Scone sits on the New England Highway in the Upper Hunter Valley. The district was opened up in the 1830s and it was one such pioneer settler, Hugh Cameron, who petitioned the Governor to name the area Scone, after the valley of Strathearn in Scotland, home of the ancient Abbey of Scone. Even though in 1837 the gazetted name was Invermein, it was later changed to Scone by order of the Colonial Secretary.

The township of Scone holds much historical interest. From the early days Bakewell's Paddock has been a popular recreation area. In the 1920s it came under an order for subdivision, a threat to a tradition and way of life. Mr. A. G. White of "Belltrees" saved Bakewell's Paddock as public space by purchasing the land for the township. The same A. G. White is the father of the late Australian Nobel Prize winning novelist, Patrick White. The White Park Gates stand at the entrance to Bakewell's Paddock as a tribute to his donation.

Scone School of Arts built in 1873 also holds a connection with literary fame. This centre for cultural life in the district hosted a lecture in 1895 by American novelist Mark Twain.

The Scone Railway Station of 1871 was the hub of activity at the turn of the century. It is now the quaint home to the town's Art Gallery and restaurant.

Detailed insight into the history of the region is informatively presented at the Upper Hunter Historical Society Museum.

Today, Scone is best known for its vineyards and horse studs. It is a short drive from the Lake Glenbawn National Park and Dam. It is also just south of Mount Wingen. 'Wingen' being the local Aboriginal word for 'fire', the mountain has been slowly smouldering above a burning seam of coal for the past 2,000 years.


Natural Attractions

Scone has an abundance of activities for all interests. Bushwalking, fishing, horse riding, and scenic drives are a few examples. As the gateway to the Upper Hunter Valley, Scone Shire boasts some of the most spectacular natural attractions in New South Wales. In particular, Lake Glenbawn, Burning Mountain, and the Barrington Tops are of notable interest. Lake Glenbawn has fishing facilities, lookout posts, sports facilities, picnic areas, walking trails and is the site of Glenbawn Dam and the State Recreation Area Trust. Burning Mountain is one of the most unusual geological attractions in Australia. Named due to its burning underground seam of coal and active smoking vents, it is a unique example of a naturally burning seam in the country.

The Barrington Tops Forest Drive encompasses 146 kilometres from Scone to Gloucester, and has a myriad of lookout points, picnic and camping sites, and forest walks to fascinate the tourist. Visit Wallabadah Rock, the second largest rock in Australia, at Murrurundi. Timor Caves to the north of Scone and Dingo Fence near the Moonan Outlook are well worth a visit.

Museums

Scone Historical Museum allows the visitor to experience life as it was lived by the pioneer citizens of Scone. Also on view are historic photographs of the area, Aboriginal artefacts and historic clothing. Originally the museum was the lockup in the early Law and Order Complex of Scone, and two restored cells - complete with deadbolts - may be visited in the museum building. Other displays include a steam engine, restored Main street, Sergeant's residence and Scads Court Theatre. The Museum of Rural Life at Lake Glenbawn can be visited on Sundays, public holidays, or by prior appointment. A stroll through historic St Lukes church grounds may also be of interest. The Scone Mare and Foal Sculpture, unveiled in 1982, highlights the strong links between the town and horsebreeding.

Other Attractions

Wine lovers can visit Reynolds Yarraman Vineyard, sit amongst the shady vines and taste the local vintages in the cool cellars. The Serenella Estate, near the Widden Valley, produces chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon wines which the public may taste in their cellars. Other Vineyards in the Upper Hunter include Arrowfield Wines Rosemount Estate and Cruickshank Callatoota Estate. The Civic, built in 1938, is one of the few Country cinemas left in New South Wales that retains its authentic atmosphere. Scone is known as the Horse Capital of Australia, and every year the Scone Horse Festival is held, and includes racing at Scone Race Club, polo matches and horse sales, tours of the local stud farms and much more for the avid horse lover.

0 of a possible 0 points from 0 votes