The Hunter Region

The Hunter on Australia's East Coast

Covering an area of over 29,000sq km, the Hunter is situated on Australia’s east coast approximately midway between Melbourne and Brisbane – just two hours’ drive north of Sydney.

It incorporates Lake Macquarie to the south, Port Stephens and Great Lakes to the north, Dungog and Gloucester to the north west, the Upper Hunter areas of Merriwa, Scone, Murrurundi as well as Muswellbrook to the west; Singleton, Cessnock and Maitland at its centre and its coastal capital, Newcastle.

Its large footprint incorporates cities and urban areas, beaches, lakes, mountains, vineyards, national parks, and rural and farming areas.

Sub-Tropical Climate

The climate in the Hunter Valley is moderate and sub-tropical with very distinct seasonal changes.

Rainfall is heavier in the summer, in keeping with the subtropical climate. In the table below are average minimum and maximum monthly temperatures, and average rainfall.The heaviest rainfalls are in summer, with a secondary peak just before winter with an average annual rainfall of 750mm.

Lifestyle second to none

Hunter living is relaxed, friendly and informal. The region offers a lifestyle that is difficult to match - with excellent educational and medical facilities, a regional arts centre, first rate dining and entertainment, quality shopping, and opportunities for the amateur and professional sportsperson.

Residents of the Hunter enjoy relatively affordable housing, efficient transportation services and an unparalleled quality of life.

The Hunter offers opportunities to live in city or suburban style, become part of the many small towns and farming communities, enjoy open spaces and farming settings or live on the coast or by the lake.

With an excellent road and public transport system, getting around is quick and without the congestion of major capital cities.

Not only does the Hunter allow one to take advantage of superb cultural, educational, recreational and entertainment amenities, but it does so at a cost of living below that of the major metropolitan areas across the country.

Well Connected Region

The Hunter’s location and impressive transport infrastructure provide it with a competitive edge in accessing Australian and international markets.

The region has a highly efficient transport infrastructure, providing fast and integrated links within the Region and to the rest of NSW, Australia and the world. This infrastructure includes the Port of Newcastle, Newcastle Airport and a comprehensive road and rail network.

AIR

The Hunter’s major airport, Newcastle Airport is located in the Port Stephens Local Government Area at Williamtown, a 25 minute drive from the Newcastle CBD.

Newcastle Airport is serviced by Jetstar, Regional Express, QantasLink, and Virgin Australia. These
airlines service flights to Ballina, Brisbane, Canberra, the Gold Coast, Melbourne, Taree and Sydney.
The Airport’s passenger movements are 1.2 million each year.

RAIL

CityRail operates a regular electric passenger rail service between Newcastle and Sydney with a travel time of around 2.5 hours. Half-hourly services run between Newcastle and Maitland most of the day during the week, while four services per day operate between Scone and
Newcastle, and five services between Dungog and Newcastle

BUS

State Transit operates bus services throughout the Newcastle and adjoining Lake Macquarie suburbs. In addition, a ferry service from Newcastle to Stockton links residents in that area to the City. Private bus services also provide connections with Upper and Lower Hunter towns and Newcastle to augment the government operated services.