Scone

Welcome to Scone, the self-proclaimed 'Horse Capital of Australia', nestled in the Upper Hunter Valley. This charming country town is a haven for equestrian enthusiasts and anyone seeking a taste of authentic rural life. With its wide streets, historic sandstone buildings, and a backdrop of rolling green hills, Scone offers a refreshing escape from the city. Whether you're here for the world-class horse studs, the lively racing calendar, or simply to soak up the tranquil countryside, Scone delivers a quintessentially Australian experience.

Highlights & What to See

• Horse Stud Tours: Visit renowned thoroughbred studs like Coolmore Australia and Arrowfield Stud, where champion racehorses are bred. Book ahead for a behind-the-scenes look at the stables and paddocks.
• Scone & Upper Hunter Horse Festival: If you're in town during May, don't miss this week-long celebration of all things equine, including parades, markets, and the iconic Scone Cup race day.
• Lake Glenbawn: A 20-minute drive east, this scenic reservoir is perfect for fishing, sailing, and picnicking against a backdrop of granite hills. The lake is a haven for waterbirds.
• Burning Mountain (Mount Wingen): A unique natural phenomenon – a coal seam that has been smouldering underground for thousands of years. A short walk leads to vents where you can feel the heat.
• Scone Historical Museum: Housed in a former railway station, this museum tells the story of the region's Indigenous heritage, early settlers, and the rise of the horse industry.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend one to two days in Scone. A single day allows time for a horse stud tour, a stroll through town, and a visit to Burning Mountain. For a more relaxed pace, stay overnight to explore Lake Glenbawn and enjoy a meal at one of the local pubs. If you're combining Scone with other Hunter Valley attractions, plan for at least a half-day stop – the drive from the Lower Hunter wine region takes about an hour.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Muswellbrook: Just 20 minutes south, this town offers art galleries, a heritage walk, and the delightful Lake Liddell recreation area.
• Hunter Valley Wine Country: The famous vineyards around Pokolbin, Cessnock, and Broke are an hour's drive south – perfect for a wine-tasting day trip.
• Barrington Tops National Park: A 90-minute drive east, this World Heritage-listed wilderness offers rainforest walks, waterfall hikes, and camping amid ancient Antarctic beech trees.
• Goulburn River National Park: About an hour west, this park features dramatic sandstone gorges, river swimming, and excellent birdwatching.
• Merriwa: A 40-minute drive northwest, this historic town is known for its wool industry and the annual Merriwa Festival of the Fleeces.

Please check official sources for current details.