In the Hunter Valley, Cessnock is 40km inland from Newcastle.
Cessnock's surrounding rural districts including much fertile farming land wity dairying, cattle raising and fodder-crop cultivation as the main activities. Vineyards are also common.
Hunter
The Hunter Valley is famous for its wine, its history and spectacular scenery.
On hearing the words 'Hunter Region' many people immediately think of wine. The region is New South Wales' premier wine growing district. The rich soils around the tiny settlement of Pokolbin in the fertile Hunter Valley have attracted winemakers since the earliest days of European settlement.
But the region is much more than vineyards. The Hunter is steeped in history with many of its towns distinguished by their 19th century elegance and charm.
State:
Average summer day temperature:
25.5°C
Average winter day temperature:
16.7°C
Average annual rainfall:
1143.8mm
Average clear days:
89.3
Cessnock
Gloucester
Hunter
Lake Macquarie
Bounded by Watagan mountains in the west and the ocean on the east, Lake Macquarie has a distinctly non-urban lifestyle.
Lazy days on beautiful Lake Macquarie, whose calm waters make it ideal for water sports.
Maitland
Maitland is located on the Hunter River just 32km inland from the large NSW City of Newcastle. The Maintland area was settled in the early 1800s because of its natural supply of timer, cedar in particular. Then the rich soils of the river valley made this an ideal area for farming. Coal mining started in the area in the late 19th century. The city of Maitland has many interesting historical buildings.
Broom Maker, Morpeth, Maitland.
Merriwa
Murrurundi
Established in the 1820's and 1830's, Murrurundi was the "end of the line" for the railway.
Murrurundi is nestled at the foot of the Liverpool Ranges and is at the top of the Hunter Valley, north of Muswellbrook, and 320 km north-west of Sydney.
Picturesque stream running through the centre of Murrurundi. The stream boasts a suspension bridge, connecting the two halves of the town.
Muswellbrook
Muswellbrook is located in the upper region of the Hunter Valley on the New England Highway. The local coal mining industry supplies the nearby Liddel power station. The main rural activities of the region are dairy farming, horse breeding, fodder and grain productionand fruit and vegetable growing. The reserves of Glenbawn Dam enable extensive crop irrigation to carried out all year round.
Segenhoe Stud farm, Scone near Muswellbrook.
Newcastle
Average summer day temperature: 25.5°C
Average winter day temperature: 16.7°C
Average annual rainfall: 1143.8mm
Average clear days: 89.3
Newcastle is Australia's second oldest city. As well as having a rich cultural heritage, it also boasts 10 surf beaches, picturesque parks, and restaurants which are becoming famous for their number and quality.
The city is only two hours drive north of Sydney, and is close to the wineries of the Hunter Valley.
As well as its great baches, Newcastle also has great art and cultural facilities.
Singleton
Average summer day temperature: 30.6°C
Average winter day temperature: 17.0°C
Average annual rainfall: 723.7mm
Average clear days: 70.8
Located in the world famous Hunter Valley wine region, Singleton has the advantages of country living while still within easy driving distance of Newcastle and Sydney. Singleton has National Parks, heritage walks, vineyards, art galleries, tea and coffee shops, and cattle and horse studs.