Scone
,Scone is a small town located in the Hunter Region of New South Wales, Australia. It is known for its horse breeding and racing industry, with several prominent stud farms in the area. Scone is surrounded by picturesque countryside, including rolling hills and farmlands.
The town also offers a charming main street with cafes, shops, and historic buildings.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $80 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $5
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $70 - $120
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $40 - $80
Day plans
Spend a day exploring around
Explore Scone's Outback Trails
morning
:Start your day with a hearty breakfast at a local café. Then, head out for a morning hike to enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding hills.
afternoon
:Visit the Scone Heritage Walk to immerse yourself in the town's history. You can take a leisurely stroll and snap some photos of the heritage buildings.
evening
:Dine at a charming restaurant that offers Australian cuisine. Enjoy the relaxing atmosphere as you reflect on your day's adventures.
Scenic Views at Mount Dumaresq
morning
:After breakfast, drive to Mount Dumaresq for breathtaking views of the landscape. The cool morning air makes it perfect for walking around the lookout.
afternoon
:Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy it at one of the picturesque spots in the area. Spend some time exploring nearby walking trails.
evening
:Return to Scone and relax at a local bar with live music. Savor a cold drink while enjoying the vibrant local scene.
Highlights
Good
- Beautiful natural scenery, including nearby parks and mountains.
- Friendly community vibe with a small-town feel.
- Rich history and cultural heritage, with several local festivals.
- Access to outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and camping.
- Good local schools and services for families.
Bad
- Limited job opportunities compared to larger cities.
- Potential lack of amenities and entertainment options.
- Isolated location may require long travel for major city access.
- Variable climate which may not suit everyone's preference.
- Public transport options may be limited.
Outdoor Activities
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Bicycle Riding
Explore the scenic countryside and surrounding areas of Scone on a bike. There are various trails and paths suitable for different skill levels.
Horse Riding
Scone is known as the 'Horse Capital of Australia.' Enjoy horse riding through beautiful trails and experience local equestrian events.
Fishing
Visit nearby rivers and lakes for a relaxing fishing experience. Popular spots include the Hunter River and various local dams.
Picnicking
Enjoy a day out in one of Scone's many parks or natural reserves. Bring a picnic and relax surrounded by nature.
Bushwalking
Explore the numerous walking trails in the area, such as the Scone Nature Reserve or the nearby Barrington Tops National Park.
Wildlife Watching
Discover the local flora and fauna by going on a wildlife spotting adventure in the parks and reserves around Scone.
Camping
Set up camp in designated camping areas near Scone. Enjoy stargazing and the sounds of nature.
Wine Tasting
Visit local wineries in the Hunter Valley region, just a short drive from Scone, for wine tasting tours and outdoor vineyard experiences.
Adventures
Uncover the best of Scone with these unforgettable adventures.
Attractions
Visit one of these nice places.
Scone Lookout
A scenic viewpoint offering panoramic views of the surrounding Hunter Valley landscape, perfect for sunrise and sunset photography.
Brewery Park
A family-friendly park featuring beautiful gardens and walking paths, ideal for capturing vibrant nature shots and portraits.
Parker Street Lookout
A hidden gem that provides breathtaking views over Scone and the surrounding valleys, making it an excellent spot for landscape photography.
Barkly Street
This street features charming historical buildings and unique architecture, perfect for capturing classic Australian rural town vibes.
Scone Cultural Centre
A cultural hub showcasing local art and history, offering striking photo opportunities both inside and outside the venue.
Gordon Park
A picturesque park with a playground and picnic areas, great for candid family shots and nature photography.
Hunter River
The river offers stunning reflections and serene landscapes, best photographed during golden hour.
Cuisine
Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Scone Beef Pie
A savory pastry filled with tender local beef, onions, and a rich gravy, representing a classic Australian comfort food. Can be found at the Scone Bakery.
Must-Try!
Barramundi with Bush Tomato
A succulent barramundi fillet garnished with native bush tomato, offering a taste of Australian bush tucker. Available at the Horse & Jockey Hotel.
Macadamia Nut Pavlova
A luscious meringue dessert topped with whipped cream and fresh fruits, with locally sourced macadamia nuts adding a delightful crunch. Served at the Scone RSL Club.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Scone better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Scone Farmers' Market
Visit the Scone Farmers' Market to sample and purchase a variety of fresh local produce, artisanal goods, and homemade delicacies, offering an authentic taste of the region.
Friday Night Food Trucks
Experience the vibrant street food scene in Scone on Friday nights, where a range of food trucks gather to offer a diverse selection of international and local cuisines, creating a lively and bustling atmosphere in the town center.
Weather
How To Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greeting Etiquette
In Scone, as in much of Australia, a friendly smile and a casual 'G'day' is a common way to greet others. It's important to be warm and approachable, as Australians generally value informality.
Respect for Local Traditions
Be mindful of local Indigenous cultures and histories. Acknowledging the traditional owners of the land, such as the Gamilaroi people, shows respect for their heritage and contributions to the community.
Casual Dress Code
In Scone, the dress code is typically casual and relaxed. However, when attending events or gatherings, it's respectful to dress appropriately for the occasion without being overly formal.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Scone with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping & Payment
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping
In Scone, Australia, as in many parts of Australia, tipping is not a common practice and is generally not expected. Service charges are often included in the price of meals and services. However, patrons may choose to leave a small gratuity for exceptional service, typically rounding up the bill or leaving loose change, but this is entirely at the customer's discretion.
Payment
Payment practices in Scone align with those throughout Australia, where various payment methods are accepted. Cash is still used, but electronic payments via credit or debit cards, as well as mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay, are popular and widely accepted at most establishments. Many businesses also offer contactless payment options for convenience.
Best Activities
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Scone.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring (September to November)
Spring is a beautiful time to visit Scone as the flowers are in bloom and the weather is mild. Expect comfortable temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F), perfect for outdoor activities like horse riding and exploring the local countryside.
Summer (December to February)
Summer in Scone can be warm to hot, with temperatures often reaching above 30°C (86°F). This season is ideal for enjoying outdoor pursuits and events, but be prepared for occasional heatwaves. The area is lush and green, making it a picturesque time to visit.
Autumn (March to May)
Autumn is an excellent time to visit Scone, with cooler temperatures and beautiful autumn foliage. Daily highs range from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). The local wineries and farms are bustling during harvest, offering a taste of fresh produce and wine tours.
Winter (June to August)
Winter in Scone is cool, with temperatures ranging from 2°C to 15°C (36°F to 59°F). While it's not the peak tourist season, the calm and quiet atmosphere can be refreshing. It’s also a great time for cozy indoor activities and exploring local cultural attractions.
Nightlife
Hiking Spots Nearby
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Scone and Upper Hunter Valley
A beautiful region offering various walking trails, including scenic views of the valley and opportunities to explore the local flora and fauna.
Wellington Caves
This area features stunning limestone formations and offers hiking trails near the caves, providing an interesting geological exploration.
Barrington Tops National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage site with diverse ecosystems, offering numerous hiking tracks that range from easy walks to challenging hikes.
Goulburn River National Park
Offers peaceful walking trails along the river and through bushland, ideal for nature lovers and those looking for a quiet hike.
Mount Kosciuszko National Park
Although a bit further away, this park features Australia's highest peak, with well-maintained trails perfect for hiking and stunning views.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Scone through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports Nearby
How to reach Scone by plane.
Newcastle Airport (NTL)
The nearest major international airport, located approximately 115 km east of Scone. It offers domestic and limited international flights.
Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD)
Located about 250 km southeast of Scone, Sydney Airport is the busiest and largest airport in Australia, providing extensive international and domestic connections.
Brisbane Airport (BNE)
Situated approximately 450 km north of Scone, Brisbane Airport serves as a key international gateway, connecting to numerous international destinations.
Coffs Harbour Airport (CFS)
Located about 220 km northeast of Scone, Coffs Harbour offers regional flights and some international connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Australian-born
The majority of the population in Scone are Australian-born citizens.
English
A significant demographic of residents have English ancestry or were born in England.
Irish
This group includes individuals of Irish descent, contributing to the cultural fabric of Scone.
Scottish
Scottish ancestry is also represented among the population.
Italian
There is a notable community of Italian descent in Scone.
Other European
This includes residents from various other European countries.
Indigenous Australians
A presence of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the area.
Asian
A smaller demographic consisting of individuals from various Asian backgrounds.
The Soul of Scone
Discover the essence of Scone through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Rugby League
A popular team sport in Scone, particularly among the youth and adults, with local clubs and competitions.
Cricket
A traditional sport in Scone, played during the summer months with several local teams competing in regional leagues.
Netball
A widely played sport among women and girls in Scone, with various teams participating in local competitions.
Australian Rules Football
A growing sport in Scone, with local clubs fostering community participation at various levels.
Horse Racing
Scone is known for its equestrian culture, hosting several horse races throughout the year, making it a significant event for the community.
Athletics
Running, jumping, and throwing events are popular among schools and local athletic clubs, encouraging youth participation.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
Many local eateries in Scone offer vegetarian and vegan menu items, with fresh salads, plant-based burgers, and vegan-friendly desserts being readily available.
Gluten-Free Choices
Visitors with gluten intolerance can find a range of gluten-free dishes at restaurants and cafes in Scone, including gluten-free pastas, breads, and desserts to accommodate their dietary needs.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Scone with these cultural adventures.
