Craft Brewing Company 133 km

But there’s a-nothing so lonesome, morbid or drear, Than to stand in the bar of a pub with no beer. So sang the late country singing legend Slim Dusty and, more importantly, the words of the famous song were penned... Find out more

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4 Pines Brewing Company 198 km

What do Margaret River and Manly have in common? Well, they both have popular surfing spots and craft breweries or, at least, they do now. The Mitchell family had seen the burgeoning Margaret River microbrewing scene... Find out more

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Tooheys Brewery 200 km

Tooheys remains the last of Sydney’s long-running mainstream breweries still currently operating. Founders James and John Toohey were cattle farmers before they entered the beer game, buying the Darling Brewery (it... Find out more

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Paddy's Brewery 202 km

There may be more unlikely venues for a craft brewery but, offhand, I can’t think of one. The Markets Hotel is a 24-hour pub opposite Sydney’s Flemington fresh produce market, where you’re more likely... Find out more

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The Little Brewing Company 202 km

Australia’s new breed of brewer can arrive at the craft by sometimes circuitous routes. For Warwick Little, that included 20 years as an ambulance officer, home brewing, a wine science course and a pair of... Find out more

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Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel 203 km

Sydney’s longest-running brew-pub is many things rolled into one fine watering hole – an institution for ale lovers, a tourist magnet and a haven for homesick Poms. The historic sandstone pub is as comfy as a... Find out more

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Lake Glenbawn camping area (caravan park) 13 km

This lake is camping paradise – you'll find everything you could possibly ask for here. The caravan park is on the western foreshore, near the tennis courts and golf course. There are tent sites as well, but the... Find out more

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Lake Glenbawn camping area 15 km

The main camping area for Lake Glenbawn State Park is on the lake's eastern shore. There are also bungalows and cabins, a boat ramp, children's playground, and even archery. Other activities include canoeing, fishing,... Find out more

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Washpools camping area 18 km

This secluded camping area is spacious, well shaded and good for families. You’ll need to cross Middlebrook Creek to get here – there’s a concrete causeway to make things easier, but flooding may occur... Find out more

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Lake Liddell Recreation Area camping area 35 km

On a practical level, 1133 ha Lake Liddell supplies cooling water to 2 nearby power stations; on a recreational level, it’s a haven for watersports, birding, canoeing, boating, walking and fishing. It’s... Find out more

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Belmadar camping area 38 km

This comfortable camping ground is located in the picturesque town of Moonan Flat, on the Hunter River 50 km north-east from Scone. You can while away the hours fishing and swimming, and in the afternoon pop into the... Find out more

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Moonan Brook Forestry Cottage 41 km

This former 1800s schoolhouse in Moonan Brook, 3 km east of Moonan Flat, has been transformed into a comfortable cottage and bunkhouse sleeping up to 25 people. If your group is larger, there’s space for tents in... Find out more

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Youngville camping area 44 km

On Mt Royal Rd, this camping area has 4WD dry-weather access only. From here, you can take the 5 km return hike down to Carrow Brook. If you’re traveling north from Singleton, turn right off the New England Hwy... Find out more

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Horse Swamp camping area 51 km

This secluded site is tucked away 150 m to the south of Polblue Falls picnic area and Polblue Falls walk. Access is off Tubrabucca Rd, 2.3 km north-east of Barrington Tops Forest Rd. Bring your own firewood, stove and... Find out more

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Lake St Clair camping area 51 km

Nestled in the foothills of Mt Royal National Park, 25 km north of Singleton, picturesque Lake St Clair is up to 16 km long and has a storage capacity of 283 megalitres – almost half that of Sydney Harbour.... Find out more

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Polblue camping area 54 km

A late-afternoon or early-morning walk around the high-altitude swamp amid soaring snow gums is an experience that will remain with you long after you leave this spacious campground. It’s along Barrington Tops... Find out more

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Lake Glenbawn State Park 13 km

The park is 14 km from Scone or easily accessible from Aberdeen. The powered sites do not front the lake but there are unpowered sites available with lake frontage. This is a popular fishing spot where anglers catch... Find out more

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Pinaroo Leisure Park 26 km

Conveniently located alongside the highway just 3.5 km south of the town centre, this park is well laid out with a relaxing pool. It is ideal for an overnight stop or a longer visit to this Upper Hunter region.... Find out more

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Pages River Caravan Park 33 km

On the northern edge of town, this small neatly maintained park is easily accessible from the New England Highway and is ideal for an overnight stay at an attractive price.... Find out more

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BIG4 Valley Vineyard Tourist Park 97 km

This is the best-located park for exploring the Hunter Valley wineries. Just 3 km from the centre of Cessnock, the park offers good facilities including a Thai restaurant.... Find out more

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Austin Tourist Park 104 km

This large park just 4 km from the town centre offers a range of facilities. A minimum booking period of 14 days applies during the country music festival. Bookings are also required at other peak times. Small dogs only... Find out more

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Paradise Caravan Park 106 km

The park is within walking distance from the centre of Tamworth and is extremely popular during the country music festival. Bookings are required at peak times, however bookings are not accepted during the month of... Find out more

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Kootingal Kourt Caravan Park 113 km

Conveniently located alongside the New England Highway, this tidy park is ideal for an overnight stop. It is also a good base for those attending the Tamworth Country Music Festival during January, when a booking is... Find out more

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Bellhaven Caravan Park 115 km

With good access to the Pacific Highway, this basic park has grassy drive-through sites ideal for an overnight stop. The town centre is only a short drive away. Bookings are recommended all year round.... Find out more

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Australian Motor Homes Tourist Park 115 km

This park is designed for big rigs. Located alongside the Pacific Highway, west of Karuah, it is a great place for an overnight stay and popular with groups on weekends. The owners also operate a commercial fish farm,... Find out more

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BIG4 Karuah Jetty Village 123 km

Located in a quiet position a short distance from the Pacific Highway, this park has very good amenities and looks across the northern arm of Port Stephens. There is a long jetty, good for fishing, and a limited number... Find out more

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Belltrees Country House

Belltrees is a working ranch producing some of Australia’s best polo ponies and offering a delightful array of accommodation options. There are two guest rooms at the main Georgian-style guesthouse and a selection... Find out more

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Segenhoe View B&B

Segenhoe View is a charming, purpose-built B&B offering two guest rooms to a maximum of four adults for a tranquil stay among the patchwork hills of Scone. Both guest rooms are decorated in French Provincial style,... Find out more

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Strathearn Park Lodge

Strathearn Park Lodge is an elegant guesthouse surrounded by home-grown lavender (even the guest suite linen is dried on lavender bushes to infuse them with their fragrance). The guest suites here are warm, inviting and... Find out more

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Banjo’s Bushland Retreat, Vacy 82 km

With three self-contained lodges of various sizes and a recreation room that includes an environmental centre, this eco-accredited resort keeps nature as its focus. Even the nine-hole minigolf course weaves around the... Find out more

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Somewhere Unique, Wollombi 102 km

The two stand-alone, couples-only cottages here are stylish, contemporary and have passive solar design. They are eco-accredited, on an 8-hectare bushland reserve, and use only renewable energy and Greenfleet vehicles.... Find out more

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Australia Walkabout Park, Calga 156 km

You can camp out with the 180 species of wild animal in this 32-hectare feral-proofed wildlife park that has a solid history of conservation and caring for injured and orphaned wildlife. The overnight camping experience... Find out more

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Wollemi Wilderness Retreat, Bilpin 167 km

These unusual self-contained cabins of various sizes feature passive solar design and are mainly constructed from recycled and salvaged materials. Although not high-class, they all have a spa and are in isolated bush... Find out more

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Dargan Springs Mountain Lodge, Clarence 170 km

At the soft end of ecotourism, this pleasant lodge and wellness retreat has advanced eco-certification. It is surrounded by a mountain ash forest dotted with waratahs, the habitat of wombats and wallabies. With a maximum... Find out more

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Clonturkle Sanctuary 183 km

Join the experiment in sustainable living and tourism at Clonturkle Earth Hamlet and Forest Sanctuary. Located at Yetholme, there are four cabins set on 240 hectares of mostly eucalypt forest, with 15 kilometres of... Find out more

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Jemby-Rinjah Eco Lodge, Blackheath 185 km

One of the first working examples of large-scale sustainable tourism to exist in Australia, Jemby-Rinjah has advanced eco-accreditation, and one of the most extensive systems of composting toilets in the country. Ten... Find out more

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Woolshed Cabins, near Blackheath 185 km

Eleven kilometres from Blackheath and surrounded by a glorious natural amphitheatre of towering sandstone walls, the Woolshed Cabins sit on 100 hectares of cleared farmland (a working cattle farm) in the Kanimbla Valley,... Find out more

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Kanimbla View, Blackheath 186 km

Solar-powered, the two- and three-bedroom cottages here are surprisingly large inside. They are partially constructed from recycled and salvaged timbers, have composting toilets and a great view of the Kanimbla Valley... Find out more

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Old Leura Dairy 190 km

This creative collection of six buildings, which can sleep up to 30 people in various combinations, has been renovated and fitted out with all manner of recycled bits and bobs. There are old oven doors, rusted corrugated... Find out more

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Scone Park Area 1 km

At the information centre Parking area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S32 03.401 E150 52.174... Find out more

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Aberdeen Park Area 12 km

North side of town Small parking area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S32 09.641 E150 53.343... Find out more

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Burning Mountain Rest Area 22 km

24 km N of Scone (R) or 108 km S of Tamworth (L) Large grassed area well off the highway. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S31 51.383 E150 54.016... Find out more

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Muswellbrook North Park Area 22 km

2 km N of Muswellbrook (R) or 23 km S of Scone (L) Small area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S32 14.858 E150 53.764... Find out more

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Blandford Park Area 30 km

North end of town Small parking area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S31 46.675 E150 53.547 ... Find out more

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Wallabadah Rest Area 57 km

North end of town Large area by Quirindi Creek behind the Memorial Gardens. Good facilities and shade. NOTE: Toilets close at 5:00 pm. GPS: S31 32.169 E150 49.906... Find out more

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Teamsters Rest Camp Area 58 km

T/O 82 km N of Scone (R) or 5 km E of Tamworth to Nundle (L) Secluded area by the creek 14 km south of Nundle via Crawney Road. Good shade. NOTE: Part unsealed access. GPS: S31 33.399 E151 03.390... Find out more

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Singleton North Rest Area 58 km

6 km NW of Singleton (R) or 43 km SE of Muswellbrook (L) Small area just off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S32 31.437 E151 07.945 ... Find out more

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Singleton Park Area 65 km

South side of town Small parking area just off the highway. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S32 34.321 E151 10.852... Find out more

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Sheba Dams Camp Area 69 km

T/O 82 km N of Scone (R) or 5 km E of Tamworth to Nundle (L) Large secluded area on the shore of the dam 11 kilometres east of Nundle via Hanging Rock Road. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S31 29.890 E151 11.843 ... Find out more

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Swamp Creek Camp Area 73 km

T/O 82 km N of Scone (R) or 5 km E of Tamworth to Nundle (L) Grassed area on the riverbank 4 kilometres north of Nundle via Hanging Rock Road. Good facilities. Limited shade. NOTE: Access part unsealed. GPS: S31... Find out more

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Golden Highway Junction Rest Area 74 km

36 km NW of Maitland (L) or 11 km SE of Singleton (R) Small area just off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S32 38.553 E151 14.005  ... Find out more

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Ponderosa Park Camp Area 75 km

T/O 82 km N of Scone (R) or 5 km E of Tamworth to Nundle (L) Large camp area in the forest 17 kilometres east of Nundle via Hanging Rock Road. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S31 27.817 E151 15.433  ... Find out more

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Pothana Lane Rest Area 78 km

30 km NW of Maitland (L) or 17 km SE of Singleton (R) Small area just off the highway via the old road. Limited shade. GPS: S32 39.433 E151 17.667  ... Find out more

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Bowling Alley Point Camp Area 80 km

T/O 82 km N of Scone (R) or 5 km E of Tamworth to Nundle (L) Large area on the shores of the reservoir 14 kilometres north of Nundle. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S31 21.669 E151 08.186 ... Find out more

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Tamworth Park Area 105 km

East side of town Small parking area just off the highway. Good facilities. GPS: S31 06.528 E150 57.245... Find out more

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Airport Rest Area 108 km

9 km W of Tamworth (R) or 70 km E of Gunnedah (L) Large open area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S31 04.670 E150 51.042... Find out more

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Medowie Road Rest Area 114 km

58 km S of Bulahdelah (L) southbound only Small area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. GPS: S32 40.225 E151 50.113... Find out more

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Twelve Mile Hill Rest Area 114 km

15 km N of Raymond Terrace (L) northbound only Large area just off the highway. Good facilities. GPS: S32 39.744 E151 50.559... Find out more

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Station Creek Rest Area 131 km

42 km N of Raymond Terrace (L) northbound only Large area just off the highway. GPS: S32 36.535 E152 05.746  ... Find out more

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Tia River Rest Area 132 km

128 km NW of Wauchope (L) or 36 km SE of Walcha (R) Small area adjacent to the highway. GPS: S31 11.271 E151 49.858... Find out more

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Woolbrook Rest Area 133 km

T/O 30 km W of Walcha (R) or 20 km E of Bendemeer (L) Large grassed area 1 kilometre off the highway on the riverbank. Limited shade. GPS: S30 55.010 E151 18.988  ... Find out more

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Bendemeer Park Area 133 km

On the road into town Parking area just off the highway at the Memorial Park. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S30 52.762 E151 09.459  ... Find out more

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Nerong Waterholes Rest Area 133 km

54 km N of Raymond Terrace (L) northbound only Large area just off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S32 32.904 E152 09.206  ... Find out more

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Browns Flat Rest Area 133 km

20 km S of Bulahdelah (L) southbound only Large area just off the highway. Good facilities. GPS: S32 33.335 E152 08.982  ... Find out more

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Bulahdelah Rest Area 133 km

2 km N of Bulahdelah (R) or 70 km S of Taree (L) Small area just off the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S32 23.506 E152 13.310   ... Find out more

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Tia Falls Camp Area 135 km

T/O 129 km NW of Wauchope (R) or 35 km SE of Walcha (L) Small, secluded campground located 6 kilometres north of the highway in a pleasant forest setting near the falls in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. Good... Find out more

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Walcha East Rest Area 137 km

159 km NW of Wauchope (R) or 5 km SE of Walcha (L) Large open area just off the highway. GPS: S31 00.477 E151 38.171  ... Find out more

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Red Bank Rest Area 137 km

63 km W of Tamworth (R) or 13 km E of Gunnedah (L) Large area adjacent to the highway on the banks of a small creek. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S30 59.40 E150 22.40... Find out more

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Meridian Rest Area 137 km

27 km SW of Gunnedah (R) or 79 km NE of Coonabarabran (L) Large area adjacent to the highway. GPS: S31 03.809 E150 00.00 ... Find out more

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