Singleton

Singleton, a historic town on the banks of the Hunter River, is the gateway to the Upper Hunter Valley. With its well-preserved 19th-century streetscape, vibrant arts scene, and easy access to world-class wineries, it offers a relaxed, authentic taste of rural New South Wales. Here, the pace slows down, and you can soak up the region’s pastoral beauty, heritage, and warm country hospitality.

Highlights & What to See

• Singleton Heritage Walk – Follow the self-guided trail past grand Victorian buildings, the 1880s courthouse, and the historic Royal Hotel, all steeped in gold-rush-era stories.
• Singleton Arts and Cultural Centre – A contemporary gallery showcasing local and touring exhibitions, plus a shop with regional crafts and produce.
• Lake St Clair – A peaceful spot for picnics, birdwatching, and kayaking, with walking trails through paperbark forests.
• Hunter Valley Wine Country – Explore boutique cellar doors like Piggs Peake Winery and Mount Pleasant, just a short drive south, for tastings of semillon and shiraz.
• Singleton Visitor Information Centre – Housed in a restored 1866 railway station, it offers maps and tips for self-drive itineraries.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors find a half-day to a full day sufficient to explore Singleton’s heritage core and a couple of nearby wineries. Pair it with a self-drive loop through the Upper Hunter, allowing two to three days to fully appreciate the region’s cellar doors, farm gates, and natural attractions.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Broke – A charming village with family-run wineries and a popular weekend market.
• Wollemi National Park – Rugged wilderness with the famous Wollemi Pine, accessible via 4WD tracks and bushwalks.
• Maitland – A historic river city with excellent museums, cafes, and the Morpeth heritage precinct.
• Newcastle – A coastal city with beaches, a revitalised harbour, and a thriving food scene, about an hour’s drive east.
• Port Stephens – Known for dolphin watching, sand dunes, and stunning coastline, a 90-minute drive from Singleton.

Please check official sources for current details.