Explore Your Way

Travelling with the kids? From giant playgrounds and outdoor adventures to art, animals and fascinating local history, there’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained in the Singleton Hunter Valley.

1. Start your adventure at Townhead Park

 Make Singleton Visitor Information Centre your first stop and pick up maps, local tips and ideas to help plan your day. Grab a coffee or bite to eat while the kids burn off some energy at Townhead Park, with a playground and bike track right outside.

2. Get creative at Singleton Arts + Cultural Centre

Right next door, step inside Singleton Arts & Cultural Centre and explore its changing program of exhibitions. Keep an eye on the calendar for family-friendly activities and workshops too, with special creative programs regularly offered during the school holidays.

3. Put Singleton's playgrounds to the test

There’s no shortage of places to play. Visit the Singleton Sundial before heading to the Rose Point Park All Abilities Playground, designed so children of different ages and abilities can join the fun. Then make your way to Riverside Park, where towering play structures, rope bridges and giant slides are ready to be conquered.

4. Step back in time

Give the kids a glimpse into Singleton’s past at the Singleton Historical Museum in historic Burdekin Park. Housed in the former Council Chambers, originally built as a jail in 1874, the museum is a great starting point for discovering the people and stories that have shaped the town.

5. Discover Australia's military history

For curious kids and military enthusiasts, Australian Army Infantry Museum brings more than a century of Australian infantry history to life. Explore displays covering conflicts and peacekeeping missions from the late 1800s to Afghanistan, along with military equipment and artefacts. Check opening days before visiting.

6. Spend a day by the water at Lake St Clair

Pack the picnic, swimmers and fishing gear and head around 30 minutes out of town to Lake St Clair. Families can spend the day picnicking, fishing and enjoying the water, with barbecues and a children’s playground among the facilities. Make a weekend of it by pitching a tent or bringing the caravan — camping and day trip bookings are essential.

7. Meet the country locals in Broke Fordwich

Take a scenic drive to Broke Fordwich and discover the quieter side of Hunter Valley Wine Country. The area offers plenty beyond the cellar door, including nature experiences, walking and cycling, art and sculpture, and farm experiences. Families can even meet alpacas, donkeys and other four-legged locals at farm stays in the area.

8. Head outdoors for your next adventure

Finish your family escape by exploring the spectacular landscapes surrounding Singleton. The region is a gateway to National Parks and State Forests where families can discover walking trails, lookouts and peaceful picnic spots. Choose an adventure to suit your family and always check current park conditions before setting out.

Take your Singleton Hunter Valley escape beyond the cellar door and discover a region made for adventure. Soar above vineyards, jump from a plane, explore World Heritage-listed wilderness or take to the water — there are plenty of ways to experience the Singleton Hunter Valley from a whole new perspective.

1. Rise above the vines in a hot air balloon

Start your adventure before sunrise and watch the Hunter Valley wake up from above. Float over patchworks of vineyards and rolling countryside on a hot air balloon flight, taking in a perspective of wine country you simply can’t get from the road. A number of operators offer sunrise flights across the Singleton Hunter Valley.

2. Take the ultimate leap over Singleton

Ready to turn up the adrenaline? Take to the skies with SKYONE Hunter Valley at Elderslie for a tandem skydive over the Hunter Valley countryside. It’s an unforgettable way to take in the region — first at freefall speed and then under canopy as you float back towards earth.

3. Explore Around Hermitage on two wheels

Swap four wheels for two and explore the Around Hermitage precinct at your own pace. Hermitage Road features a dedicated cycleway connecting you with the surrounding wine country, making cycling a great way to take in the scenery. Hire an electric bike, follow the trail and stop along the way to discover cellar doors, local food and other experiences dotted throughout the precinct.

4. Saddle up for a Hunter Valley adventure

Experience wine country from horseback with Hunter Valley Horses on Hermitage Road. Horse riding offers another way to slow down, get outdoors and take in the rural landscapes of the Hunter Valley. For those wanting to venture further afield, Chapman Valley Horse Riding at Howes Valley offers another country riding experience.

5. Make a splash at Lake St Clair

Around 30 minutes from Singleton, Lake St Clair is the region’s playground on the water. Bring the boat, fishing gear or water skis and spend the day exploring this picturesque lake at the foothills of Mount Royal National Park. Stay longer and camp by the water, with powered and unpowered camping, a boat ramp, barbecues and other facilities available.

6. Escape into Mount Royal National Park

Continue beyond Lake St Clair into the World Heritage-listed Mount Royal National Park. Explore the park by car or on foot, stop at secluded picnic spots or spend the night surrounded by bushland at Youngville campground. Make sure to check for closure or local alerts before setting out.

7. Take the adventure off-road

For those who like their adventures a little rougher, Yengo National Park, accessed from the Broke Fordwich side of the Valley, also offers remote trails for mountain biking and 4WD touring. The Big Yango loop trail is one option for exploring deeper into the landscape, while other trails wind through open forest and remote valleys. Some areas require permits or suitable vehicles, and conditions can change quickly, so check NSW National Parks alerts before heading out.

8. Hit the mountain bike trails in Singleton

Bring your bike and put your skills to the test on Singleton’s mountain bike trails. Head to Maison Dieu MTB Park for purpose-built riding close to town, or explore Pioneer MTB Park at Hunterview, where a network of cross-country trails ranges from easier green sections through to technical black and double-black runs. Pioneer offers around 8km of mapped mountain bike trails, with climbs, singletrack and downhill sections to tackle.

9. Take your picnic to new heights

The Picnic in the Sky experience flies over wine country, the Brokenback Range and Broke before landing at a secluded rock formation above Kawal Rock Distillery for a gourmet picnic surrounded by incredible Hunter Valley views. It’s an adults-only experience and bookings are essential.

10. Chase the view

Sometimes the best adventures are the simplest. Pack a picnic, lace up your walking shoes and seek out some of the region’s best vantage points. Close to Singleton, Apex Heuston Lookout sits around 60 metres above the Hunter River and connects to walking trails, while further afield Finchley lookout delivers expansive views across the wilderness of Yengo National Park.

Treat yourself to a relaxed shopping experience in the Singleton Hunter Valley. Discover unique treasures and enjoy boutique browsing without the crowds. With award-winning playgrounds, history and heritage in the heart of town, plenty of places to eat and wine-country discoveries just a short drive away, it’s a great day out for everyone.

1. Start with a little local inspiration

Begin at Singleton Visitor Information Centre in the Townhead Park precinct, where local experts can help you plan your day. Browse locally made goods including candles, sweets, skincare, giftware and local produce, then grab a coffee or bite to eat while the kids stretch their legs at the playground and bike track outside.

2. Add a little art to your day

Before hitting the shops, step next door to Singleton Arts + Cultural Centre. Wander through its changing program of exhibitions and discover works by local and visiting artists — an inspiring addition to your day in Singleton.

3. Browse your way along George Street

Take a leisurely wander along George Street, where shopping comes with a side of country-town charm. Browse for homewares, gifts and fresh flowers, stop for a coffee or something delicious, and take time to admire the surrounding heritage buildings. Historic Burdekin Park is also nearby, making it easy to mix shopping with a little local history.

4. Discover John Street

Continue to the John Street precinct, where independent boutiques make browsing part of the experience. Hunt for fashion, accessories, eclectic homewares, gifts and fresh blooms, then duck into Singleton’s shopping centres for even more stores and everyday favourites. It’s an easy precinct to explore at your own pace and discover something you weren’t necessarily looking for.

5. Stop, refuel and stay awhile

All that browsing calls for a break. Settle into one of Singleton’s cafés for coffee and something freshly baked, linger over lunch or find a warm country welcome at one of the town’s pubs. With cafés, bakeries, restaurants and pubs dotted throughout George and John streets and the surrounding town centre, there are plenty of opportunities to turn a shopping trip into a leisurely day out.

6. Make time for the whole family

Shopping with the kids in tow? Break up the browsing with some outdoor fun. Stop by the Singleton Sundial, explore the town’s history and heritage, or let the kids loose at Rose Point Park All Abilities Playground or Riverside Park. It means there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained while you explore the town.

7. Take your treasure hunt into wine country

Extend your shopping adventure beyond town and follow the Broke Fordwich Wine Trail or Around Hermitage Wine and Food Trail. Stock up on award-winning Hunter Valley wines, seek out local produce and gourmet treats, and discover the boutique cellar doors and artisan experiences that give each pocket of wine country its own character. Around Hermitage can even be explored by bike, while Broke Fordwich offers a quieter route through boutique wine country.

8. Stay for the food, wine and experiences

There’s no need to rush home once the shopping bags are full. Across Broke Fordwich and Around Hermitage, culinary discoveries stretch well beyond the grape, with restaurants, breweries, distilleries, cooking and tasting experiences adding another dimension to your escape. Stay for lunch or dinner, book an experience or make a weekend of it and discover even more of the Singleton Hunter Valley.

Follow the stories of the Singleton Hunter Valley through ancient cultural landscapes, historic villages, grand old buildings and museums filled with treasures from the past. From the living culture of the Wanaruah, Wonnarua People to early European settlement, military history and almost two centuries of winemaking, there’s history around every corner.

1. Begin with the stories of Singleton

Start at Singleton Visitor Information Centre in the Townhead Park precinct, where local experts can help you uncover the region’s history and point you towards heritage sites, historic villages and places to explore. Pick up maps and visitor information before setting out to discover the stories that have shaped Singleton. Make sure to visit Matilda the Tank before heading off to explore.

2. Step back in time at Singleton Historical Museum

Head to historic Burdekin Park and discover the stories of Singleton at Singleton Historical Museum. The museum is housed in the former Council Chambers, a Georgian-style building constructed in 1874 and originally used as a jail. Inside, an eclectic collection including a horse-drawn ambulance, furniture, farm machinery and everyday household objects offers a fascinating window into life in Singleton through the generations.

3. Follow the Singleton Heritage Walk

Take to the streets and discover Singleton’s architectural history on foot. The Singleton Heritage Walk guides you past historic buildings and landmarks around the town centre, offering a closer look at the architecture and places that tell the story of Singleton’s development. Take your time exploring George Street, Burdekin Park and the surrounding historic streetscape.

4. Explore Australia's infantry story

Continue to Australian Army Infantry Museum at the Singleton Military Area. The museum traces the history, customs and traditions of the Australian Infantry Corps, with displays spanning colonial forces and overseas deployments through to the modern Australian Army. Stories from Gallipoli, Passchendaele, Kokoda and Long Tan sit alongside lesser-known deployments and an extensive collection of military equipment and artefacts. Check opening days before planning your visit.

5. Take the historic village road

Leave the town centre behind and discover some of the smaller communities that have shaped the Singleton region. Broke, Bulga, Milbrodale, Warkworth and Jerrys Plains each offer their own connections to the past. Look out for heritage-listed structures, old churches, village buildings and rural landscapes that reflect generations of agriculture, settlement and community life.

6. Follow the footsteps of early travellers

Discover another layer of colonial history along the Convict Trail, which follows the route of the 240km Great North Road built by convict labour between 1826 and 1836 to connect Sydney with the Hunter Valley. Sections of this remarkable colonial transport route pass through the landscapes around the Singleton Hunter Valley, providing a connection to the people who built and travelled these early roads.

7. Discover Broke Fordwich's country heritage

Spend some time exploring Broke Fordwich, where village history, agriculture and generations of winemaking come together beneath the Brokenback Range. Slow down and explore the historic rural landscape, old properties and boutique vineyards that have helped shape the character of this quieter pocket of Hunter Valley Wine Country.

8. Discover an ancient cultural landscape at Baiame Cave

Travel to Milbrodale to experience one of the region’s most significant Aboriginal cultural sites. Baiame Cave is a heritage-listed cultural site of the Wanaruah, Wonnarua People, located on privately owned farmland near Yengo National Park. On the rear wall of the cave is a striking larger-than-life figure outlined in white pigment and filled with red, with large white eyes and outstretched arms. Treat the site with care and respect its cultural significance when visiting.

9. Raise a glass to Hunter Valley wine history

Finish your journey among the vineyards and discover another important chapter in the region’s story. The Hunter Valley is recognised as Australia's oldest surviving commercial wine region, with a winemaking history stretching back almost 200 years. Explore the Broke Fordwich Wine Trail and Around Hermitage Wine and Food Trail, where established vineyards and boutique producers continue a tradition that has become inseparable from the story of the Hunter Valley.

Singleton is a place where every road leads to something new. Wander your own way through heritage streets, connect with nature, savour exceptional food and wine, and experience unforgettable adventures at your own pace. 

1. Start with some local inspiration

Start your journey at Singleton Visitor Information Centre in the Townhead Park precinct. Pick up local tips and maps to help plan your perfect itinerary, browse a range of locally made products including candles, sweets and skincare, then settle in for a coffee or bite to eat while the kids enjoy the playground and bike track.

2. Immerse yourself in art + culture

While you’re there, immerse yourself in creativity at Singleton Arts + Cultural Centre, where a changing program of exhibitions offers fresh inspiration with every visit.

3. Wander historic George Street

From Townhead Park, set a relaxed pace along George Street, lined with heritage buildings, boutique shops and welcoming cafés. Pause in historic Burdekin Park before browsing for gifts, homewares or fresh flowers.

4. Step into Singleton’s past

Discover the stories that shaped the region by exploring Singleton’s rich history and heritage. Visit the Singleton Historical Museum in Burdekin Park or venture to the Australian Army Infantry Museum at Lone Pine Barracks, where fascinating military history, traditions and artefacts bring Australia’s infantry story to life.

5. Make time for family fun

Continue your adventure with some family fun. Take a moment at the iconic Singleton Sundial before heading to Rose Point Park All Abilities Playground, where accessible play spaces invite everyone to join in. Then make your way to Riverside Park, home to towering play structures, rope bridges and giant slides that promise hours of excitement.

6. Browse the boutiques

Stroll through the John Street precinct, where independent boutiques showcase fashion, homewares, gifts and fresh blooms, making it the perfect place to browse, shop and discover something special.

7. Take in the view

For one of the best views in the region, head to Apex Heuston Lookout. Perched 60m above the Hunter River, it offers panoramic countryside views, picnic facilities and access to walking trails that reveal Singleton from a whole new perspective.

8. Taste your way through wine country

When it’s time to indulge, follow the renowned Broke Fordwich Wine Trail or Around Hermitage Wine and Food Trail. Beyond award-winning cellar doors, you’ll uncover hatted restaurants, boutique breweries and distilleries, cooking experiences, artisan producers and unforgettable adventures that showcase the very best of the Hunter Valley.

9. Escape to Lake St Clair

Just 30 minutes from Singleton, Lake St Clair Park is the ideal place to slow down and reconnect with nature. Spend the day fishing, boating or picnicking, make use of the barbecue facilities, or stay overnight beneath the stars at one of the region’s favourite camping destinations.

10. Venture into the wild

For those craving even more adventure, venture into the spectacular landscapes surrounding Singleton. Explore lookouts, bushwalking trails and peaceful recreation areas across three World Heritage-listed National Parks and three State Forests. Whether you’re chasing breathtaking views or quiet moments in nature, there’s always another path waiting to be explored. Just remember to check park and forest conditions before setting out.

Small town, big experiences. Broke Fordwich is the 2026 NSW Tiny Tourism Town gold winner, and it’s easy to see why. Set beneath the dramatic Brokenback Range, this relaxed pocket of Hunter Valley Wine Country brings together boutique vineyards, exceptional food, arts and culture, farm experiences, ancient landscapes and plenty of country charm. Slow down, stay awhile and discover it your own way.

1. Follow the Broke Fordwich Wine Trail

Take the road less travelled and wind your way through one of the Hunter Valley’s most picturesque wine regions. The Broke Fordwich Wine Trail leads to boutique cellar doors and single-vineyard estates where passionate producers are crafting classic Hunter Valley Semillon, Chardonnay and Shiraz alongside alternative varieties. Take your time, meet the makers and discover wines with a true sense of place.

2. Taste the region from paddock to plate

Come hungry. Broke Fordwich is home to passionate chefs, acclaimed dining and an abundance of locally and organically sourced produce. Settle in for a long lunch overlooking the vines, discover paddock-to-plate dining or fill your basket with locally made olive oils, honey, preserves and other gourmet finds. This is a place where what’s grown locally often finds its way straight to your plate.

3. Discover art among the vines

Pair wine with art and uncover Broke Fordwich’s creative side. Wander through galleries and sculpture collections, discover works by local and visiting artists, or stroll among large-scale outdoor pieces framed by vineyards and mountain views. It’s a different way to experience wine country — and proof there’s plenty to discover between tastings.

4. Meet the country locals

Get a taste of country life with one of Broke Fordwich’s farm experiences. Meet alpacas, donkeys and other four-legged locals, discover working properties or pack a gourmet picnic and settle in among the peaceful rural surrounds. It’s an easy way for couples, groups and families to experience another side of the Hunter Valley.

5. Explore an ancient landscape

Leave the vineyards behind for a while and discover the natural and cultural landscapes surrounding Broke Fordwich. Nearby Yengo National Park forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Greater Blue Mountains Area, with bushwalking, lookouts and Aboriginal cultural heritage to discover. Visit Finchley lookout for sweeping wilderness views or follow the Finchley cultural walk to see Aboriginal engravings and learn more about this culturally significant landscape.

6. Discover local history + culture

Take time to uncover the stories beneath the scenery. Broke Fordwich is on the ancient lands of the Wanaruah, Wonnarua People and has long been a place of gathering and connection. Its more recent history encompasses early European settlement, the old convict route and generations of agriculture and viticulture — including vines planted by returned soldiers in the Fordwich area following the First World War.

7. See wine country from a new perspective

Take your Broke Fordwich adventure to new heights. Rise with the sun on an early morning hot-air balloon flight and watch vineyards, farmland and the Brokenback Range emerge through the mist, or explore closer to ground level along nature walks and quiet country roads. However you choose to experience it, the scenery is part of the attraction.

8. Slow down + stay awhile

Broke Fordwich isn’t somewhere to rush. Turn your visit into a weekend escape and choose from cosy cabins, cottages and farm stays to country retreats and luxury glamping. Watch the sun disappear behind the mountains, enjoy the night sky and wake to the quiet of the countryside before setting out to discover another corner of NSW’s gold-winning Tiny Tourism Town.

Follow the red trail and discover a side of Hunter Valley Wine Country where there’s always something else around the corner. Around Hermitage brings together boutique cellar doors, exceptional food, local makers and vineyard stays with cycling, art and unexpected adventures — all set against the spectacular Brokenback Range.

1. Follow the red trail

Wind your way through the north-western corner of Pokolbin on the Around Hermitage Wine + Food Trail. Follow the distinctive red signs along country roads framed by vineyards and mountain views, stopping wherever takes your fancy. Boutique wineries, restaurants, cafés, gourmet producers and experiences make this a trail best explored without rushing.

2. Meet the makers behind the bottle

Experience Hunter Valley wine at its source at Around Hermitage’s family-owned and boutique cellar doors. Taste classic Hunter Valley Semillon and Shiraz alongside alternative varieties and small-batch wines you may only find at the cellar door. Take the opportunity to chat with the owners and winemakers, hear about the latest vintage and discover the stories behind what’s in your glass.

3. Cycle your way through wine country

Swap four wheels for two and take to the Hermitage Road cycleway. The scenic shared path stretches for around 10km along Hermitage Road, putting more than a dozen cellar doors, as well as food, art, antiques and other experiences, within easy reach. Bring your own bike or hire one locally — including an e-bike for a more leisurely way to explore.

4. Taste more than the wine

Come hungry, because wine is only the beginning. Seek out handcrafted cheeses, olives and other local produce, discover craft beer and locally made spirits, or settle in for everything from casual bites to a long lunch overlooking the vines. Around Hermitage celebrates the flavours of the region, with seasonal produce and local ingredients taking centre stage.

5. Get hands-on with food + wine

Go beyond simply tasting and learn something new. Join a cooking class, discover the secrets of cheesemaking, deepen your wine knowledge or get involved in one of the hands-on food and wine experiences found along the trail. It’s your chance to meet local experts and take home new skills — as well as a few delicious souvenirs.

6. Find your sense of adventure

Give the cellar doors a break and head to Hunter Valley Resort and Farm, home to Hunter Adventure Centre, where wine country comes with an adventurous twist. Explore the countryside on horseback or Segway, hire an electric bike, meet the farm animals or try activities including archery and axe throwing. There are also hands-on experiences such as grape stomping, pizza making and candy making, making it an easy stop for couples, groups and families looking to add something different to their Hunter Valley escape.

7. Discover the unexpected

Around Hermitage rewards curious travellers. Browse art and antiques, wander among sculptures or hunt for locally made treasures. For something completely different, take on an escape room, let off some steam in a smash room or slow things right down with a spa treatment. This is wine country with plenty to discover between tastings.

8. Stay among the vines

Don’t rush home. Make Around Hermitage your base and wake to peaceful countryside, vineyard views and the Brokenback Range on your doorstep. Choose from vineyard cottages and working farm stays to guesthouses, resorts and luxury retreats, then set out and do it all again the next day.