Singleton

Singleton sits on the banks of the Hunter River, a historic town that serves as the northern gateway to the Hunter Valley wine region. With its well-preserved 19th-century architecture, vibrant arts scene, and easy access to both vineyards and national parks, Singleton offers a quieter, more authentic slice of Hunter life than its flashier southern neighbours. Here you can explore convict-built bridges, browse local galleries, and soak up the relaxed pace of a true country town.

Highlights & What to See

• Singleton Heritage Walk — a self-guided stroll past grand Victorian buildings, including the courthouse, post office, and the historic Royal Hotel, with informative plaques detailing the town's convict and coal-mining past.
• Singleton Arts & Cultural Centre — a dynamic gallery and museum housed in a former convent, showcasing rotating exhibitions of local and Indigenous art, plus a permanent collection on the region's social history.
• Burning Mountain Nature Reserve — just 20 minutes north, this remarkable geological site features a coal seam that has been smouldering underground for thousands of years; a short walk leads to viewing platforms where you can see smoke rising from the earth.
• Hunter River Walk — a peaceful riverside path perfect for a morning jog or evening wander, with picnic tables and birdlife including pelicans and black swans.
• Singleton Military Museum — a small but fascinating tribute to Australia's military history, with artefacts from WWI to the present, run by passionate local volunteers.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors find that a full day is sufficient to explore Singleton's main attractions and soak up its character. Start with the Heritage Walk in the morning, then visit the Arts & Cultural Centre before lunch. After a meal at one of the town's classic pubs (the Royal Hotel is a favourite), drive out to Burning Mountain Nature Reserve for the afternoon. If you're using Singleton as a base, allow two nights to also explore nearby national parks and wineries at a relaxed pace.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Pokolbin — the heart of Hunter Valley wine country, 40 minutes south, with dozens of cellar doors, restaurants, and hot-air ballooning over the vineyards.
• Broke — a smaller, less crowded wine village with boutique wineries and a charming country store, about 30 minutes south-west.
• Wollemi National Park — a vast wilderness of sandstone cliffs and deep gorges, 45 minutes west, offering hiking, camping, and the chance to see the prehistoric Wollemi pine.
• Maitland — a historic river city with excellent museums, antique shopping, and the beautiful Maitland Regional Art Gallery, 30 minutes south.
• Barrington Tops National Park — a World Heritage-listed Gondwana rainforest with spectacular waterfalls and hiking trails, about an hour and a half north.

Please check official sources for current details.