The Upper Hunter Shire is a predominantly rural area and encompasses a total land area of about 8,000 square kilometres, of which a large proportion is National Park and nature reserves. Most of the rural area is used for grazing, dairy farming, horse studs and general farming. The main township is Scone, with smaller townships at Aberdeen, Merriwa and Murrurundi (these links will take you away from our website). The Shire is a major cattle, crop, goat, pig, poultry and sheep producer, has an increasing number of vineyards, an abattoir which supplies the Australian and overseas markets, and the best and friendliest rural community within easy travelling distance from Sydney and Newcastle.
The Shire has a vibrant rural community that has been able to develop its own unique character, with Aberdeen host to the annual "Aberdeen Highland Games"; Merriwa in the west being well known for its popular "Festival of the Fleeces"; Murrurundi with one of the largest sheep dog trials in the state and the annual "King of the Ranges Stockman's Challenge", and Scone renowned for its thoroughbred horse industry and the long running "Scone & Upper Hunter Horse Festival".
This page provides details of water restrictions in place throughout Upper Hunter Shire for each major township.
We LIVE Here local investment cards work like EFTPOS cards. They can only be used in Muswellbrook Shire and Upper Hunter Shire.
There’s over 140 participating local services who accept We LIVE Here cards.
Contact and information to help you prepare for an emergency
Large residential blocks from only $125,000
Community newsletters published throughout the Upper Hunter Shire are also published on this web page.
This page showcases land for sale in Aberdeen, Merriwa and Murrurundi.
There are several major events held throughout the year across the Shire and plenty happening in between.
Upper Hunter Shire Council has created the 'Welcome to the Upper Hunter' program to identify and welcome new residents to our region.
Various Historical Societies within the Shire aim to promote in the general community knowledge of and enthusiasm for the heritage of our local district.
You can access a number of online tourism resources by visiting Upper Hunter Shire Council's Tourism website.
Upper Hunter Shire Council is a local government authority and provides an extensive array of services including health and building; town planning; aged care; sporting and recreational facilities; roads; libraries; waste collection; airport facilities; saleyards; public venues; water; children, youth and families and tourist information.
Upper Hunter Shire is located in the Hunter Region of NSW, approximately 250km north of Sydney. The Shire is predominantly rural and encompasses 8,100km2.
PO Box 208
Scone NSW 2337
Phone: 02 6540 1100
Fax: 02 6545 2671
council@upperhunter.nsw.gov.au
135 Liverpool Street, Scone
34-40 Vennacher Street, Merriwa
47 Mayne Street, Murrurundi
After hours emergencies for roads, bridges, animal control,
water, sewer & landfill
Phone: 02 6540 1199