Scone is located two hours north of Newcastle on the New England Highway. It is know as the Horse Capital of Australia because it is surrounded by magnificent thoroughbred horse studs and is one of the most renowned nurseries of elite racehorse in the world.
Scone is also home to the national headquarters of the Australian Stock Horse Society; a museum and admin centre dedicated to Australia’s very own breed of horse, known as the breed for every need.
There’s always an event on at Scone’s White Park; which features an outdoor sand arena, grassed flats, dressage arenas, and a multi-disciplinary undercover equine arena, spanning 80 x 40 metres with seats for up to 2,864 spectators.
Not into horses? That’s fine! Check out the Hunter Warbirds Museum and experience living history. Hunter Warbirds is a premier aviation attraction and houses one of the biggest collections of historic aircraft and fighters in the country.
Or if you’d prefer to get outdoors, Scone is surrounded by lush bushland, as well as nearby state and national parks and is know as the gateway to the Barrington Tops. Scone Mountain is perfect for a hike and has a new mountain bike trail and the Washpools at Middle Brook are beautiful for a picnic and a dip.
Scone Horse Festival
Giddy up and plan a getaway to Scone, NSW – the Horse Capital of Australia – this May as the Warburton Estate Agents Scone Horse Festival returns for 10 unforgettable days!
Set in the heart of the Upper Hunter, the Scone Horse Festival is a vibrant mix of country charm, world-class horses and community celebration. Expect colourful parades, thrilling equine showcases, country racing, long lunches, behind-the-scenes stud tours and relaxed country nights – all wrapped up in the warm hospitality Scone is famous for. There will be many family-friends and free events! All the favourites are back in 2026 including the iconic Scone Equine Hospital Horse Festival Parade, Equine Extravaganza, Horses & High Tea, sheep dog trials, farrier demonstrations, the two-day Scone Racing Carnival and so much more!
Scone Literary Festival
Join us this March at the 2026 Patrick White Oration! We are pleased to announce that the Scone Literary Festival’s flagship event, the Patrick White Oration, will return in 2026, bringing a powerful evening of ideas, rich conversation and divine storytelling to the Upper Hunter.
Held on Saturday 7 March 2026, the Patrick White Oration will unfold in the evening amid the quiet grandeur and striking surrounds of the Scone Race Club. As the Festival’s flagship event, the Oration honours the legacy of Patrick White, Australia’s only Nobel Prize–winning author, and welcomes a nationally recognised voice to the Upper Hunter to explore literature, culture and the ideas shaping contemporary Australia.
Starting at 5:30pm, the evening will feature a keynote address followed by a Q&A, with time then to enjoy nibbles, connect with fellow book lovers and continue the conversation. We hope you join us for a memorable evening in one of regional NSW’s most welcoming towns!
Scone is a bustling regional town that prides itself on being open and friendly. Find out more about the stunning surrounds, accommodation and where to get the best coffee here. Check out their website, book tickets to the event, or follow the Scone Literary Festival on Facebook for more information.
RV Friendly Town
Scone received its ‘RV Friendly’ status in February 2017. For those people visiting the area, casual parking can be found behind Campbell’s Corner, on the corner of Liverpool and Kelly Street and behind Coles on Kingdon Street.
Short term parking, however, is located at Scone Golf Club, Aberdeen Street, for up to 24 hours. This is only available for self-contained vehicles and pets on leads are welcome. Both potable water and the dump point are located nearby, on the corner of Kingdon and Aberdeen Streets.
Explore Scone
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