Dungog Shire is an 'off the track' district of 2,248 square kilometres near the Hunter Valley. With 8,000 or so people, it sits across picturesque valleys made by three rivers, the Paterson, Allyn and Williams, numerous creeks and all below the spectacular Barrington Tops National Park.
This was timber country once. As that industry waned, beef, dairy, poultry, olives, grapes and hobby farming took over the economy.
Dungog is the biggest town with a population of over 2,000.
The villages are riverside Clarence Town, pretty Paterson with its famous train bridge, Gresford (actually two villages, Gresford and East Gresford, one has the school, the other the pub) and Vacy.
The area is rich in natural resources and natural beauty. The beautiful bush and hilly areas like the Barrington Tops and Chichester Dam offer exceptional natural attractions.
There are great places to buy coffee and loads of events including the Vacy Blues Festival, the Dungog Festival, Rodeos, the Vacy Village Fair, the Gresford and Dungog Shows, PedalFest, sports every weekend and gorgeous places to cycle or walk.
Dungog
Dungog is a beautiful historic town by the Williams River, near the spectacular Barrington Tops National Park. Enjoy a stay in this picturesque river region and enjoy bushwalking and mountain bike trails, gold rush heritage and delicious markets. Find a holiday rental in Dungog on Search and Stay.
Colonial history
A fine collection of heritage-listed buildings line Dungog’s streets. Explore the town walk, where blue plaques highlight fascinating colonial history. The Dungog Museum offers insights into local timber and dairy origins. Film buffs will love the Spanish-style James Theatre, Australia’s oldest operating cinema.
Walks and hikes
The Dungog Information Centre provides maps of spectacular walks through Barrington Tops National Park, in the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area. You’ll also find hiking trails in Chichester State Forest.
Galleries and gardens
You can browse exhibits of established and emerging artists at the Dungog Contemporary Gallery, and in the landscaped grounds of Country Elegance Gardens and Gifts, discover a variety of plants, gifts and garden art. Explore more elegance on a drive south to Tocal Homestead, one of Australia's finest colonial farm buildings.
Food and markets
You’ll find delicious local beers at the Tinshed Brewery, and French home-style cooking at Stella Bistro. Discover seasonal produce and other local goodies at the Dungog Markets, Dungog Local Growers Stall and the Clarence Town Farmers Market.
The annual Dungog Festival on the October long weekend brings together film and music, food and wine, and includes the famous Long Table Dinner. Watch horse riders at their best at the Dungog Rodeo and the Gresford Campdraft and Rodeo.
Book your Happier Way holiday rental at Search and Stay.
Holiday home owners, if you have a holiday rental in Dungog, a holiday house in the Hunter Region or a bush shack near Barrington National Park list it now on Search and Stay.
Content and images:Destination NSW