Unlock Secrets of the Upper Hunter

The new tourism guide for the Upper Hunter, launched today in Scone

THE new booklet promoting the Upper Hunter as a tourism destination was launched in Scone today.

The magazine style publication showcases the best on offer across the Upper Hunter and Muswellbrook Shires, a collaboration Upper Hunter Country Tourism president Peter Hales described as progressive.

“This is a step towards becoming a destination, an accumulation of experiences, a place to come and stay and not just pass through,” Mr Hale said.

“It’s great to see two Councils take a progressive attitude and put resources towards it.

“It is a beautifully produced guide, with poems by Richard Wright and recipes from local businesses,” he said.

“We are also looking to get local products branded as Upper Hunter to promote the brand,” said Peter Hale.

Wayne Bedggood, mayor of the Upper Hunter Shire Council said the partnership with Muswellbrook Shire had been very productive.

“We are two healthy stand-alone Shires which share interests and share industries, so it made sense to collaborate,” said Mayor Bedggood.

“For example we have collaborated on our events calendar to spread events throughout the year, not to have clashes and hold events that complement each other so people come up for a few days,” Wayne Bedggood said.

Martin Rush, mayor of Muswellbrook Shire Council and Wayne Bedggood, mayor of Upper Hunter Shire Council at the launch of the Upper Hunter County tourism booklet

Martin Rush, mayor of the Muswellbrook Shire Council agreed and said the quality of the tourism had improved.

“The partnership between the two Councils has proved to be extraordinarily beneficial,” said Mayor Rush.

“The staff from the two Councils are working closely together coordinating events has meant less conflict between events and more people staying overnight,” he said.

“The quality of tourism events has also improved,” said Martin Rush.

Colin Selwood, chef at the Cottage in Scone said the new booklet would be helpful to them in terms of tourism, but also has ideas for locals to enjoy in their own backyard.

“There is also a lot of things for local people to do in here,” said Mr Selwood.

“We are only new to Scone and I can learn about what is in on offer,” he said.

“It is especially helpful for when we have guests in the restaurant up for the weekend from Sydney we can give them ideas on what they can do while they are here.

“Because I work in the industry I rarely get the chance to do these things myself, so it is good to have it in a format like this to share with people,” Colin Selwood said.

Douglas McIntosh from Murrurundi Caravan Park said it was presented well and gave a good overview of the whole region.

“It’s a quality book, good photos and different styles of things to do, not just horses and vineyards,” said Mr McIntosh.

“There is a good overview of the whole area and with the diversity it could encourage people to stay longer,” he said.