Hunter Valley Attractions 
The Hunter Valley, the largest expanse of lowlands in the coastal regions of New South Wales, was discovered around 1819 and, with its fertile arable land and good grazing, was soon settled. The prosperity of the area depends on coal. The town's old houses and mansions have changed little since the 19th C. On the lower course of the Hunter River are a number of semi-derelict river ports.
History
Around 1804 the convict settlement of Coal River, near Newcastle, was established to work the rich deposits of coal under the green grazing land.
Before the construction of a steelworks in 1915 the export of coal was Newcastle's main source of income, and the area became known as the 'Ruhr of New South Wales'. Extensive opencast mining operations, still continuing and planned for the future, have increasingly eaten up the agricultural land.
History
Around 1804 the convict settlement of Coal River, near Newcastle, was established to work the rich deposits of coal under the green grazing land.
Before the construction of a steelworks in 1915 the export of coal was Newcastle's main source of income, and the area became known as the 'Ruhr of New South Wales'. Extensive opencast mining operations, still continuing and planned for the future, have increasingly eaten up the agricultural land.
Barrington Tops National Park
39,000ha.
The landscape of Barrington Tops National Park is dominated by the precipitous Barrington and Gloucester Tops (over 1500 m). A striking feature is the wide range of vegetation - subalpine plants on the plateau, subtropical rain forest in the valleys. Beautiful views; picturesque waterfalls; great numbers of birds. The 143 km drive along the Barrington Top Forest Drive is a memorable experience.
The landscape of Barrington Tops National Park is dominated by the precipitous Barrington and Gloucester Tops (over 1500 m). A striking feature is the wide range of vegetation - subalpine plants on the plateau, subtropical rain forest in the valleys. Beautiful views; picturesque waterfalls; great numbers of birds. The 143 km drive along the Barrington Top Forest Drive is a memorable experience.
Barrington Tops National Park
59 Church Street, Box 236
Gloucester, NSW 2422
Australia
59 Church Street, Box 236
Gloucester, NSW 2422
Australia
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Dungog, Australia
Dungog (pop. 2110) grew out of a farming settlement established about 1820 and a military post established in 1838 to combat bushranging. It is a good base for walking in the surrounding area and visiting Barrington Tops National Park.
Dungog Visitor Information Centre
Dowling and Brown Streets, Box 95
Dungog, NSW 2420
Australia
Dowling and Brown Streets, Box 95
Dungog, NSW 2420
Australia
Goulburn River National Park
70,000ha.
The central feature of this long, narrow park is the Goulburn River, which flows through it from Ulan in the west to Sandy Hollow in the east. In the upper Hunter Valley, to the west of Muswell Brook, is a rugged sandstone plateau with deeply indented valleys.
The park is particularly beautiful in spring, when the flowers are in blossom. There are walking trails along the Goulburn River.
The central feature of this long, narrow park is the Goulburn River, which flows through it from Ulan in the west to Sandy Hollow in the east. In the upper Hunter Valley, to the west of Muswell Brook, is a rugged sandstone plateau with deeply indented valleys.
The park is particularly beautiful in spring, when the flowers are in blossom. There are walking trails along the Goulburn River.
Goulburn River National Park
Merriwa-Mudgee Road
Merriwa, NSW 2329
Australia
Merriwa-Mudgee Road
Merriwa, NSW 2329
Australia
Merriwa, Australia
The little township of Merriwa (pop. 960) in the western Hunter region is noted for its many old buildings (churches, police station, courthouse, museum).
Merriwa Tourist Information Centre
Colonial Cottage
Corner Bettington and Bow Streets
Merriwa, NSW 2329
Australia
Colonial Cottage
Corner Bettington and Bow Streets
Merriwa, NSW 2329
Australia
Murrurundi, Australia
Murrurundi (pop. 980) is set in a lush valley in the Liverpool Ranges, in the north of the Hunter region. The area was first settled around 1820.
Murrurundi features handsome old buildings such as the White Hart Hotel (1842), courthouse, and St Joseph's Church (c 1860).
Murrurundi features handsome old buildings such as the White Hart Hotel (1842), courthouse, and St Joseph's Church (c 1860).
Murrurundi Shire Council
47 Mayne Street
Murrurundi, NSW 2338
Australia
47 Mayne Street
Murrurundi, NSW 2338
Australia
Scone, Australia
Scone (pop. 4300) is famed as a horse-breeding center.
It is reputed to be Australia's equivalent to the Kentucky Bluegrass region of the United States.
It is reputed to be Australia's equivalent to the Kentucky Bluegrass region of the United States.
