Discover a scenic Hunter Valley drive through Kurri Kurri, Richmond Vale & beyond. Murals, heritage, food & history await. Plan your road trip now!

Discover a scenic Hunter Valley drive through Kurri Kurri, Richmond Vale & beyond. Murals, heritage, food & history await. Plan your road trip now!

Welcome to Kurri Kurri by Grahame Cookie

Looking for an authentic, off-the-beaten-track experience in the Hunter Region? Just two hours from Sydney and a short drive from Newcastle, a cluster of charming towns awaits - each with its own story, personality, and slice of history. Explore Richmond Vale, Pelaw Main, Kurri Kurri, Weston, Abermain, and Neath for a day (or two) filled with local flavour, rich heritage, and warm hospitality.

Whether you're a history lover, a mural hunter, or simply keen on a scenic drive with great food stops and cultural insights, this route offers the perfect regional adventure.

Steam Engine Majorie with Coal Wagons by Richmond Vale Railway Museum

Richmond Vale – Step Back in Time

Start your journey in Richmond Vale, a peaceful pocket of heritage just outside Kurri Kurri. The standout attraction is the Richmond Vale Railway Museum, a hands-on, outdoor museum that brings the region’s mining and railway history to life. Vintage steam trains, historic tools, and open bushland make it an engaging stop for all ages.

Perfect for:

Families with curious kids

Train and industrial history buffs

Weekend picnics and special event days

Log of Knowledge Park in Pelaw Main by Bidgee

Pelaw Main – Pathways Through the Past

Next stop: Pelaw Main, a quiet residential town with deep mining roots and a strong link to the Richmond Vale rail network. Take time to visit the Log of Knowledge Park and gain some insights as to where the name originates from.

Col Brown Rotary Park by Cessnock City Council

Kurri Kurri – Where Art Meets Heritage

Arriving in Kurri Kurri feels like stepping into an outdoor art gallery. Known for its incredible collection of over 60 murals, this town showcases its local history and identity through vivid public art. Each mural tells a story—from mining milestones to community heroes—and makes for a fantastic walking tour.

Don’t miss:

The Kurri Kurri Mural Walk (maps available online or at the Visitor Centre)

A stop at a local café for homemade pies or coffee

The Kurri Kurri Nostalgia Festival, held (in March) annually and brimming with 1950s flair

Kurri Kurri Cemetery hosts an annual Field of Honour display on and around Anzac Day. The event is held to pay respect to those who served and is a significant community event in Kurri Kurri. 

Criterion Hotel, Weston by Grahame Cookie

Weston – Proud, Friendly, and Growing

Just minutes from Kurri Kurri is Weston, a town on the rise. Once a bustling mining hub, it’s now enjoying a gentle revival with new businesses, community projects and plenty of heart. It’s a great place to stop for lunch, browse local shops, or simply enjoy the welcoming atmosphere.

Look out for:

Fresh local produce and handmade goods

Local pubs and clubs with live music or trivia nights

Community events and market days

Sir Edgeworth David Museum, Abermain by  Lexie Matthews, Coalfields Local History Association

Abermain – Small Town, Big Character

Continue your journey into Abermain, where coal-mining history meets a peaceful, community-centred lifestyle. The Abermain Hotel is a classic country pub full of character and charm - great for a relaxed meal or cold drink. The town also offers easy access to Werakata National Park, where walking and cycling tracks wind through dry eucalypt forest.

Best for:

A relaxed pub lunch

Bushwalks and birdwatching

Getting a feel for everyday life in the Hunter's smaller towns

The Neath Hotel, Neath by Jan Smith

Neath – A Pub with a Past

Round out your trip in Neath, one of the region’s smallest yet most storied towns. Here, the Neath Hotel is more than just a watering hole—it’s a living museum of the town’s mining heritage. Inside, you’ll find vintage photographs, tools, and tales that echo the resilience of this proud community.
On ANZAC Day a very unique and special commemoration takes place. Checkout the Drive to see what it is.

Ideal for:

History lovers looking to dig deeper

An afternoon drink in a heritage setting

Conversations with locals who know the stories behind the scenes

Plan Your Drive

This loop can easily be completed in a day, but if you want to slow down and soak it all in, consider an overnight stay in Kurri Kurri or nearby Hunter Valley wine country. There’s something uniquely enriching about taking your time through this part of the world - where every town has a tale to tell.

Getting there:

From Sydney: approx. 2 hrs drive

From Newcastle: approx. 45 mins

From Cessnock: 15–20 mins

Perfect for:

Road trippers and day-trippers

History and mural lovers

Families, couples, and curious explorers

Anyone seeking a quieter, deeper side of the Hunter

Take the road less travelled. Explore these towns. Meet the locals. Hear their stories. And discover a part of the Hunter that’s rich, real, and ready to welcome you.