Top 15 Must-Experience Activities in Singleton, Australia

Situated alongside the Hunter River, Singleton is a historically rich town with over 200 years of European heritage and convenient access to the renowned wineries of the Hunter Valley. The picturesque countryside is characterized by gently rolling hills adorned with vineyards, all framed against a backdrop of rugged mountain ranges.

Nearly half of the Singleton area comprises national parks, offering numerous opportunities for adventure and exploration. Alternatively, for a more leisurely experience, visitors can cycle between cellar doors, indulging in award-winning wines paired with exquisite local cuisine from this fertile region.

The township of Singleton boasts numerous attractions, including charming 19th-century architecture along George Street and well-maintained parks that enhance the town’s aesthetic appeal.

1. Hunter Valley Wine Region

Singleton is adjacent to the geographic center of one of Australia’s largest and most esteemed wine regions. While numerous estates and cellar doors are situated around Pokolbin, including prominent options such as Audrey Wilkinson, Peterson House, Tulloch Wines, and Pepper Tree Wines, it is essential to know a few key details.

The breathtaking scenery, framed by the Brokenback Mountains, is truly remarkable.

A combination of sandy soils in the alluvial flats creates ideal conditions for crisp white varieties such as Semillon, while the red duplex soils on the slopes produce full-bodied reds like Shiraz and Merlot.

From Singleton, you can create an itinerary that blends well-known names with boutique wineries, enhanced by world-class paddock-to-plate dining options.

Additionally, the Around Hermitage Wine and Food Trail provides a safe cycling route north-west of Pokolbin, boasting stunning views of the Brokenback Mountains.

2. Australian Army Infantry Museum (AAIM)

Located slightly south of Singleton is the active Australian Army base, Lone Pine Barracks. This site is not only home to the Special Forces Training Centre but also serves as the headquarters for the Australian Army School of Infantry, making it a fitting venue for a museum dedicated to the corps.

The AAIM preserves the history of the infantry corps, chronicling every overseas deployment from Sudan in 1885 to operations in Afghanistan in the 21st century. This chronological history is presented on the ground floor, while the mezzanine level showcases an engaging collection of small arms that illustrates their evolution and influence on military procedures, tactics, and techniques.

3. Singleton Heritage Walk

With an array of 19th-century architecture interspersed among charming gardens and contemporary monuments, Singleton is a town best explored on foot.

The Singleton Heritage Walk offers an accessible experience, complete with a downloadable map for smartphones that guides you through many of the 37 designated stops. Noteworthy locations along George Street include the impressive Ewebank (1884), the Royal Hotel (1859), Percy Hotel (1892), Mechanics Institute (1866), and the opulent former Post Office (1878).

4. Singleton Sundial

In commemoration of Australia’s Bicentenary in 1988, Singleton installed one of the largest sundials globally. This impressive structure, positioned at the edge of what is now Rose Point Park, was predominantly financed by local industry, including the Lemington Coal Mine.

The sundial serves as a gateway to the riverside recreational facilities developed for the Bicentenary and symbolizes the transition from ancient to modern timekeeping methods. Weighing approximately 30 tons, the sundial’s gnomon (the part that casts the shadow) aligns with the south celestial pole and is parallel to the Earth’s axis of rotation.

A sign positioned next to the sundial details any necessary adjustments to ascertain Australian Eastern Standard Time.

5. Townhead Park

Located southeast of the central business district, Townhead Park is a pleasant green space surrounding the Singleton Visitor Information and Enterprise Centre, making it an ideal location to relax and regroup.

During our visit in 2020, Townhead Park was undergoing renovation to enhance its facilities, which include a modern children’s playground, a drinking fountain, picnic tables, bike racks, an electric barbecue, and a shelter.

On the second Sunday of every month, the Valley Markets are held in the park, offering local produce such as fruit, vegetables, meat, dairy, specialty foods, and artisanal crafts.

6. Singleton Visitor Information Centre

With an extensive directory of wineries in and around Singleton, along with a wealth of suggestions for local activities, the Singleton Visitor Information Centre is an essential resource.

The knowledgeable staff are well-versed in all aspects of Singleton, providing assistance in crafting an optimal itinerary to discover the best this portion of the Hunter Valley has to offer. Conveniently located in Townhead Park, it serves as a tranquil spot to stretch your legs and relax after arriving in town.

The centre also features a café, free Wi-Fi, and a gift shop offering a selection of delicious local products and unique handmade items.

7. Lake St Clair

For boating and water sports enthusiasts, Lake St Clair serves as an impressive destination. This expansive and scenic reservoir is nestled in the undulating foothills of the Mount Royal Range and is less than half an hour’s drive from Singleton.

During the summer months, the lake attracts numerous visitors, offering opportunities for sailing, jet skiing, and water skiing amid stunning landscapes. Anglers will find ample rewards fishing for golden perch, silver perch, and bass in the lake’s waters.

For those wishing to extend their stay, the lakeshore provides 12 powered campsites, alongside nearly 40 acres of camping area.

8. Barrington Tops National Park

Mount Royal National Park, which provides a stunning backdrop for Lake St Clair, shares a boundary with the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Barrington Tops. This area is part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia, offering visitors a rare glimpse into Earth’s ancient history.

Various walking tracks allow exploration of this lush, moss-clad environment, which features cascading waterfalls, swimming holes, and panoramic lookouts among invaluable rainforests that have existed for hundreds of millions of years.

If you’re seeking a shorter hike, consider tackling the Gloucester Tops circuit, an approximately eight-kilometer loop that includes segments of longer trails leading through rainforest and snow gum woodlands to scenic vistas and the beautiful Gloucester Falls.

9. Baiame Cave

Located west of Singleton in Milbrodale, a rugged escarpment of Hawkesbury sandstone features an overhang that faces north-east towards Singleton. On the rear wall of this open cave, visitors can find a remarkable pigment art representation of the deity Baiame.

This figure holds significant importance in the Dreamtime beliefs of several Indigenous groups in New South Wales, having been viewed as the creator god. The existence of such an image is exceedingly rare, showcasing Baiame with large white eyes and outstretched arms that encompass the lands traditionally associated with the Wonnarua people.

10. Rose Point Park

Rose Point Park is an inviting green space on the south bank of the Hunter River, ideal for relaxation or recreational activities. The park offers scenic River Walk Tracks, while the local Netball Association, cricket nets, and AFL Club are conveniently situated nearby.

This family-friendly park features a fully fenced playground that has recently undergone redevelopment to enhance accessibility and fun for children of all abilities.

Visitors can enjoy a picnic or barbecue, making it an excellent venue for a leisurely half day amid nature.

11. Singleton Historical Society and Museum

If you are in Singleton on a weekend or Tuesday, visiting the Historical Society’s museum is highly recommended. This museum is located in the historic Council Chambers, which dates back to 1874 and is nestled within the scenic Burdekin Park.

Originally intended as a gaol, this architecturally appealing building has been utilized by the historical society since the 1960s and houses a fascinating collection of artifacts.

Highlights include Singleton’s first ambulance cart, various vintage furniture items, agricultural equipment, kitchenware, and a convict bell embedded in a tree trunk.

12. Werakata National Park

Situated slightly farther afield, Werakata National Park is located just east of Pokolbin’s vineyards, preserving rare tracts of Kurri sand swamp woodland and Hunter lowlands red gum forest.

The botanical diversity found in Werakata National Park is impressive, featuring over 400 recorded plant species, many of which are classified as endangered.

Visiting during spring offers a stunning array of wildflowers, with vibrant displays of ground orchids, red mountain devils, and purple happy wanderers. For those with picnic supplies from the Hunter Valley, the Astills picnic area is an inviting spot to enjoy an outdoor meal.

13. Heuston Lookout

Commonly referred to as Apex Lookout, this remarkable vantage point rises 60 meters above the Hunter River in the suburb of Gowrie. The park, now equipped with benches, a playscape, and picnic areas, was formerly farmland donated by one P.A. Heuston for the specific purpose of creating a scenic recreational area.

The lookout offers a delightful view westward along the serpentine course of the Hunter River, extending toward the mining region at Warkworth and the impressive peaks of Wollemi National Park in the distance.

14. Chapman Valley Horse Riding

A destination worth the journey is the Chapman Valley riding centre and stables located on an expansive cattle farm. Spanning over 6,500 picturesque acres, owned by the Chapman family for six generations—180 years—the property is a natural paradise.

Accessing the location from Singleton is an enjoyable drive along the scenic Putty Road. The centre offers various experiences, ranging from one-hour rides to two-day treks, and even three-day cattle musters. The horses at Chapman Valley are well cared for, both physically and mentally, and the property is alive with wildlife, including groups of kangaroos.

For younger children unfamiliar with horseback riding, guided experiences are available, led by an experienced handler.

15. Skydiving

Although it may be surprising to envision freefalling at over 220 km/hr in a serene rural location like Singleton, this thrilling adventure is available for those who seek an adrenaline rush. Skydive Hunter Valley, situated just a five-minute drive from the heart of Singleton, specializes in tandem jumps that require minimal training.

Participants are guided through each step of the jump by an experienced crew, ensuring safety and support. Once securely harnessed to an instructor, individuals will experience the exhilarating sensation of freefalling from heights of up to 15,000 feet. As the parachute opens, the breathtaking views of the pastoral Hunter Valley, with its lush vineyards and rolling hills, can be fully appreciated.