Fast facts
- Scone is known as the horse capital of Australia
- Nestled in the picturesque Upper Hunter
- 255 km north-west of Sydney, population 5,000
Why go there
Scone is a charming country town with a host of different attractions from magnificent national parks including World Heritage listed – Barrington Tops to Lake Glenbawn – the largest of the Upper Hunter waterways. It is known as the horse capital of Australia because there are more than 70 studs dotted around the shire. The regional thoroughbred industry is said to be second only to Kentucky in size and value.
History
Surveyor Henry Dangar was the first European in the area in 1824; his favourable report on the district resulted in a land grab by wealthy settlers.
The town of Scone was gazetted in 1837 and, in the early days, the area was renowned for its large pastoral properties including Belltrees and Segenhoe.
Things to do
- Visit Burning Mountain Nature Reserve 20 km north of Scone on the New England Highway. It has a burning coal seam thought to have been alight for more than 5,000 years.
- Hire a cabin or have a picnic at Lake Glenbawn. The lake stretches from the dam wall far back into the foothills of the Mt Royal Range.
Events
- The Scone and Upper Hunter Horse Festival in May is the town’s biggest event. It begins with a street parade, followed by a jam-packed two weeks of thoroughbred sales, art shows, rodeos, country fairs, family fun days, fireworks, campdrafts and The Scone Cup race carnival.
Don’t miss
- Visit a world-class thoroughbred stud - by appointment only.
- Take a tour of the Australian Stock Horse Museum.
- Taste some local wines at the Tourist Information Centre.
- Experience a great day of country racing at The Scone Cup.
- Explore the natural beauty of the nearby Barrington Tops National Park.
