CESSNOCK
GET TO KNOW
THE AREA
The gateway to Australia’s oldest wine region, Cessnock turns on the charm with its quaint shopfronts, heritage buildings and homegrown country hospitality. Guesthouses to tour-based companies, Cessnock is the backbone to the Hunter Valley’s thriving tourism industry. But what makes Cessnock a real standout is its outdoorsy lifestyle with broad family appeal.
Lifestyle
Mining town turned tourism hub, Cessnock is changing in a big way while staying true to its working-class roots. It’s an all-important town with homegrown Aussie charm, fuelling wine-famous pockets Pokolbin and Lovedale with its emerging shopping, foodie and tourism-based businesses. And as the largest town in the Hunter Valley region, this is only set to improve.
Vincent Street is the central hub, teeming with cafés, eateries and speciality stores with big-name department giants and homemaker stores nearby. Stylish eateries are popping up, with the likes of MR O Kitchen and Vincent Street Kitchen + Bar paving the way. Old-school local pubs that nod to times passed are peppered throughout town. Some have remained true to Aussie pub culture while others have adopted a more sophisticated edge, but all have a winning country charm about them.
Lifestyle
Mining town turned tourism hub, Cessnock is changing in a big way while staying true to its working-class roots. It’s an all-important town with homegrown Aussie charm, fuelling wine-famous pockets Pokolbin and Lovedale with its emerging shopping, foodie and tourism-based businesses. And as the largest town in the Hunter Valley region, this is only set to improve.
Vincent Street is the central hub, teeming with cafés, eateries and speciality stores with big-name department giants and homemaker stores nearby. Stylish eateries are popping up, with the likes of MR O Kitchen and Vincent Street Kitchen + Bar paving the way. Old-school local pubs that nod to times passed are peppered throughout town. Some have remained true to Aussie pub culture while others have adopted a more sophisticated edge, but all have a winning country charm about them.
With playing fields and parks aplenty throughout the greater Cessnock area, you’ll be quick to realise that sports are a pretty big deal around here. Locals take a lot of pride in the rugby league talent the region has produced over the years, and rightfully so, with some big-name players having had their start here. And bounded by bushland, mountain biking, dirt biking, walking trails and camping are favourite pastimes.
Schools are also in abundance, servicing the greater region, Cessnock and surrounding suburbs boast eight primary schools, three high schools and a TAFE campus. Families also have their pick of miner’s cottages, some that are beautifully restored while others are ripe for renovation, plus newer developments with all the mod-cons.
Needless to say, Cessnock is a haven for growing families, and for those eager to live both an urban and rural lifestyle.
Neighbours
Cessnock holds just under 60,000 permanent residents, consisting of families, working-class locals and family-owned business. The town takes pride in its rural setting, while also benefiting from its convenient location to Newcastle and the Hunter Expressway.
Neighbours
Cessnock holds just under 60,000 permanent residents, consisting of families, working-class locals and family-owned business. The town takes pride in its rural setting, while also benefiting from its convenient location to Newcastle and the Hunter Expressway.
Area features
Wineries
Most wine tours within the Hunter Valley region begin in Cessnock — just a hop, skip and a sip away from Pokolbin, Lovedale, and Broke.
Mount View
Located on the cusp of Cessnock, Mount View is a little piece of paradise, known for its scenic vistas, boutique cellar doors, and fine dining.
Historic Buildings
Cessnock’s old-world charm is on full display, with historic, turn-of-the-century buildings available to admire, simply by taking a stroll on foot around the town’s main streets.
Vincent Street
Vincent Street is the town’s main hub, with a myriad of cafes, affordable eateries, and country-style pubs. Here, you can also spot some of the town’s historic buildings.
