Scone accommodation from AU$125

The first European in the area was Henry Danger in 1824, a surveyor who retreated after being confronted by the traditional owners of the land, the Wanaruah Aboriginal people. Based on his glowing reports of the lands, settlers made their way to the area and Scone was officially declared in 1837. Scone has emerged as a pastoral, agricultural and dairying shire, and is home to 5,000 people. It is also the horse capital of Australia and is a leader in the thoroughbred industry across the world!

With so many vineyards surrounding you, it’s practically impossible to come to Scone and not test them out. And don’t forget the cheese, olive oil and gourmet local produce. You can eat and drink your way around the region with a tour of the local wineries or by following the Upper Hunter Wine Trail. Just so you know, there are farmers markets and great restaurants in the area so you don’t have to stick to a wine and cheese diet all holiday long. For a different winery experience, James Estate offers a mountain bike trail and 4km ridge walk direct from their cellar. Lake Glenbawn State Park is another great spot to get out into the bushland and wildlife, as is the beautiful Barrington Tops National Park. You’ll also find Lake Liddell on the other side of Muswellbrook.

If art is more your thing then pay a visit to the Artemis of Aberdeen, a private art gallery housed in a 19th century church, or head to the Muswellbrook Regional Arts Centre. For moving arts, check out a movie at the Scone Civic Theatre, one of few remaining cinemas designed by Crick and Furse, two of the country’s most important cinema architects. Scone is full of historical buildings like this, and on a stroll around town you’ll come across other landmarks like the old gaol, Scone’s original courthouses and churches like St Luke’s, a red-brick building fashioned in an early English Gothic design.

So, how far do you have to travel to get to Scone? From Sydney it’s 283km north, 153km northwest of Newcastle along the New England Highway and 26km north of Muswellbrook.. With a bustling wine and food scene on its doorstep, beautiful Australian bushland and the best horses in the country, it’s well worth the trip. Book your Scone hotel with us today and you’ll see why it’s got more going for it than a cool name that makes people hungry for morning tea.!