If you’re after a relaxed vibe with a side of fresh country air, swap the beach for the bush and head inland to Dungog. It’s a wonderful country escape, especially for families.
You can hit the trails at Dungog Common for some world-class mountain biking and nature hikes, browse the local art galleries and boutique shops, or enjoy a slow-paced, self-guided historic walk. There’s also a great lineup of family-friendly festivals throughout the year.
Here’s our guide to visiting Dungog with kids including attractions, kid-friendly places to eat and family accommodation.
Jump to a specific section to enjoy Dungog with kids: Attractions | Festivals and Events | Places to Eat | Accommodation | Getting There
Attractions
Walk, Jog, Ride or Appreciate Art at Dungog Common Recreation Reserve
Pack the snacks and load up the bikes, because the Dungog Common Recreation Reserve is a must-visit. Located just 2.6km from the Dungog town centre, it’s a massive 650-acre playground perfect for bushwalking, mountain biking, or simply enjoying a family picnic in the fresh country air.
For families who love to explore on foot, there are four interconnecting loop walks designed to suit every energy level. Keep it short and sweet with the gentle 800m Gulugu Loop (ideal for little legs), or challenge older kids on the adventurous and scenic 4.8 kilometre Girriwa Loop.
For mountain biking families, there are trails for every level and ability with over 30kms of single track, two purpose-built flow tracks and a fun track specifically designed for skill-building.
There’s also an incredible Velosolutions Pump Track, suitable for all ages, featuring a 177m competition loop for the confident riders and a dedicated 36m kids’ loop.
Insider Tip: Before you load up the car, be sure to visit the Dungog Common website to check out the trail maps and current track status. Because these trails are shared with horse riders, it’s also important to have a read through the general safety warnings on their site so everyone stays safe and has a blast.
Dungog Common Recreation Reserve
316 Common Road, Dungog NSW
Website
Take a Stroll Along Dowling Street
There’s a wonderful mix of treasures, local art and crafts, wholefoods, sweet treats and more to be discovered in Dungog’s main street, Dowling Street.
Start at Inspired By Design. It’s a treasure trove of curated items, with something special for both big and small explorers. With themes ranging from mermaids to pirates, every corner offers something new to catch your eye and we bet you won’t be able to leave without finding a little treasure to take home.
Another must-visit for families is Hive & Gobbler, an eco-friendly creative hub where kids are always warmly welcomed. It is the perfect spot to spark some imagination, and they stock a fantastic range of children’s craft kits that make for a great souvenir or rainy-day activity.
Stock up on healthy snacks for the road at the Dungog Wholefood Co-operative. This lovely volunteer-run shop is the place to find sustainable and ethically produced goodies, including chemical-free fruit and veg, locally made preserves, and delicious fresh-baked bread.
Shop for a nostalgic treasure at The Dungog Trading Post. You can also grab a seat indoors or outdoors and enjoy some hearty, homestyle food while soaking up the relaxed, friendly atmosphere of this beautiful town.
If your family’s into art, you’ll love that there are four unique art galleries located along the main stretch of Dowling Street, including Dungog Arts Society, a community-focused hub that showcases a variety of works from local artists.
Self-guided Town Walk
The Dungog Town Walk is a lovely self-guided heritage stroll that the whole family can enjoy at their own pace. Spot beautiful historic buildings along Dowling, Brown, and Lord Streets by hunting for the blue plaque markers, passing local gems like the Dungog Museum and the famous James Theatre.
Just be sure to download a map first, or grab one from the Visitor Information Centre, so you don’t miss any of the stories along the way.
Catch a Movie or Show at the James Theatre
The James Theatre is a local treasure, and a must-visit being the oldest purpose-built cinema still operating in Australia, with a rich history of screening films since 1912.
Today, the James Theatre is a community hub and a favourite for families, often screening kids’ movies and hosting live children’s shows alongside its regular lineup of dance, talks, and special events. Visit their website to see what’s currently showing.
James Theatre
6 Brown Street, Dungog NSW
Website
Wander a Country Market
For an enjoyable family morning out, you can enjoy some fresh local produce or discover handmade treasures at one of Dungog’s wonderful community markets.
Pick up super-fresh, seasonal goods directly from local farmers and backyard growers at the Dungog Local Growers Stall. Held every Saturday morning from 8.30am – 12 noon at 205 Dowling Street.
Insider Tip: Bring cash and your own shopping bags. This is a cash-only stall focused on sustainability.
Hunt for unique gifts or a bargain while supporting the local community at The Anglican Church Market Day. Held on the first Saturday of every month from 8am – 1pm on Chapman Street, it’s a classic country town market with a bit of everything including bric-a-brac, and plenty of homemade cakes and preserves.
Festivals and Events
Plan your visit to Dungog around one of these unique family-friendly fairs or festivals:
Dungog Rodeo (Easter Saturday)
For an action-packed, family-friendly Easter Saturday, head to the Dungog Rodeo. Watch talented cowboys and cowgirls test their skills in the arena, then explore side shows, live music, and even a mechanical bull.
To make the most of the weekend, take advantage of free camping at the Dungog Showground on Saturday night, no bookings required.
Insider Tip: Start your morning at the Gresford Billy Cart Derby, also held annually on Easter Saturday, before heading to the rodeo.
Run Dungog (August)
Run Dungog is a family-friendly, community-focussed trail running festival held at Dungog Common Recreation Reserve on the second weekend in August. With trail options ranging from a 5km run to a 40km run, there is a distance for every fitness level, and kids under 12 run free!
If the little ones aren’t hitting the trails, they can enjoy the bush skills and craft activities hosted by Wangat Lodge and Wildcraft Australia. It’s a perfect, nature-filled, family weekend away.
AGOG – A Feast of Foreign Films (August)
If your family is into foreign films, the Agog – A Feast of Foreign Films Festival, held at the historic James Theatre, traditionally runs in late August/September and features a weekend of high quality international and foreign fim screenings.
Sculpture on the Farm (August)
Sculpture on the Farm is an award-winning, biennial festival held at Dungog Common Recreation Reserve. Featuring over 150 works from Australian artists, the event transforms the beautiful hills of Dungog into a massive open-air gallery where families can wander the scenic trails to spot contemporary outdoor sculptures.
Dungog Tea Party (September)
The Dungog Tea Party is a five-day celebration of creativity held annually in September at the historic James Theatre. The star of the show is the incredible Tea Cosy and Trivet Challenge, where you’ll see hundreds of handcrafted, wacky, and beautiful creations, from local school student’s designs to bespoke artist-made entries. The whole town gets involved, with high teas, market stalls, and workshops, and it’s a delightfully quirky day out for all ages.
Pedalfest (September)
Get the whole family on bikes for Dungog Pedalfest, a weekend celebration of cycling held annually in late September.
Besides competitive mountain bike races, the festival is packed with lots of fun activities, including the National Dandy Horse Championships (balance bikes) and Penny Farthing races. Kids will especially love the Kids and Cobwebs ride, a 3km costume parade through town that ends with a free BBQ.
With free camping available at the showground and events ranging from pump track challenges to street sprints, it’s a brilliant, low-cost way to soak up the country air and community spirit.
Dungog Rumble Inc. (October)
The Dungog Rumble Inc. is a popular annual charity Show and Shine event that brings a massive collection of cars, bikes, hot rods, trucks, and even vintage tractors to the heart of town. Held on the third Saturday in October, the event transforms the streets around the Bank Hotel into a vibrant community festival, raising significant funds for local charities.
Dungog Shakespearience (October/November)
Introduce your kids to the Bard at the Dungog Shakespearience, an immersive outdoor theatre event held annually at picturesque Wangat Lodge.
Forget sitting in a dark room, the Shakespearience takes place across three unique forest stages, where the audience is guided through the bush as the story unfolds around them, with the natural landscape of the Chichester River valley acting as a living part of the set.
Places to Eat
Enjoy smoked meats and burgers in a family-friendly atmosphere at Tinshed Brewery, a locally owned and operated brew pub in the heart of Dungog.
If you’re after a classic pub feed, the friendly staff and retro vibes at The Royal Hotel are hard to go past. The Bank Hotel and the Settlers Arms are another two local gems, serving up classic pub favourites with plenty of options for the kids.
Enjoy the casual, kid-friendly atmosphere at Dungog Pizza, or grab a takeaway pizza and enjoy it in nearby Jubilee Park.
The Barn Dungog is the place to head for your pastries and sweet treats. If you’re lucky you might even get to see the bakers at work in their open kitchen area.
Experience the best of country hospitality at Dungog Trading Post, serving up hearty, homestyle meals and freshly baked treats.
Family-Friendly Accommodation in Dungog
Carriageway Retreat
For a unique experience that the kids will love, stay in one of the restored Red Rattler train carriages at Carriageway Retreat. Choose from a four-berth carriage, six-berth carriage, a two-bedroom family unit or the original Station Master’s cottage. Carriageway Retreat is located an easy five-minute drive from Dungog.
Royal Hotel
If you’re after comfort in the heart of town, the Royal Hotel Dungog is beautifully restored. This historic pub offers fantastic family accommodation, including a spacious three-bedroom apartment and a self-contained studio. It’s the perfect base for exploring Dungog, complete with a welcoming bistro and sunny beer garden.
Settlers Arms Hotel
The Settlers Arms Hotel is a friendly, budget-friendly spot at the quiet end of town. This historic hotel offers simple, clean rooms that are a great base for families to explore town. With a large backyard area for the kids to stretch their legs and a bistro serving up hearty, traditional pub meals, it is a welcoming place to kick back after a busy day of local adventuring.
Tall Timbers Motel
Tall Timbers Motel is a great family-focused choice within walking distance of town. A quiet, single-level motel, it offers spacious rooms and easy parking right at your door. With a lovely outdoor swimming pool and BBQ area, it’s a nice spot to relax after a day of exploring.
Wangat Lodge
Wangat Lodge is a picturesque nature retreat tucked away on the edge of the breathtaking Barrington Tops. Set within 20 hectares of lush, protected wildlife refuge, they offer cosy lodge and cottage accommodation in a tranquil bush setting. Located approximately 21km from Dungog (22 minutes by car).
Getting There
By car
Dungog is a 2.5 hour drive north of Sydney, 45 minutes from Maitland and an easy 1 hour, 15 minutes’ drive from Newcastle.
The most direct route is to head north via Clarence Town Road, winding through Raymond Terrace and the country roads of Seaham before reaching Clarence Town, which then leads directly to Dungog.
Much of the drive is rural and picturesque, taking you straight through the heart of the scenic Williams River Valley.
Insider Tip: In the early morning or late afternoon, keep an eye out for kangaroos in the paddocks, along with plenty of cows, horses and sheep. If you’re lucky, you might even spot camels, alpacas, or a wedge-tailed eagle!
By train
If you want to save on fuel, and focus on the view, consider taking a train. The Hunter Line runs direct from Newcastle Interchange and Hamilton straight to Dungog, taking approximately an hour and 20 minutes.
From Sydney, take the North Coast Line direct to Dungog, or travel to Newcastle via the CCN (Central Coast & Newcastle Line) and change at Hamilton or Newcastle Interchange for the HUN (Hunter Line).
Dungog Station is a very short, flat walk to Dowling Street, the main street.
Insider Tip: If you’re bringing the bikes for the Dungog Common Recreation Reserve, most Hunter Line trains have plenty of space to wheel them on.
Whether you’re loading up the bikes to tackle the flow trails at Dungog Common or just looking for a peaceful change of scenery, Dungog is the ultimate low-key family escape. The perfect place to switch off the screens and reconnect. The best part? It’s less than a 1.5-hour drive from Newcastle, so definitely add it to your list for when you want to make the most of a sunny weekend outside the city.
For more information, visit the Dungog Visitor Information Centre website.
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