Life as it should be

Authentic experiences and real country villages.
 The perfect destination for that weekend getaway!

Welcome

Guudji yiigu

Dungog Shire in the Hunter Region of NSW, is renowned for its forests, mountains and picturesque river villages with historic elegant buildings and lush rural landscapes, as well as art and cultural events. If you just want to see what featured events are coming up jump to our What’s ON section below.

It’s all here on your doorstep

Dungog Shire is only 60 mins from Newcastle and 2 1/2 hours from Sydney.

Find out what there is to do, see, taste and experience , in our latest magazine here …

Visit Dungog Shire issue 1

You’ll wonder why you’ve never been!

Fri 15 May 2026, 7–10pm

Experience one of Australia’s most electrifying live performers in an unforgettable evening of high-energy blues at the James Theatre Dungog.

Renowned for electrifying live shows, Ash Grunwald inspires audiences with vibrant performances packed with stacks of guitars and foot-stomping blues. Part troubadour, part storyteller, this festival favourite has been selling out shows across the country, blending raw musical talent with captivating stage presence.

With a career spanning 12 studio albums, six Australian Top-50 releases, five ARIA and four AIR Award nominations, two APRA Awards, and the LA Music Critic Award for Best International Act (2014), Grunwald has cemented his status as one of Australia’s most exciting live musicians.

Ash has supported legends including James Brown, The Black Keys, Jack Johnson, Xavier Rudd, and Keith Urban.

More info …

15–31 May 2026

The Dungog Archies, inspired by the Archibald Prize, is our annual portrait prize for the Dungog Shire. Subjects must have a strong connection to the Dungog LGA, though artists can enter from anywhere.

This exhibition by Dungog Arts Society is a celebration of local people, their faces and their stories that inspired the portraits. This is the most important yearly event for Dungog Arts Society.

In 2026, the event celebrates its 10th anniversary. The adult prize has been sponsored throughout by Dungog Medical Practice, while children’s prizes (primary and secondary) are sponsored by Douglas Spedding.

A popular community event, entries range from professional artists to enthusiastic beginners, all aiming to capture a strong likeness. In 2026, the Archies expands its community focus in collaboration with Dungog by Design and Dungog Clarence Town CWA.

The opening night on Friday 15 May is always a wonderful celebration of creativity and community, so be sure to mark your diary for a great night of art, conversation, wine and cheese awaits.

More info …

30 May 2026 3:00–11:00pm

Experience Australia’s favourite supergroup performing the best of Australian music live at the historic Settlers Arms, Dungog.

This unmissable concert features an extraordinary line-up of Australian music legends, Dave Gleeson (The Screaming Jets/The Angels), Rai Thistlethwayte (Thirsty Merc/Joe Satriani/Sammy Hagar), Joe Camilleri (The Black Sorrows) and Wendy Matthews!

Prepare for an incredible catalogue of Australian classics including The Black Sorrows’ “Harley & Rose” and “Chained to The Wheel” Thirsty Merc’s beloved “In the Summertime” “20 Good Reasons” and “Mousetrap Heart” The Screaming Jets’ rock anthems “Better” “Shiver” and “Helping Hand” plus Wendy Matthews’ unforgettable “Let’s Kiss” and “The Day You Went Away.”

Gates open at 3pm, this is an outdoor concert (rain, hail or shine) kids under 18 free but must be accompanied by adult.

More info …

Bookings …

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