DESTINATION: Scone

This Upper Hunter Valley town is the commercial centre for an area of beautiful country famous for its prosperous horse stud farms. Kentucky in the USA is the only horse-breeding region in the world larger than Scone Shire. The importance of horses to Scone is represented by Gabriel Sterk's statue Mare & Foal that stands in Elizabeth Park, at the northern end of town. The surrounding area is also renowned for dairying and other primary products.

Main Attractions

For those visitors interested in working horses try the Australian Stock Horse Museum located in Guernsey St. The museum is also the national headquarters for the Australian Stock Horse Society. The Historical Society Museum is housed in the original town gaol; there are still 2 old cells at the back of the building. The museum documents the local history and opens by appointment.

Nearby attractions

Burning Mountain is located on the New England Hwy, 20km north. Early settlers originally thought the mountain was a volcano after seeing smoke rising from it. The smoke is caused by a coal seam that has smouldered 30m underground for thousands of years.

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Region: Hunter

Country road winding, Gloucester Tops countryside, Barrington Tops National Park

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A scenic 2hr (180km) drive from Sydney, the Lower Hunter is one of Australia's premier wine-producing regions. The first vines were planted as far back as 1832 and medals for Hunter wines were won as early as 1882. Today, there are over 90 wineries, large and boutique, and many restaurants. Although only around 5% of Australia's wine comes from here, the Hunter is home to some of the most respected wineries, including Draytons, Lindemans, Tyrrells and Tulloch. While the region is bursting with natural beauty, seams of high quality coal are found throughout the valley. Coal mining has been a pillar of the local economy, although the current focus is on wine tourism. Maitland is a main centre for the region and has a rich heritage, being one of colonial Australia's most important towns. more

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Cnr Kelly and Susan sts, Ph: (02) 6545 1526

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