Dungog Hunter Valley NSW
Dungog is a NSW village in the Hunter Valley and is quickly becoming a popular place to visit especially for art lovers and mountain bike riders. Mountain bike riders visit in great numbers thanks to the Dungog Common; a piece of crown land on the outskirts of town. The Common is also popular with bushwalkers, so grab your hiking gear, hop in the car and head to Dungog NSW. Visit Ride Dungog for more information.
For artisan lovers, the biennial Sculpture on the Farm is a must see! The last event attracted over 2,000 visitors to scenic Fosterton. As well, there are many art/craft galleries and centres.
Here are some prominent retailers and foodie places to put on your Dungog Itinerary when you visit:
EATS
DEAD DOG CAFE
Stephen Orr's Dead Dog Cafe is a vegetarian/vegan eatery where you will be warmly greeted. The cafe has various quirky art and superb places to sit down and relax. The food is fresh, tasty, looks impressive. You will find wonderful salads, toasties and other vegetarian dishes prepared by Stephen. Ingredients are sourced locally. There is a positive vibe at Dead Dog and the coffee is excellent!
Forget the hand sanitiser, there is a sink with soap, water and paper towels, in the cafe so guests can actually wash their hands rather than use that dreadful skin drying sanitiser we have all been conditioned to use.
The Dead Dog is open from 6.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m
172 Dowling Street, Dungog.
Settlers Arms
Settlers Arms offers style and comfort within a historic building surrounded by rolling hills. Due to Covid you will need to book though. Food here is also sourced locally. The hotel also offers accommodation. I did sense a ghost when I visited, so I asked Tracy, the manager, if there was a ghostly resident. Apparently, yes, Mrs Walsh, who was the Publican in the 1980s, still likes to keep an eye on things, and she also likes to meddle with the keys. Don't worry, she's friendly.
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, Dungog, NSW
WESTWOOD DUNGOG PROVIDORES
Westwood 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. There's a range of condiments and cheese on offer, and the smoked trout is fantastic.
261 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.
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, Dungog, NSW
DARK LIQUOR
Dark Liquor, operated by Matt Dark, has an excellent selection of wines, beers and spirits. It is an intriguing bottle shop with a great deal of car racing and rugby memorabilia.
2/119 Dowling Street, Dungog, NSW
CLOTHING AND HOMEWARES
HIDDEN VALLEY CLOTHING
If it is the country you look like, then this is the store for you. Well-known brands including Thomas Cook, Akubra and Wrangler, to name only a few, are stored here. Hidden Valley Clothing stocks women, men's, children, footwear including cowboy boots and housewares. It's a family 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, Dungog, NSW
WILLOW AND IRIS
This adorable florist and gift shop belongs to Alison Eyb, who has a passion for floristry.
Alison has various local handicraft gifts on offer and you will find all sorts of wonderful (and some quirky) finds in the shop.
154 Dowing Street, Dungog, NSW
THE MAGPIE
This fabulous shop sells eclectic gifts and beloved treasures and clothing. The Magpie is one of those places that you will find something unique! Liz is committed to sourcing ethically produced products including jewellery, clothing, shoes, soaps, bags, baskets, books, toiletries and tableware. Plus a few stylish magpie collectibles!
220 Dowling Street, Dungog, NSW
ARTS AND CULTURE
Hive and Gobbler
Step back in time when knitting and weaving were essential skills. Sustainability and support for buy-from-the-bush companies and producers is a major focus for the owners Brownen and Michael. The products are all sustainable, including yarn from their own Alpaca farm. This gorgeous store stocks countless yarns, craft materials and accessories. You can book in for a creative lesson at the classes held at the store. If you can't get to Dungog hop on the website for online orders.
211 Dowling Street, Dungog, NSW
DUNGOG BY DESIGN
This is a collective of makers living and creating in the Dungog Shire. Here you will discover various beautiful hand-made items including jewellery, photography, painting, sculpture, textiles and much more. Dungog by Design is the perfect place to shop for that unique gift for someone or a treat for yourself.
224 Dowling Street, Dungog, NSW
JAMES THEATRE
James Theatre is the oldest purpose-built cinema still operating in Australia and the building is magnificent. The James 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, Dungog, NSW
