Major city · Australia
Singleton
Give Singleton one night as a Hunter Valley stop between Newcastle and the Upper Hunter: the sundial, a museum and a pub, not a destination week.
Singleton is a coal, power and dairy town of about 24,600 on the New England Highway, 77 km northwest of Newcastle and roughly 200 km from Sydney by road. It works as a half-day stop or an overnight on the Hunter Line, with the Southern Hemisphere's reputed largest sundial, a small historical museum and a couple of good pubs. Wineries and Lake St Clair sit a short drive out.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- AUD
- Best months
- Mar–May, Sep–Nov
- avoid Dec–Feb (hot, 35 °C (95 °F)+ days), winter nightsavoid Dec–Feb (hot, 95 °F (35 °C)+ days), winter nights
- Airports
- NTL · SYD
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 7
- Oceania ↗Oceania's island states guard their farms and reefs at the border: tick 'yes' on the arrival card for any food, plant, animal product, soil or used outdoor gear, and let the officer decide.
- Oceania ↗Across the tropical South Pacific, cyclones are possible from November to April: choose insurance that covers weather delays and keep one spare night before a long-haul departure.
- Australia and New Zealand ↗Both countries drive on the left, with long distances between fuel stops in the outback and on New Zealand's back roads; fatigue causes more visitor crashes than speed.
- Australia ↗Almost every visitor needs a visa or an electronic authorisation (ETA or eVisitor, depending on passport) before boarding: apply only through the official Department of Home Affairs site or the official AustralianETA app, and check the rules for your passport.
- Australia ↗Declare all food, plant material, seeds, wood and animal products on your arrival declaration; undeclared items can bring on-the-spot fines or visa cancellation. When unsure, declare it.
- Australia ↗Drive on the left. An overseas licence in English (or with an official translation or International Driving Permit) is accepted for visitors; check the state rules and your rental contract.
- Australia ↗Swim between the red and yellow flags on patrolled beaches; rip currents cause most beach drownings.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Singleton000 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance000
- From mobiles112
- Singleton Visitor Information Centre1800 449 888
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Singleton, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Australian dollar (AUD, A$).Australia-wide
- SIM or eSIMTelstra has the widest outback coverage; Optus and Vodafone (TPG) are cheaper and fine in cities and along highways.Australia-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe in cities and towns; in remote places use signed drinking taps.Australia-wide
- TippingRestaurants: Not expected; 10% for very good service in a nice restaurant if you wish.Australia-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets I. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): fits. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Australia-wide
- SafetySingleton is a small, low-crime country town; the real risks are summer heat, highway driving, and flying foxes that can carry lyssavirus…
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets in parks, beaches, shopping centres and petrol stations (servos); the National Public Toilet Map app lists them.Australia-wide
- Emergency numbers000 police, fire, ambulance · 112 From mobiles · 1800 449 888 Singleton Visitor Information Centre
- Sundays & holidaysChristmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning close most shops; many cafés close by 15:00; country towns close early on Saturday and all Sunday.Christmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning close most shops; many cafés close by 3:00 PM; country towns close early on Saturday and all Sunday.Australia-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportNTL Newcastle Airport (Williamtown) (About 1 h by car; no direct rail link to Singleton, so drive or take a bus/train via Newcastle).
- Getting aroundThe centre is walkable in 15–20 minutes.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeA$4–6 (≈ US$3–4)
- Beerschooner in a pubA$6–9 (≈ US$4–6)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekA$20–40 (≈ US$14–30)
- Museum or sight ticketMuseum entryHistorical Society museum; check other sitesA$5 (≈ US$4)
- Budget bedMotel double room, a night, per roomA$78 (≈ US$55)
- Mid-range bedBudget motel room, single, a night, per roomA$89 (≈ US$60)
- High-end bedBudget motel room, single, a night, per roomA$120 (≈ US$80)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget A$90 (≈ US$60) · Mid A$160 (≈ US$110) · High A$260 (≈ US$180)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- NTL Newcastle Airport (Williamtown) (About 1 h by car; no direct rail link to Singleton, so drive or take a bus/train via Newcastle) · SYD Sydney Kingsford Smith (About 2.5–3 h by car via the M1 and Hunter Expressway; train via Sydney then the Hunter Line)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Feb
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Mar
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Apr
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
May
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Jun
not flagged
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Jul
not flagged
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Aug
not flagged
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Sep
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Oct
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Nov
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Dec
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Best: Mar–May, Sep–Nov. Avoid: Dec–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jan (31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)), coolest Jul (4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C) low), wettest Jan (8 rain days), driest Jul (6). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Singleton: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
8 rd
Feb
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
8 rd
Mar
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
8 rd
Apr
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
7 rd
May
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
7 rd
Jun
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
8 rd
Jul
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
6 rd
Aug
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
6 rd
Sep
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
6 rd
Oct
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
8 rd
Nov
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
8 rd
Dec
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
8 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The centre is walkable in 15–20 minutes. The 401 bus links the station to the town centre; Hunter Valley Buses route 180/180X runs between Maitland and Singleton stations. A car is needed for wineries, Lake St Clair and Broke.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Broke and the Hunter vineyards
goDoor to door: About 30 min
Drive via the New England Highway and Broke Rd, about 20–30 min
Cellar doors cluster around Broke and Pokolbin; you need a car or a booked driver.
Lake St Clair (Glennies Creek Dam)
goDoor to door: About 25 min
Drive north-east from town, about 20–25 min
Camping, picnic and barbecue areas and a boat ramp; check current facilities before you go.
Newcastle
goDoor to door: About 1 h by train
Hunter Line train from Singleton station, or 45 min by car on the Hunter Expressway
Trains are infrequent; check timetables.
Maitland
goDoor to door: About 45 min
Hunter Line train or bus route 180/180X
Useful if you are connecting onward on the Hunter Line.
Muswellbrook
goDoor to door: About 30–40 min
Hunter Line train northwest, or 30 min by car
Upper Hunter town with its own heritage and winery stops.
Dungog
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h 15 min
Drive via Maitland, about 1 h 15 min
Hunter Line trains to Dungog divert at Maitland and do not pass through Singleton.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Town centre (John St and George St)
Motels, pubs and the mall within walking distance of the station and the sundial.
Maitland Rd and highway edge
Larger motels with parking; a short drive from the centre, better if you have a car.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- A$90–140 (≈ US$60–95) excl. bed
- Mid
- A$140–220 (≈ US$95–150) excl. bed
- High
- A$220 (≈ US$150)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Motel double room1 × 1 night × A$145 | A$145 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × A$160 | A$320 |
| Hunter Line train, Newcastle to Singleton, one way2 × A$12 | A$24 |
| Museum entry (Historical Society)2 × A$5 | A$10 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × A$25 | A$50 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | A$55 |
| Trip total≈ A$302 per person per day, bed included | A$604≈ US$400 |
2026 estimate in Australian dollars; fuel and long-distance travel excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | A$4–6 (≈ US$3–4) |
| Pub main meal | A$20–35 (≈ US$14–25) |
| Beer, schooner in a pub | A$6–9 (≈ US$4–6) |
| Museum entryHistorical Society museum; check other sites | A$5 (≈ US$4) |
| Train, Newcastle to Singleton | A$10–15 (≈ US$7–10) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | A$20–40 (≈ US$14–30) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Flying foxes roost in town and can carry lyssavirus: never handle a sick or grounded bat.
- Trains on the Hunter Line are infrequent: check timetables before you plan a day around them.
- Summer days regularly pass 35 °C (95 °F); carry water and avoid midday walks.Summer days regularly pass 95 °F (35 °C); carry water and avoid midday walks.
- A southern bypass of the New England Highway has been planned: check current road layout before you drive in.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 000
- From mobiles
- 112
- Singleton Visitor Information Centre
- 1800 449 888
Pocket card
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SingletonSingleton
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
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—
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Can you take me to this address?To this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance000
- From mobiles112
- Singleton Visitor Information Centre1800 449 888
Embassy
No embassies in Singleton; the US consulate-general and most others are in Sydney (check addresses).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Hunter Line, Newcastle → Singleton: about A$10–15 (≈ US$7–10), roughly 1 h
- Bus 180/180X, Maitland → Singleton: about A$8–12 (≈ US$6–8)
- Taxi in town: short hops A$10–20 (≈ US$7–14)
Say or show
- Thanks — Thank you
- How much is that? — How much is it?
- Card, thanks? — Can I pay by card?
- Where's the loo? — Where is the toilet?
Tipping is not expected in Australia; wages are high.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Singleton. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Mar–May, Sep–Nov · avoid Dec–Feb (hot, 35 °C+ days), winter nights · month by month →
- 2 airports and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 6 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for NTL and SYD: last Hunter Line departures field-checked, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Walking cluster for the centre: station, John St mall, Rose Point Park sundial, Burdekin Park museum.
- Place pages with verified hours (Infantry Museum, Historical Society museum, sundial) and eat pages with last orders.
- Lake St Clair and Broke day-trip fixtures with fuel and cellar-door cutoffs.