Major city · Australia
Scone
One night is enough: horse studs, the gaol museum and Lake Glenbawn. Two nights only if you time it for the late-April horse festival.
Scone is a small Upper Hunter town on the New England Highway, 153 km from Newcastle and 387 km from Sydney, and calls itself the horse capital of Australia. It works as a half-day stop on a Hunter drive or a rail break on the Hunter Line, not as a destination in its own right. Most visitors pass through in an afternoon; the horse festival in late April to early May is the one date that changes that.
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)avoid Dec–Feb (hot, 95 °F (35 °C)+ days)
- 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.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
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
Emergency numbers for Scone000 ▾
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 Scone, 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
- SafetyA quiet country town with low street crime.
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
- 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 (Williamtown) (Closest airport; about 2 h by road, or train via Newcastle Interchange).
- Getting aroundThe town centre is walkable in 10–15 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)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM, about a week of dataA$15–35 (≈ US$10–25)
- Budget bedLake Glenbawn cabin (up to 4), a night, per roomA$150 (≈ US$100)
- Mid-range bedMotel double room, a night, per roomA$160 (≈ US$110)
- High-end bedMotel double room, a night, per roomA$240 (≈ US$160)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget A$90 (≈ US$60) · Mid A$150 (≈ US$100) · High A$250 (≈ US$170)
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 (Williamtown) (Closest airport; about 2 h by road, or train via Newcastle Interchange) · SYD Sydney Kingsford Smith (About 4 h by road; NSW TrainLink runs daily services north)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Feb
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Mar
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°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
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Aug
not flagged
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Sep
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Oct
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Nov
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Dec
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Best: Mar–May, Sep–Nov. Avoid: Dec–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jan (32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)), coolest Jul (3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C) low), wettest Jan (8 rain days), driest Aug (6). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Scone: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
8 rd
Feb
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
8 rd
Mar
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
8 rd
Apr
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
7 rd
May
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
7 rd
Jun
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
8 rd
Jul
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
7 rd
Aug
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
6 rd
Sep
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
6 rd
Oct
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
8 rd
Nov
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
8 rd
Dec
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°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 town centre is walkable in 10–15 minutes. Lake Glenbawn is about 15 km east and needs a car. The Hunter Line train from Newcastle terminates here; weekday services are limited, so check the timetable before you plan a rail day.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Lake Glenbawn
goDoor to door: About 20 min
Drive about 15 km (9.3 mi) east of townDrive about 9.3 mi (15 km) east of town
Recreation area with a dam, camping and water sports; check park access before you go.
Barrington Tops (Polblue)
cautionDoor to door: About 45 min from Scone
Drive east via Moonan Flat; unsealed road beyond
4WD only on the unsealed section; check road conditions first.
Muswellbrook
goDoor to door: About 25 min by car
Drive or Hunter Line train south
Larger town with more food and fuel options.
Newcastle
overnightDoor to door: About 2 h
Hunter Line train or drive via the New England Highway
Too far for a comfortable return day; stay the night.
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.
Kelly Street and the town centre
Cafés, the gaol museum and most motels within a 10-minute walk; best if you arrive by train.
New England Highway edge
Motor inns with parking on the highway; easiest if you are driving on.
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$150–230 (≈ US$100–160) excl. bed
- High
- A$250 (≈ US$170)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Motel double room1 × 3 nights × A$160 | A$480 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 3 days × A$150 | A$900 |
| Trip total≈ A$230 per person per day, bed included | A$1,380≈ US$950 |
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 meal | A$20–35 (≈ US$14–25) |
| Fuel, per litrecheck | A$1.80–2.10 (≈ US$2) |
| Motel double room | A$110–240 (≈ US$75–160) |
| eSIM, about a week of data | A$15–35 (≈ US$10–25) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Hunter Line trains to Scone are few: three on weekdays, two on weekends (check the current timetable).
- The road east to Barrington Tops past Moonan Flat is unsealed: 4WD only.
- Summer days regularly pass 35 °C (95 °F); carry water and fuel up before long drives.Summer days regularly pass 95 °F (35 °C); carry water and fuel up before long drives.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 000
- From mobiles
- 112
Pocket card
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SconeScone
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance000
- From mobiles112
Embassy
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Hunter Line Newcastle → Scone: Opal card accepted; limited daily services (check the timetable)
- Drive Sydney → Scone: 387 km (240 mi), about 4 h240 mi (387 km), about 4 h
Say or show
- Thanks — Thank you
- How far is it? — How far is it?
Fuel up in Scone or Muswellbrook; the next stops north are small.
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 Scone. 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) · 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
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 3 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- An airport-to-bed path that says whether a late landing still works
- Walking clusters with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Field-verified times and fares
Sources
Ask about Scone
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