Muswellbrook is the biggest town in the Upper Hunter region of New South Wales. Just three hours’ drive from Sydney, this fine old town offers history, gourmet dining and scenic outdoor experiences to the many visitors it attracts every year.
Muswellbrook has been a coal mining town since the late 19th century and is also home to two coal-fuelled power stations. Other important industries include dairy farming and beef production, as well as horse breeding and growing fine wines.
Muswellbrook was founded in 1833 on the banks of the Hunter River on lands occupied by the Wonnarua and Kamilaroi peoples. There are still many handsome buildings dating back to this time and you can see some of them by walking along the 4.5km heritage walk.
The town is of course associated with the Hunter Valley, one of the world’s most respected wine regions. The large Hunter Valley wineries are only an hour’s drive away, but there are other gourmet treats even closer. Hunter Belle Cheese makes camembert, cheddar and stilton-style cheeses, while Pukara Estate makes olive oils of distinction.
Muswellbrook is also a great base for people looking for outdoor experiences. Within 1-2 hours’ drive you’ll find Burning Mountain with its bizarre naturally-burning coal seam, and World Heritage-listed Barrington Tops with its rainforest and wild rivers.
