Major city · Australia
Murrurundi
Stop for 2–3 hours on the New England Highway, or sleep one night if you want Burning Mountain and the rail trail: there is no reason to stay two.
Murrurundi is a small Upper Hunter town of about 1,000 people on the Pages River, at the foot of the Liverpool Range, 200 km from Newcastle on the New England Highway and on the Main Northern rail line. The heritage main street, the local museum and Burning Mountain nearby fill a half day; most travellers pass through between the Hunter and Tamworth.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- AUD
- Best months
- Mar–May, Sep–Nov
- avoid Dec–Feb (inland heat), winter nights below 0 °C (32 °F)avoid Dec–Feb (inland heat), winter nights below 32 °F (0 °C)
- 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 Murrurundi000 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance000
- From mobiles112
- NSW Rural Fire Service bushfire information1800 679 737
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 Murrurundi, 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 and generally safe to walk by day.
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 679 737 NSW Rural Fire Service bushfire information
- 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) (About 2.5 h by road via the M15/A15; the nearest airport with regular flights).
- Getting aroundThe town is small enough to walk: main street, museum and river are within about 10 minutes on foot.
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)
- Street or quick mealBakery pie or sandwichA$6–12 (≈ US$4–8)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekA$15–30 (≈ US$10–20)
- Budget bedCabin or holiday unit (up to 4), a night, per roomA$180 (≈ US$120)
- Mid-range bedMotel room, a night, per roomA$180 (≈ US$120)
- High-end bedMotel room, a night, per roomA$260 (≈ US$180)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget A$90 (≈ US$60) · Mid A$140 (≈ US$95) · High A$220 (≈ US$150)
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) (About 2.5 h by road via the M15/A15; the nearest airport with regular flights) · SYD Sydney (Kingsford Smith) (About 4 h by road; also reachable by NSW TrainLink train via Scone)
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
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
May
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Jun
not flagged
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Jul
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Aug
not flagged
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Sep
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Oct
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°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 (2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C) low), wettest Nov (8 rain days), driest Apr (6). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Murrurundi: 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)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
7 rd
Feb
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
7 rd
Mar
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
7 rd
Apr
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
6 rd
May
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
6 rd
Jun
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
7 rd
Jul
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
7 rd
Aug
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
6 rd
Sep
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
6 rd
Oct
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
7 rd
Nov
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
8 rd
Dec
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
7 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 is small enough to walk: main street, museum and river are within about 10 minutes on foot. A car is needed for Burning Mountain, the rail trail and anything beyond town; there is no local bus service.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Burning Mountain, Wingen
goDoor to door: About 1.5–2 h
Drive north on the New England Highway about 15 min, then walk the track to the viewing point
A coal seam that has burned underground for thousands of years; smoke and warm ground, no flames. Check the track is open before driving.
Scone
goDoor to door: About 40 min
Drive south on the New England Highway, about 30 min
Horse capital of Australia; more cafés, fuel and the nearest supermarket.
Muswellbrook
goDoor to door: About 55 min
Drive south on the New England Highway, about 45 min
Bigger town with the nearest hospital and full services.
Tamworth
cautionDoor to door: About 1.5 h
Drive north on the New England Highway, about 1 h 30 min
A full day out; better as a stop on the way north than a return trip.
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.
Mayne Street (main street)
The motel and most of the town's services sit on or just off the highway strip; walk to the museum and cafés.
Scone or Muswellbrook
More beds and later food 30–60 min away if Murrurundi is full or you want a bigger base.
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 room1 × 1 night × A$180 | A$180 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × A$140 | A$280 |
| Fuel, Scone return1 × A$25 · check | A$25 |
| Museum entry2 × A$5 · check | A$10 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × A$20 | A$40 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | A$54 |
| Trip total≈ A$295 per person per day, bed included | A$589≈ 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) |
| Counter meal in a pub | A$20–35 (≈ US$14–25) |
| Bakery pie or sandwich | A$6–12 (≈ US$4–8) |
| Motel room, one night2026 estimate | A$130–260 (≈ US$90–180) |
| Fuel, per litrecheck | A$1.80–2.10 (≈ US$2) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | A$15–30 (≈ US$10–20) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- The New England Highway runs through town: watch for trucks and through traffic when crossing.
- Fuel, food and opening hours are limited, especially Sunday afternoon and Monday; fill up in Scone or Muswellbrook.
- Mobile coverage is patchy on the range north of town.
- Summer days can pass 35 °C (95 °F) and winter nights drop below 0 °C (32 °F): carry water and a warm layer.Summer days can pass 95 °F (35 °C) and winter nights drop below 32 °F (0 °C): carry water and a warm layer.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 000
- From mobiles
- 112
- NSW Rural Fire Service bushfire information
- 1800 679 737
Pocket card
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MurrurundiMurrurundi
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
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—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance000
- From mobiles112
- Bushfire information1800 679 737
Embassy
No embassies in town; consulates and embassies are in Sydney and Canberra. US and UK travellers should register with their embassy's travel advisory service before heading inland.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- NSW TrainLink, Scone → Murrurundi: about 20 min; book ahead, limited daily services (check)
- Drive, Newcastle → Murrurundi: about 200 km (124 mi), 2.5 h via the M15/A15about 124 mi (200 km), 2.5 h via the M15/A15
- Drive, Sydney → Murrurundi: about 4 h via the M1 and New England Highway (check)
Say or show
- Thank you — Thank you
- Where is the toilet? — Where is the toilet?
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
Fuel and food are limited; fill up in Scone or Muswellbrook.
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 Murrurundi. 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 (inland heat), winter nights below 0 °C · 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
- 4 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