Scone & Horse Country
Scone calls itself the Horse Capital of Australia and it has the numbers to back it: the Upper Hunter is one of the world's great thoroughbred breeding districts, second only to Kentucky. The drive up is all white post-and-rail fences, sweeping paddocks and mares with foals at foot.
In town
The Australian Rural Education Centre and the town's equine heritage displays tell the story of the district, and Scone's main street has good cafes and country pubs. The famous mare-and-foal statue is the obligatory photo.
Racing and the Horse Festival
Scone Race Club runs meetings through the year, with the Scone Cup carnival in May the biggest week on the local calendar. The Scone Horse Festival wraps the whole town around it — book accommodation early if you're coming for it.
The drive
Take the New England Highway through Aberdeen, or the quieter back roads via Gundy for green hills and creek crossings. Either way it's a lovely 45 minutes from Denman.
- Studs are working farms — admire from the road unless you've arranged a visit.
- Scone Cup week fills every room in the Upper Hunter; book far ahead.
- Combine Scone with Lake Glenbawn for a satisfying full-day loop.
North-east via Muswellbrook and Aberdeen on the New England Highway.
Base yourself in the village — our rooms are about ~45 min drive from here, with free parking at your door.
