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Discover Dungog, NSW - A Regional Town with Plenty to Offer
- Deb Carr
- Jul 2
- 6 min read
Updated: Jul 4
Updated July 2025
Have you even heard of Dungog? I had, but it has taken me a long time to actually visit the town, and I am glad I did! Now here's a heads up for you, this NSW village in the Hunter Valley is becoming fashionable, so if you want to visit, get in before everyone else does!
Ride Dungog and Dungog Common
Dungog is famous for its impressive mountain bike trail, attracting enthusiastic cyclists to Dungog Common - a piece of crown land on the outskirts of town. It caters for professional and amateur riders as well as bushwalkers and these visitors are helping the town to flourish. The Dungog Common comprises 650 acres and is traditionally home to the Gringai people.
The Common is a place for people to explore and get back to nature.
Find more : Ride Dungog
Dungog is a scenic town, with beautiful heritage buildings and surrounded by hills. I could imagine only a few years ago it may have been an uneventful place. Not anymore! The town is the perfect place to stay as you explore the Barrington Tops
Philippa Graham, who is on the committee of Sculpture on the Farm at Fosterton introduced me to a number of the local businesses.
After my visit to Fosterton, I headed out towards the Dungog Village with a detour around the outskirts of town to take in the views.
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Find accommodation in Dungog below
The Barn Dungog
Start your morning by stopping at The Barn Café Dungog, a beloved local spot offering tasty coffee, homemade pastries, and breakfast dishes. Located in a charming barn-style setting, the café features rustic interiors and a cozy atmosphere, making it the perfect place to energize for the day.
Hidden Valley Clothing
If it is the country look you like then this is the store for you. Stocking famous brands including Thomas Cook, Akubra and Wrangler to name a few. There's a lot to discover in this store, and I bought myself a cool t-shirt. Hidden Valley Clothing stocks womens, mens, childrens, footwear including cowboy boots and homewares. It's a family owned business with a friendly team; Maree, Brianna and Keisha.
If you can't get to Dungog you can always purchase country clothing online.
143 Dowling Street
The Flower Shop Dungog
Located in Dungog, NSW, a small flower farm and florist provides seasonal bouquets and arrangements with a considerate approach to floral design, ensuring a personalised gifting experience, and weddings.
220 Dowling St Dungog
Ph: 0434 928 948
Settlers Arms Dungog
Tracy, the owner of Settlers Arms, made some time for me out of her busy day. The former Mayor, and currently on the Local Council, Tracy is dynamo with the amount of work she does. The Settlers Arms offers style and comfort. Rolling hills surround this fabulous country hotel and provides access Barrington Tops National Park listed as world heritage.
I asked Tracy if there were any ghosts in this historical building, and wasn't surprised when she said 'well actually'. I have a thing about sensing ghosts I must say and I had already noted something! A friendly ghost, Mrs Walsh, was the publican in the 1980s and apparently she still likes to hang out at the Settlers Arms and has a fondness of playing with keys! I would have loved to have said the 1880s but that would be a massive exaggeration!
Settlers Arms offers accommodation, dining and bar.
History
Settlers Arms was established in 1848. Originally located in Dowling Street, it was relocated to the present site in the 1853. Most of the bricks used were made by convicts. The ‘new’ part of the building, that is located closest to Lord Street, dates back to 1891. In 1901, Settlers Arms became The Courthouse Hotel and was known as such up until 2005 when it once again became, Settlers Arms.
45 Brown Street
Westwood Dungog Providores
I knew as soon as I stepped foot inside the Westwood Dungog Providores I would be spending more money! Yep, I stepped out with 4 pieces of smoked trout! I actually don't eat meat but I do eat fish and I love cheese! The Dungog Providores offers various local grass-fed beef, free-range pork and chicken and other specialities. Westwood Dungog Providores can also supply you with their own free-range smoked bacon and pork ribs.
Award-winning cheeses from Little Creek are available. The range includes flavoured cheddars, feta, labna and haloumi.
Definitely put the shop on your 'to visit' list.
261 Dowling Street
Hive and Gobbler
Hive and Gobbler was an eye-opener for me. I felt like I was stepping back into a time when weaving and knitting was part of daily living. I used to love knitting and I have never seen such a variety of beautiful craft products as showcased in this quaint store. Sustainability and support for buy-from-the-bush businesses and producers is a major focus for owners, Brownen and Michael.
I had a tour with Jade, who is one of the employees at Hive and Gobbler, and I have to say I'm beginning to want to pick up those knitting needles again! Check out the website for online ordering and if you are in the area, there are various courses to help you learn how to be creative.
211 Dowling Street
Dungog by Design
Dungog by Design is a collective of makers living and creating in the Shire. I had a chat with Liz and Gerdi, who gave me a rundown on what Dungog by Design is all about. Here you will find many beautiful handmade items including jewellery, photography, painting, sculpture, textiles and much more. This gallery is the perfect place to shop for that unique gift for someone or to treat yourself to something special. One stipulation, makers, must reside in the Dungog Shire.
224 Dowling Street, Dungog NSW
Tinshed Brewery
Tinshed Brewery is a locally owned and operated brew pub in the heart of town offering craft beer, terrific food and a relaxed atmosphere with dining outdoors overlooking Dowling Street and views of the surrounding hills.
The craft beers are all brewed onsite in the microbrewery using both Australian and European ingredients. The menu is created using local produce and a selection of local wines is also available.
109 Dowling Street
Rock Frog Grange
At Rock Frog Grange, enjoy a unique range of handcrafted Verdelho, Chambourcin, and Shiraz wines. Each bottle reflects our dedication to quality, containing only a minimal amount of preservatives. Savour the purity of winemaking with every sip.
Delight in free tastings, discover the vineyard and winery, or relax in the tranquil garden beneath a large pergola. Rock Frog Grange is open to families and pet enthusiasts—children can play freely, and dogs are warmly invited.
612 Limeburners Creek Road
Clarence Town NSW 2321
Australia
(02) 4996 4046
James Theatre
James Theatre is the oldest purpose-built cinema still operating in Australia and the building is magnificent. The theatre is a multi-purpose facility hosting films, live performances, dance and film classes. The venue is available for private functions, weddings, educational purposes and events. Visit the website to check out what's on.
6 Brown Street
Wallaringa Farm
Retreat to a serene sanctuary with a luxurious family farm stay in NSW, offering ideal accommodation in the heart of the Hunter Valley. Wallaringa Farm is located just over two hours from Sydney and an hour from Newcastle, this scenic destination perfectly combines comfort with natural beauty. Awaken to expansive countryside views, enjoy leisurely walks through rolling hills, and relax in a beautifully appointed farmhouse designed for comfort and indulgence.
There is much more to Dungog than I have shared here, I ran out of time so I have a great excuse to go back and discover more of the shops, cafes, and restaurants as well as spending some time in the Dungog Common.
Things to do Near Dungog
Weather in Dungog NSW
The weather in Dungog, NSW, features a temperate climate with clear seasonal changes throughout the year. Situated in the scenic Hunter Valley region, Dungog enjoys a mix of warm summers and cool winters, making it an attractive spot for both locals and tourists.
In the summer months, from December to February, Dungog sees average high temperatures between 28 and 34 degrees Celsius. This season is characterized by extended daylight hours and occasional thunderstorms, especially in the late afternoon and evening.
When autumn arrives from March to May, temperatures gradually decline, averaging between 20 and 28 degrees Celsius. The foliage around Dungog turns into a breathtaking array of warm colors, drawing nature lovers and photographers eager to capture the changing scenery.
Winter, spanning from June to August, brings cooler weather, with average temperatures from 5 to 18 degrees Celsius. Frost can appear on the coldest nights, mainly in the early morning, creating a peaceful and crisp environment.
As spring emerges from September to November, Dungog starts to warm up again, with temperatures rising from 10 to 25 degrees Celsius.
