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. Our latest quarterly newsletter, full of tips a& ideas is here.

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

Wonder filled walking and bike trails

Stunning stays

Camping & relaxing

Wildlife up close

Unique events

Authentic food and culture

You’ll wonder why you’ve never been!

Meet the Author – Paula Bevan

19 August 2026 3:30pm- 4:30pm

Paula J. Beavan will talk about her latest book, Rebel Spirits at Dungog Library. Set against the rugged bush of the 1850s, Rebel Spirits is a story of resilience, loyalty and the cost of choosing love when survival is on the line.

Paula has lived on the banks of the Hunter River where her love of a reading and a good yarn inspired a desire to write. On discovering a family connection to one of the Hunter Valley first settlers she turned her hand to historical fiction.

Her love of history together with a curiosity about the challenges faced by the pioneering women of the region led her to seek out stories of the area’s founding settlers. Serendipitously she discovered a family connection to William Harpur, local landowner and one of Australia’s early surveyors. Inspired by this connection she delved deeper–Harpur lost his sight, and his wife Catherine was one of the women who managed their property–a perfect illustration of the women she writes about.

Australian Romance Readers Association Award winner for Favourite Debut Romance Author 2021 for Daughter of the Hunter Valley. She is also the author of Among the Gum Trees.

Free event. Light refreshments will be available.

More info …

Tocal Homestead Open Day

Sun 23 August 2026 10am to 3pm

Tocal Homestead is OPEN the 4th SUNDAY OF EVERY MONTH to the public 10am to 3pm for self guided audio tours. Bring a picnic to have on the lawns, enjoy the gardens, and follow the maps as you explore the site with your own audio guides. Devonshire teas and refreshments, along with publications and items made by the Friends of Tocal are on offer at the Visitor Centre.

Self guided audio tours take approximately 2 hours.

No need to book, just pop on in.

For groups of ten people or more, bookings are preferred.

More info …

AGOG - A Feast of Films from afar

Fri 28 Aug & Sat 29 Aug 2026

See website for session times.

Experience world-class cinema at Australia’s most charming film festival in historic Dungog!

Celebrating its 17th year, AGOG – A Feast of Films from Afar festival returns to the iconic James Theatre, bringing international cinematic excellence to the heart of Dungog Shire. Since its inception in 2007, this beloved homegrown festival has earned an outstanding reputation for curating the finest films from around the globe.

Immerse yourself in an extraordinary day of cinema at the historic James Theatre, proudly holding the distinction as NSW’s oldest continuously operating theatre. This atmospheric venue provides the perfect backdrop for discovering exceptional films from diverse countries and many more fascinating destinations.

Whether you’re a dedicated cinephile or simply love discovering new cultures through film, AGOG offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience world cinema in one of Australia’s most historic and atmospheric theatres. A truly unique cultural experience combining international cinema with Australian heritage.