Things To Do
in Singleton

Singleton, Australia is a historic town in the Hunter Valley, perched along the Hunter River in New South Wales. It serves as a gateway to the region's famed vineyards, scenic landscapes, and rural charm. The town blends heritage architecture with modern cafes, galleries, and markets that showcase local produce.

It's a compact base for exploring nearby wineries, national parks, and rural scenery on relaxed, easygoing days.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Singleton
morning
:

Arrive in Singleton and settle into your accommodation. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café, savoring regional specialties. Take a stroll around the town to familiarize yourself with its charming ambiance.

afternoon
:

Visit the Singleton Historical Society and Museum to delve into the local history. Explore the town's parks and gardens, taking in the natural beauty that surrounds you. Grab lunch at a popular eatery downtown, sampling fresh, local produce.

evening
:

Dine at a welcoming restaurant featuring Australian cuisine. Engage with the locals over dinner, learning about their experiences in Singleton. Afterward, enjoy a peaceful walk along the banks of the Hunter River, taking in the serene nighttime views.

day 2
Exploration of Hunter Valley
morning
:

Embark on a scenic drive to the nearby Hunter Valley, known for its stunning vineyards and wineries. Join a guided wine tour to learn about the wine-making process while tasting exquisite wines. Enjoy breakfast at a vineyard café, surrounded by picturesque landscapes.

afternoon
:

Spend the afternoon visiting various wineries and sampling local wines and cheeses. Participate in a wine blending workshop to create your own unique blend. Relax in the beautiful gardens of a winery before heading back to Singleton.

evening
:

Return to Singleton and have dinner at a rustic pub that offers hearty meals. Reflect on the day's experiences while enjoying the warm and welcoming atmosphere. If you're feeling adventurous, check for local live music events to cap off the evening.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-20
Coffee (café)$3-5
🚇Public transit fare (one-way)$2-4
🛏️Mid-range hotel (per night)$120-180
🧺Weekly groceries$60-120

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Gateway to acclaimed Hunter Valley wine country
  • Relaxed, friendly small-town atmosphere with easy access to nature
  • Smaller nightlife and fewer urban amenities than big cities
  • Winery-based tourism can be seasonal and weather-dependent

Places to Visit in Singleton

Visit one of these nice places.

Hunter River Foreshore, Singleton

Golden-hour river reflections, historic lampposts, and boat ramps provide classic town-and-river composition.

Singleton Heritage Precinct

Front façades and period architecture offer characterful urban photography opportunities.

Watagans National Park Lookouts

Sweeping views over forested escarpments and distant valleys ideal for landscape photography.

Pokolbin Scenic Outlooks (nearby)

Vineyard rows and valley views from lookout points along the wine route provide vibrant golden-hour shots.

Culinary Guide

Food in Singleton

Singleton’s cuisine centers on farm-to-table produce, local wines, and hearty Australian staples. You’ll find casual cafés, modern bistros, and winery restaurants that pair regional fare with Hunter Valley wines.

Singleton Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Damper with bush tomato relish

A traditional damper served with a tangy tomato relish, reflecting bush flavors commonly enjoyed in Australian country cooking.

Must-Try!

Beef and veggie pie

A comforting pie featuring local beef and seasonal vegetables, often enjoyed with a side of chips or mashed potato.

Lamb roast with native herbs

A regional specialty highlighting locally sourced lamb with herbs like thyme and rosemary.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Singleton Farmers Market

A local market featuring fresh produce, artisanal goods, and prepared foods from nearby growers and makers.

Hunter Valley Produce Market

A regional market offering seasonal fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and ready-to-eat snacks from the broader Hunter region.

Climate Guide

Weather

Singleton experiences a temperate climate with four distinct seasons: hot summers, mild autumns, cool winters, and fresh springs. Rainfall is more common in the shoulder seasons, with sunny days typical in summer and spring.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Friendly communication

Australians are informal but polite; greet with a friendly 'G'day' and a handshake. Be respectful in queueing and public spaces.

Dress and personal space

Smart-casual is typical for many venues; casual attire is common in pubs and cafés. Respect personal space and avoid loud conversations in quiet areas.

Conversation topics

Ask about local wines, regional produce, and outdoor activities; skirt sensitive topics and be open to small-town conversation.

Safety Guide

Safety

Common-sense safety applies: stay aware of traffic when walking near roads, protect yourself from sun and heat, and keep valuables secure in crowded venues. Wildlife like snakes and spiders can appear in rural areas; wear sturdy footwear and check footprints and paths during hikes. Always tell someone your plans when heading into more remote trails.

Tipping in Singleton

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is appreciated but not required in Australia. In restaurants, rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% for good service is common; in fine dining, 10-15% is typical if service charge isn’t included. At pubs and casual venues, tipping is discretionary.

Payment Methods

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, along with contactless payments. Cash is still usable but increasingly less common in urban centers; ATMs are plentiful in Singleton and nearby towns.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Warm to hot days with longer afternoons; stay hydrated, wear sun protection, and plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak heat.

Autumn

Milder temperatures and harvest season; pleasant for outdoor markets, vineyard strolls, and golden-hued landscapes.

Winter

Cool to mild days with crisp mornings; pack a jacket; cozy cafés and winery dining offer warm escapism.

Spring

Flowering landscapes and fresh produce; ideal for outdoor walks, photography, and wine-tasting events.

Nightlife Guide

Singleton at Night

Singleton’s nightlife revolves around friendly pubs, winery bars, and casual eateries. Expect relaxed atmospheres, live music on weekends, and opportunities to sample local wines and craft beers. For a more laid-back evening, many venues offer scenic views and comfortable outdoor seating.

Hiking in Singleton

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Watagans National Park – Various Trails

Dense forests, lookouts, and well-marked trails offering varying levels of difficulty.

Werakata National Park – Bushwalks

Green spaces with easier trails and opportunities to spot native wildlife.

Pokolbin Lookouts (nearby)

Scenic viewpoints along vineyard roads ideal for short hikes and photo stops.

Airports

How to reach Singleton by plane.

Newcastle Airport (Williamtown)

The closest major airport, with domestic and limited international flights; accessible by road from Singleton via the M1 and local connections.

Sydney Kingsford Smith International (SYD)

Australia’s largest international hub; 2–3 hours by car or rail to Singleton, with onward road transfer options.

Getting Around

Walkability

Singleton’s town center is compact and walkable, with a concentration of cafés, pubs, and heritage sites within a short stroll. For winery visits and nature excursions, a car is helpful, though guided tours and local taxis are available.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families

Many families reside in Singleton and the surrounding rural areas, attracted by schools and community facilities.

Wine enthusiasts

Visitors and locals drawn to the Hunter Valley wine region and winery tours.

Retirees

A portion of residents enjoying a quieter rural lifestyle with access to regional services.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Rugby league

Regional interest and local club matches are common in the Hunter region.

Cricket

Seasonal play and community cricket in parks and clubs.

Australian rules football

Interest in regional leagues and social games; commonly watched at pubs during season.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is typically light outside peak commuting hours. On weekends and during wine events, roads to nearby vineyards can see higher tourist traffic. Public transport options exist but a car provides the most flexibility for exploring the region.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Singleton.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are available in most cafés and pubs; ask for vegetable-forward mains, salads, and plant-based dishes. Wine pairings can complement vegetarian meals, and many venues can adapt dishes to suit dietary needs.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare is provided by local clinics and access to larger hospitals in nearby Maitland and Newcastle. For emergencies, dial emergency services and head to the nearest hospital. Pharmacies are common in town centers.

Discover Australia

Read more in our Australia 2025 Travel Guide.

Australia Travel Guide