Scone - Horse Capital of Australia

Scone is the largest town in the Shire and located on the New England Highway 80km north of Singleton and 130km south of Tamworth. Rich in agriculture and horse breeding, Scone and surrounds supports over 70 horse breeding studs and is home to a world class thoroughbred breeding and racing industry. 

Economic
Hunter Valley Meats Scone (JBS) is a major employer in the region. With Halal accreditation and an export licence supplying beef to most major Asian markets, it is an important manufacturing industry in the region employing over 400 workers. 

The Scone Regional Livestock Selling Centre, ranked in the top 10 in NSW, provides a vital service to the important cattle industry, local cattle abattoir and associated support services. A major upgrade of the saleyards is underway and expected to be completed by 2020. 

The Upper Hunter Regional Airport is located at Scone and services a number of charter businesses, aircraft construction and maintenance businesses and supports air traffic related to local business.  Plans are underway for implementation of the Airport Masterplan and construction of a Warbird Aviation Visitor Attraction, to house some of the rarest flying WWII aircraft in Australia as well as a modern terminal facility.

Also helping develop the region as a visitor destination, Council is planning a Horse Centre of Australia, a major attraction centred around the significant equine industry of the region.

Scone Race Club, established in 1944, is one of the best racing surfaces in NSW and the Scone Cup Carnival held in May is the largest country racing carnival in Australia. 

Construction of a New England Bypass of Scone is due to be completed in 2020 and plans are underway for an upgrade of Scone’s main street, Kelly Street.

Education
Scone provides early learning centres, pre-school, three primary schools, two high schools including Scone Grammar School and two TAFE facilities, one focusing on rural and equine courses.

Health Services
Scone has a hospital and medical centre and many other allied health services.

Recreation
Scone has a golf course, public swimming pool, basketball courts, outdoor exercise equipment, and a number of large sports grounds and parks including Bill Rose Sports Complex.

Housing
Median rent per week for a dwelling is $250 (Census 2016).

Major Festival
The Scone Horse Festival is held in May.

Visit the Live and Work in Scone website

Downloads

History of Scone (PDF 37KB)