Scone Arts & Craft Inc. is a volunteer and membership-based organisation based in Scone, NSW.
Scone Arts & Craft Inc. support the local arts and crafts community by holding regular workshops, classes, and exhibitions.
They also provide opportunities and access to other community groups and organisations to use the facilities.
Scone Arts & Craft Inc. hold two major exhibitions a year and facilities are available to hire for weddings and functions.
Step inside the historic Scone Lock-up at the Scone Museum and enter a world where past and present collide.
Time Portal is a new immersive digital installation by artist Anna Fraser, housed inside the old jail cell at Scone Museum. Drawing on the museum's remarkable collection — from 16mm film reels to a Victorian wedding dress, a prickly pear mincer to a brass fire helmet — the installation weaves together light, sound and animation to bring the hidden stories of the Upper Hunter region to life.
Time Portal transforms the historic lock-up into a multi-sensory portal through time. Visitors step inside to experience projected imagery, atmospheric sound design and moving image — an immersive encounter with the people, objects and memories that shaped this region. Also on display throughout the museum are animated works created by local young people during workshops with Anna Fraser — bringing digital storytelling to museum objects.
Officially launched by State Member Dave Layzell MP, Time Portal is permanently on display and accessible to visitors year-round.
Time Portal is created by Case Collective — immersive artist Anna Fraser and creative producer Suzannah Jones — and is supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW.
Discover bygone times at the Scone Museum, located in the Upper Hunter. Learn about Scone and district, the history, the people, and their way of life.
Housed in the old Scone Lock-up and built in 1870, the lock-up was adapted as a residence in 1930 when new cells were built in the exercise yard. It became the Museum and Historical Society in 1966.
The Scone district was home to the Wonaruah people before Europeans arrived in 1825. To the settlers it was a centre of rural life and a stage on the route northwards. Today the saleyards, abattoir, Lake Glenbawn, and the cattle properties and horse studs of the district give it life.
Open on Wednesdays and Sundays, or by appointment, you can see permanent and changing exhibitions–enjoy the collection of dolls and toys, view war memorabilia, look into grandmother's kitchen and inspect grandfather's tools!
The sculpture "The Grazing Stallion" is dedicated to the memory of Peter Allen, the business developer of the Thoroughbred Hotel site. Created by Mark Ray, the sculpture was unveiled just in time for the 40th anniversary of the Scone Horse Festival.
Peter Allen made significant contributions to the town, transforming the Thoroughbred Hotel, adding a bakery, restaurant, bar, and accommodation facilities. The development preserved the building's theme, showcasing the local racing and breeding history, both past and present.
The sculptor, Mark Ray began his journey into chainsaw art at the age of 50, though he has been drawing since childhood. These artistic skills translated seamlessly into chainsaw art, and Mark quickly produced numerous pieces.
Mark sources his wood sustainably from local arborists and does not cut down any trees. Once he finds the right stump, he cuts it square and sets it flat. Working from an image in his mind, he carves the stump from the top down, getting the features into perspective. The base of the stump is left to support the sculpture. If the piece requires a smoother surface, he finishes it with an electric grinder.
Mark’s distinctive style can be seen across the region. Keep an eye out and see if you can spot one of his remarkable creations.
Scone Golf Club is located in the Upper Hunter Valley of New South Wales, two hours drive north of Newcastle on the New England Highway, and three hours from Sydney.
The friendly club provides golf for members and visitors, and a multitude of attractions in the licensed premises. Sited at White Park and within the town limits, the club has views over the surrounding hills.
Scone Golf Club offers a bistro, auditorium, lounge, gaming and TAB areas, an outdoor children's secure area and an outdoor deck. Families are welcome. The nine-hole golf course is well-maintained and provides a challenging game of golf for all standards. The club has strong links with other local sporting associations and with the Scone and District community.
Drop in for a game, a meal, or refreshments soon, or contact the Manager for wedding or function arrangements.
Guess the weight of this bronze masterpiece portraying a mare and her foal? And while pondering, consider the weight of the sturdy stone foundation supporting their graceful form. Now, reach out and touch the sculpture. Is the metal surface velvety smooth or subtly textured? Hop on. Take a photo. Notice how the bronze feels cool against the skin; that's thanks to bronze's remarkable thermal conductivity.
The Mare and Foal, fixed to a six tonne foundation, was unveiled by the Hon Eric Bedford MP, in Elizabeth Park on March 3, 1982.
The sculpture cost AUD65,000. A time capsule is buried in the Park which lists the donors and history of the Scone Mare and Foal.
The Artist, Gabriël Sterk, was born in the Netherlands in 1942 and won his first prize at the age of sixteen for a portrait painted in Adelaide, Australia. He returned to the Netherlands and it was at Amsterdam’s Royal Academy that he honed his skills as a sculptor.
Laureate of the Prix de Rome at the age of twenty seven, he achieved immediate recognition as a sculptor. He lives in France in the Aix-en-Provence.
A horse sculpted from blue string? What kind of string is it exactly—baling twine, perhaps? Crafted by Nick Adams, a horse hoof trimmer, the acclaimed sculptor secured the Huon Art prize with the companion piece, Blue Perspective, to the larger-than-life creation known as Big Blue.
This vivid sculpture portrays a draught horse standing at an impressive 2.2 meters, adorned in striking blue string and poised in a feeding position. Comprising two distinct sections, when separated into two, the artwork allows viewers to stroll between the segments, creating a dynamic visual effect as if the sculpture is either emerging from or receding into surrounding walls.
Award-winning Sculptor Nick Adams grew up on an outback sheep station in South Australia. Now based in Tasmania, he has worked as a Stationhand, Machinery Operator, driver, Undergraduate, Ecologist, Green Corps Supervisor, Traveller, Father, Fencer, Hoof Trimmer, and an Artist.
Nick specialises in crafting wire sculptures, initially focusing on equine subjects. His distinctive approach involves creating life-sized constructions through meticulous, repetitive, and handcrafted techniques. Preferring simplicity over electricity, he utilises basic tools to bring his visions to life. Nick's ultimate objective is to metamorphose rigid, linear metals into a semblance of vitality, bridging the gap between the inorganic and the organic.
Big Blue is located at Hunter Warbirds Museum, Scone.
See, hear and feel the thrill of flight at the Hunter Warbirds attraction, aviation up close in the Upper Hunter.
Hunter Warbirds delivers an unforgettable aviation adventure here in Scone NSW. Visitors step straight into the world of warbirds, surrounded by a striking collection of aircraft that continues to grow and evolve. Every aircraft tells a story, creating a sense of excitement, history and discovery from the moment visitors arrive.
Interactive displays bring aviation to life. The Spitfire and Bristol simulators offer a pulse-raising chance to take control and feel the intensity of flight. Joy flights in select warbirds add a rare opportunity to experience the sky in a genuine flying machine, creating a highlight many visitors never forget.
The Kittyhawk Cafe completes the visit with fresh food, drinks and panoramic views across the airfield. Set at Scone Airport, Hunter Warbirds combines atmosphere, action and storytelling to create a standout experience that leaves visitors inspired, energised and keen to return.
River Rocks Stud offers intimate, hands-on farm experiences in the beautiful Upper Hunter Valley near Scone.
Designed for visitors who want to slow down, step into the paddock and connect with animals, experiences are kept small and personal. Guests can meet, pat, brush and feed Scottish Highland cattle, alpacas, miniature goats, sheep and other friendly farm animals.
River Rocks Stud offers a range of experiences, from private paddock encounters and shorter animal meet and greets to seasonal workshops, school holiday activities, special events and photography sessions.
Set on a family farm surrounded by the rural landscape of the Upper Hunter, River Rocks Stud provides a relaxed alternative to traditional farm attractions. There are no crowds or rushed encounters. Instead, visitors are encouraged to enjoy genuine time with the animals in a calm, natural paddock setting.
With an ever-growing collection of much-loved farm animals, every visit to River Rocks Stud offers an opportunity to experience a little piece of country life.
Aberdeen Golf Course is a nine hole (18 tee) course set on the banks of the Hunter River in Aberdeen.
The par 70 course provides a good challenge to all levels of golfers. Although some holes are quite short in distance, the challenge is provided by smaller than-average greens which are long and narrow meaning supreme accuracy is required with approaches. The slicing golfer is slightly disadvantaged compared to straighter or hooking hitters as hazards or out-of-bounds fences line every fairway on the right-hand side. A CCR of 66 is a reasonable assessment of the course but golfers new to the course do have trouble with the narrow greens on some holes, especially the opening two holes.
No tee times are required. Just turn up on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday or Saturday and be greeted by friendly Aberdeen members who are glad to show you around.
As you journey towards Murrurundi from Muswellbrook, the scenic route unveils vibrant murals on signal stations along the railway line. In Wingen, New South Wales, the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) organised a striking mural on the Hunter Valley Network railway’s signal and communications box.
The ARTC collaborated with Dan Bianco, an artist from Newcastle, to bring this mural to life. Bianco drew inspiration from Wingen's community, engaging locals in a workshop and afternoon tea to delve into their cherished aspects of the landscape, history, and wildlife in the area.
The mural encapsulates the connection Wingen has with its natural environment, showcasing indigenous flora and fauna. Notably, it pays homage to the Wingen Maid, a rock formation within the Wingen Maid Nature Reserve that, when viewed from specific angles, resembles the silhouette of a woman—a spiritual and significant symbol in Wonnarua culture.
Furthermore, the mural vividly portrays the historical significance of rail in Wingen. Before the construction of the Ardglen tunnel in 1877, Wingen served as a pivotal point along the rail line, playing an integral role in the network's operation.
The mural was unveiled in 2023.
You would expect a fire sizzling below ground for 5,500 years to have some fairly dramatic effects on the vegetation, and the remarkable phenomenon of Burning Mountain is reflected in the plants and animals adapted to life around it. As you set out from the carpark on a moderate walk to the head of the coal seam, expect to pass through eucalypt groves and other types of Upper Hunter woodland. Plenty of dead trees and hollow logs provide homes for lots of wildlife.
As the fire moves one metre every year, the landscape changes: red gums grow along subsidence cracks, and later you’ll come across narrow-leaved stringy bark, tea trees, and stunted grey gums. There are loads of birds in the area, too, so bring the binoculars if birdwatching is an interest.
Anybody interested in the story of what’s going on below ground won’t be disappointed either: information panels along the track unpack the story of Burning Mountain, including its science and fascinating Aboriginal heritage. A viewing platform is located at the climax of Burning Mountain walk.
As you journey towards Murrurundi, you'll come across colourful murals adorning signal stations along the railway line. This initiative stemmed from the efforts of local railway worker Justine Witney, who was dismayed by the graffiti covering signal boxes and decided to take action.
Collaborating with the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC), and the local community, artist Jack Wachtel and his team Binary Creative were enlisted to create designs for murals to adorn the signal and communications box in Dartbrook, New South Wales, part of the Hunter Valley Network railway. Researching local flora and fauna, the artists incorporated elements such as blue wrens, finches, and Willie Wagtails into their artworks. This transformation of the signal station took place in 2018.
Jack Wachtel originally hails from Murrurundi and is a practicing mural artist and illustrator now based in Thailand. He is the Creative Director of Binary Creative and has undertaken creative commissions all over the world. Jack is responsible for four of the signal/weigh stations across the Upper Hunter region, including Blandford, Murulla and Willow Tree.
Washpools picnic area and viewing platform are set within river oak forest and box woodland beside the tranquil Middle Brook. Come and enjoy a relaxing barbecue lunch and take in the scenic views across the Upper Hunter. Bring your binoculars and keep an eye out for the park's various birds. When you see a red flash flying through the bushland, is it a king parrot or a crimson rosella?
After lunch, go for an easy walk along the banks of Middle Brook to Washpools waterhole. The kookaburras may start laughing when you strip down for a swim, but don't shy away. This natural waterhole is a lovely way to cool down. If you stay overnight at Washpools campground, visit the picnic area very early in the day, or leave late and you may see grazing wallabies, kangaroos, or even a wombat.
It doesn't really matter how hot the weather gets when you've got a place to cool off. Washpools waterhole is a deep, natural rock formation in Middle Brook, 500m upstream from the Washpools picnic area and viewing platform. It's good for a dip when it's hot and the water is running. Middle Brook also provides gentle riffles and shallow pools good for lying in and letting the water run over you.
Take a dip following a challenging hike or after a barbecue. You could even spread a picnic blanket out beside Washpools waterhole and enjoy lunch right there. If you're camping at Washpools campground, then it's a great location for a daily swim.
The bushland surrounding this tranquil spot is river oak forest and box woodland. As you soak in the fresh water, try and count how many distinct birdcalls you hear. Woodland birds you might listen for include the grey fantail, brown-headed honeyeater and the endangered speckled warbler. Though if the kookaburras or cockatoos are going off, then you might as well splash around until they've finished because nothing else can compete with their mighty calls.
Sometimes, the quiet corners of a state hold the biggest surprises. Burning Mountain Nature Reserve is tucked away off New England Highway, but make the stop in your car and what you'll discover is an ancient phenomenon right beneath your feet.
To traditional Aboriginal owners, it's the fiery tears of a woman long since turned to stone by Biami, the sky god. Early explorers assumed Burning Mountain's billowing smoke and peak of grey, smouldering ash was an active volcano. It's actually a combusting coal seam, that's been smouldering under the surface of the earth for an estimated 5,500 years. The main attraction isn't all though; it's also the perfect place for a day walk, with scenic views across the valley.
A popular pit stop with travellers, Burning Mountain Nature Reserve is a great place to pause for a break and soak up the unusual geological conditions. In fact, there's nothing else quite like it in Australia. Bring binoculars for birdwatching, a water bottle, and sturdy shoes for a walk into the heart of the action. There's even an information rotunda, ensuring you get the most out of your visit to this special place.
Standing proudly under the wide blue skies of the Upper Hunter, Big Blue is more than just a statue – he's a tribute to the heart and heritage of rural Australia. Towering at two metres high and weighing in at half a tonne, this majestic bronze sculpture by renowned artist Brett Garling celebrates the legendary Australian Cattle Dog and its deep roots in the region.
Affectionately known as 'Bluey' or 'Hunter', this iconic figure honours the hardworking spirit of the Blue Heeler, a breed that helped shape the pastoral life of the Hunter Valley and beyond. Originally commemorated in 2001, the current sculpture was unveiled in 2016 to provide a lasting, larger-than-life homage to a true Aussie working hero.
Whether you're a dog lover, art enthusiast, or simply exploring the countryside, Big Blue is a must-see stop – a symbol of loyalty, grit, and the enduring bond between humans and their four-legged mates.
On October 31, 1917, the 4th and 12th Australian Light Horse Regiments made history in what would become Australia's first great WWI victory and the last successful cavalry charge. Armed only with bayonets, these horsemen stormed through Turkish defences at dusk to capture the strategic town of Beersheba.
What many don't know is that numerous horses carrying these brave soldiers were bred right here in the Upper Hunter Region—a testament to our area's storied heritage as premier horse breeding country. his striking bronze sculpture commemorates the battle's centenary, capturing both the rider's determination and the courage of the horses that carried them into legend.
Award-winning artist Brett "Mon" Garling has created more than a monument—he's frozen a moment in time. His talents extend beyond sculpture to landscape painting, showcased at the Garling Gallery he established in 2004.
Located in a restored century-old shopfront in Wongarbon near Dubbo, the gallery features his paintings and a sculpture garden that brings Australian history to life—a worthy addition to your Upper Hunter Region cultural journey.
The Muswellbrook Heritage Walk tells the story of the town through 26 heritage sites in and around Bridge Street. Gazetted in 1833, Muswellbrook grew around its inns, churches, shops and civic buildings, and many of them still stand today.
This self-guided walk begins at Eatons Hotel and continues past historic hotels, Victorian brick shopfronts, a sandstone merchant's cottage, a bank and several church precincts.
Visitors can follow the full route or choose the sites that interest them most. The round trip is approximately 4.5 kilometres. Each site is numbered on the Muswellbrook Heritage Walk brochure map, with the history of every building alongside.
During the 2009 upgrade of the Widden Creek Bridge, an Aboriginal cultural site was discovered within the work zone. To safeguard the area and its cultural significance, an Aboriginal Heritage Impact Permit was obtained and archaeological works were undertaken in accordance with NSW Office of Environment and Heritage guidelines.
The salvage program, carried out in four phases, involved collecting artefacts from the surface, excavation pits, spoil heaps, and an undisturbed soil pedestal. Approximately 3,000 stone artefacts and fragments were recovered. Most were crafted from locally sourced mudstone, with smaller numbers made from chert, quartz, tuff, basalt, chalcedony, siltstone, and petrified wood.
A specially selected group of 128 artefacts now forms the Widden Creek Bridge Aboriginal Artefacts Display—a vision brought to life by respected community Elder Aunty Margaret Matthews. Her aspiration was to ensure this cultural knowledge continues to be shared, honouring both the long history and living presence of Aboriginal people in the region.
This display is more than a collection of tools and fragments—it is a powerful reminder of enduring connection to Country and culture. Visitors are encouraged to explore this important display and reflect on the depth of local Aboriginal heritage.
Commemorating history on Bridge Street in Muswellbrook stands a bronze statue of the Blue Heeler, created by sculptor Tanya Bartlett.
In the 1840s, Thomas Hall of Dartbrook property, located 12km north of Muswellbrook, faced challenges managing large herds of cattle across vast unfenced stations that only received annual roundups.
To address this problem, Hall deliberately crossbred dingoes with Northumberland Blue Merle Drovers' dogs. While this is the most commonly accepted origin of the breed, some historical accounts differ on the exact breeding program and whether Hall exclusively used these specific breeds or incorporated others.
The resulting Australian Cattle Dog developed traits well-suited for the Australian climate and cattle handling: heat tolerance, endurance, and the ability to quietly control cattle without barking excessively. These characteristics made them particularly effective with the semi-wild cattle of the Australian bush.
Today, the Australian Cattle Dog has gained international recognition beyond the Upper Hunter region. They are valued not only as working dogs but also as companions, known for their intelligence and loyalty. The Muswellbrook statue serves as a tribute to this Australian breed that has made significant contributions to the pastoral industry.
Australian sculptor Tanya Bartlett, born in Gunnedah NSW, creates realistic works inspired by rural Australia. After exploring careers as a jillaroo and teacher, she discovered her passion for sculpting.
As you enter the heart of Muswellbrook, you may notice a solitary figure sitting outside the Muswellbrook Regional Arts Centre. This is the bronze statue of the late Max Watters, a renowned local artist and philanthropist.
A self-taught painter, Max found his inspiration in the rural landscapes of the Upper Hunter Region and dedicated most of his career to capturing its essence. Known not only for his artistic talent but also for his generous spirit, Max was deeply committed to fostering art and culture in the community.
In addition to developing his work, Max became a passionate collector of contemporary Australian art. By 2004, he had amassed a significant collection, which he generously donated to the Muswellbrook Regional Arts Centre. His vision was to ensure that both residents and visitors could enjoy and learn from the collection for generations to come, fostering art education, inspiring creativity, and promoting cultural tourism in the region.
To honor his legacy, Muswellbrook Shire Council engaged Australian sculptor Linda Klarfeld to create this remarkable statue. Known for her expertise in bronze and granite, Linda’s work celebrates the human form, ranging from intricate miniature portrait busts to towering sculptures over three meters high.
Unveiled in 2021, the Max Watters statue serves as a lasting tribute to an iconic figure whose generosity and vision continue to enrich the community.
Muswellbrook Regional Arts Centre is located on the New England Highway, three hours’ drive northwest of Sydney and under two hours from Newcastle. The town of Muswellbrook lies in the Upper Hunter Region among a diverse rural and industrial economy encompassing coal mining, farming, viticulture, electricity generation and the equine industry.
Achieving regional gallery status in 1976, Muswellbrook Regional Arts Centre presents a diverse and engaging exhibition program of curated exhibitions drawn from the collections, local and national art prizes, along with the work of contemporary practicing visual artists in a spacious, historic-meets-modern gallery space.
Muswellbrook Regional Arts Centre is home to the Muswellbrook Shire Art Collection and the Max Watters Collection, both of which were established in the late 1950s. The Max Watters Collection is regarded as one of the most significant collections of its type in rural Australia and showcases some of the most influential names in Australian contemporary art. These works are complemented by the Muswellbrook Shire Art Collection, the core of which are the works acquired as a direct result of the Muswellbrook Art Prize, among the richest art prizes in Australia.
Located at the southern entrance to Muswellbrook's town center and cultural precinct, the Railway Underpass installation serves as a distinctive landmark for the area. The design incorporates significant natural features of the local region.
The artwork depicts the area's important waterways – the Hunter River and Muscle Creek – which have played a vital role in the region's development. The surrounding landscapes of Barrington Tops and Wollemi National Park are represented in silhouette form, highlighting their importance to the local geography.
Native wildlife commonly found throughout Muswellbrook Shire also appears in the installation, showcasing the area's diverse animal population.
Completed in 2015, the installation was part of a broader initiative by Muswellbrook Shire Council to enhance the railway precinct and surrounding public spaces.
The underpass functions both as a practical pedestrian pathway and as an artistic introduction to the natural elements that characterise the Muswellbrook region. It connects visitors and locals to the town center while providing a visual reference to the environmental features that make this area of New South Wales distinctive.
As visitors pass through, they gain immediate insight into the natural attractions that define Muswellbrook Shire, creating a meaningful entry point to the town's cultural and natural offerings.
