Singleton

Heritage & culture 

One of the oldest towns in the Hunter region, Singleton boomed as a railway hub in the 1860s. Follow the interesting Singleton Heritage Walk to admire its historic churches, courthouse, railway station, bank and post office. Finish at the 1874 Council Chambers, now home to the Singleton Historical Museum. Take a scenic drive through the countryside to admire the many grand colonial homesteads that are still standing, a sign of the area’s aristocratic beginnings. 

Singleton Sundial, Singleton - Credit: Singleton Sundial

Military buffs will be fascinated by the Australian Army Infantry Museum. It houses an extensive collection of infantry memorabilia from Australian campaigns over the past 150 years and shares stories of the army’s unique customs and traditions. Check the time on the Singleton Sundial, a 30-tonne monolith by the river that was erected to celebrate the Bicentennial in 1988. Built from original convict hewn stone and weighing 30 tonnes, it’s the largest sundial in the Southern Hemisphere. 

The $4 million Singleton Arts and Cultural Centre opened in 2022, a vast, state-of-the-art space that houses the town’s art collection, rotating exhibitions and artist studios. It hosts frequent events and workshops, and the surrounding Townhead Park precinct has lots of green space, a bike track and playground. Don’t miss the Singleton Firelight Festival in May when the town centre lights up with roving performers, interactive art, music, food and wine. 

Singleton Arts and Cultural Centre, Singleton - Credit: Lindsay Moller Productions

Eat, drink, shop 

David Hook Wines is a boutique winery close to Singleton, with a beautiful stone cellar door surrounded by heritage chardonnay vines. Winemaker David has been creating small batches of Hunter classics since the 1980s and will take you on an educational journey through the vintages. Just over half an hour from town, Hollydene Estate has an impressive range of reds, whites and roses, and the on-site Vines restaurant specialises in rustic, country-style dining. 

Worn Out Wares is a one-stop shop. Inside this beautiful, eclectic space you’ll find a café serving lunch and dinner, a florist, homewares and regular workshops. Drop in for an Insta-worthy high tea in the floristry area – you can even bring a bottle of Hunter bubbles with you. 

Worn Out Wares, Singleton - Credit: Nikki To

Outdoor adventures 

North of Singleton, the pretty Lake St Clair is a local favourite. People flock there on sunny days for swimming, sailing, waterskiing, kayaking and camping. There are many picturesque picnic and barbecue spots, and the waters are regularly stocked with bass, perch and catfish for the keen fishers.  

Further north is Mount Royal National Park, part of the ancient Gondwana Rainforests of Australia and an ideal place for hiking, camping and wildlife spotting. Explore on four legs with Chapman Valley Horse Riding in the enchanting Howes Valley, surrounded by World Heritage national parks.  

Chapman Valley Horse Riding, Howes Valley - Credit: Chapman Valley Horse Riding

Getting there & where to stay 

Singleton is around 2.5-hour drive from Sydney. The closest airport is Newcastle, one hour away. The town is still a railway hub and you can catch regular trains from Sydney via Newcastle. Accommodation options range from basic campgrounds to pub rooms, motels, holiday cottages and farm stays.