Upper Hunter

The Upper Hunter provides excellent educational choices for families, featuring a range of primary schools like Scone Public School, Aberdeen Public School, and St Mary's Primary School, alongside comprehensive secondary education at Scone High School. Independent options such as Scone Grammar School are also available, ensuring high-quality learning environments. Additionally, TAFE NSW in Scone offers vocational pathways, supporting diverse educational needs from early learning through to adult education.

Outdoor enthusiasts will thrive in the Upper Hunter, with natural attractions like Scone Mountain National Park and Burning Mountain Nature Reserve offering scenic walks and picnic spots. Lake Glenbawn is a hub for water sports, fishing, and camping. Local events, including race days at Scone Race Club and the annual Upper Hunter Show, provide community entertainment. Family-friendly parks such as Elizabeth Park ensure there's always something to do outdoors.

The Upper Hunter's dining and social scene blends country hospitality with evolving culinary experiences. Establishments like The Cottage in Scone and Hunter Belle Cheese Cafe in Muswellbrook offer delicious local fare. Traditional pubs, including the Moonan Flat Pub, are central to social life, while community clubs like the Scone RSL Club host events. The region's connection to the wider Hunter Valley also places renowned restaurants and wineries within easy reach for diverse dining options.

The Upper Hunter fosters a strong, welcoming community spirit, making it an ideal place for families to settle. Organisations like Upper Hunter Community Services, Scone Neighbourhood Resource Centre, and various community halls actively support residents, creating a connected environment. Regular local events, festivals, and sporting activities bring people together, promoting a sense of belonging and a tight-knit social fabric.

As a GP in the Upper Hunter, you will benefit from a professionally rewarding environment focused on patient-centred care within a supportive rural healthcare network. With a population of 14,408 and 11 GPs, the role offers a diverse and engaging caseload, fostering continuity of care and strong doctor-patient relationships. The collaborative nature of rural practice provides excellent opportunities for impactful clinical work and a balanced lifestyle.

The Upper Hunter is well-served by medical facilities to support robust healthcare delivery. Scone features Scott Memorial Hospital and Scone Medical Practice, providing essential acute and general practice services. Muswellbrook Hospital and Muswellbrook Community Health further enhance regional health infrastructure, offering broader inpatient and community health services, ensuring comprehensive care is accessible locally.

Housing in the Upper Hunter is significantly more affordable than in major cities, offering families the opportunity to secure spacious homes or properties with acreage without prohibitive costs. This affordability translates to a higher quality of life, allowing for greater financial freedom and the chance to enjoy a substantial family residence within a welcoming rural setting.

Partners of medical professionals will find diverse employment prospects across the Upper Hunter, including roles in healthcare, education, local government, and the thriving agricultural sector. Opportunities also exist in support services and small businesses. The region's growth ensures a dynamic job market, with recruitment agencies available to assist, and larger regional centres offering additional career pathways within a reasonable commute.