Hundreds of occupation and rock art sites revealing the ancient life of the local Wiradjuri and Wannaruah people have been found throughout the Hunter Valley and surrounding bushland. Rock engraving sites can be visited just south of the Hunter Valley at Finchley (see Hawkesbury Valley region). The Biame gallery in Hunter Valley Gardens at Pokolbin is a window into the thriving contemporary Aboriginal culture. As well as traditional and contemporary Aboriginal arts and crafts, the gallery also offers cultural programs and tours for groups.

The only park camping areas nearby are to the west of the World Heritage Area, and in the Hawkesbury Valley region to the south.

Spring Gully (Goulburn River NP)

A bush camping site with basic facilities beside the Goulburn River, some 15 km along the 2WD dry weather Mogo Road from the village of Wollar.

Facilities:

• walking

Big River (Goulburn River NP)

A little further on from Spring Gully, but 4WD access only.

Facilities:

• walking

When the Goulburn River through Goulburn River National Park has enough water for canoeing (which is rare), it's a wonderful journey through sandy pools between towering, cave-pocked cliffs. This is remote country so only experienced canoeists should attempt the trip.

You can paddle amongst the sea eagles and black swans at Lake Liddell Recreation Area near Muswellbrook.

Royal Australian Infantry Corps Museum (02 6570 3257)

Situated in the Singleton Infantry Camp, the museum illustrates life in the Australian infantry from 1885 to the present. Open Wed-Sun and public holidays.

Muswellbrook Regional Gallery (02 6549 3880)

A strong permanent collection supported by travelling exhibitions. Closed Mondays and public holidays.

Endeavour Museum (02 4937 4927)

Displays in the Wollombi Courthouse (1866) reflect everyday life in the area. Open Sundays and public holidays or by arrangement for groups.

Apart from numerous wine tours, in the Hunter you can also join 4WD tours, take a bicycle tour around Singleton or Pokolbin, fly in a balloon, plane or helicopter, explore Wollemi National Park on a tour from Biame gallery or take a guided heritage walk around Muswellbrook.

You can view many fine 19th century buildings in historic towns like Merriwa, Muswellbrook, Broke and Wollombi.

Sacred Spaces (02 4965 4031)

Singleton's Mercy Convent offers guided tours of 19th century buildings and a museum revealing aspects of the spiritual life. Large and small groups by arrangement.

Baerami Creek (Wollemi National Park)

Explore fascinating relics of the early 20th century oil shale works in this remote site. Interpretive signs provide information on the mining and processing of the shale.

Some of the roads through the area, such as the Bylong Valley Way, Ringwood Road and Wollombi Road, and valleys such Widden Brook and Baerami Creek, are suitable for touring. Experienced cross-country riders may be attracted to the management trails in more remote areas but need to be well prepared for rough conditions and isolation.

The Bicentennial National Trail runs from Cooktown to Victoria, providing opportunities for walking, cycling and horse riding. From Sandy Hollow, the trail follows Bylong Valley Way then along the Widden Valley and Myrtle Creek Trail to Nullo Mountain and on to the Capertee Valley.

Many 4WD and other tours include explanations of the incredibly rich natural history of the local area.

The very rugged landscape of the Monundilla and Mellong sectors of the World Heritage Area attracts experienced bushwalkers but there are no well-marked tracks for everyday walkers. Several of the management trails - such as Hunter Main Trail (Wollemi National Park) and the Settlers Trail (Yengo National Park) - can make reasonable walks, but they are remote, there is little water along them and map-reading skills are essential. Bush camping away from roads is permitted throughout the area.

Spring Gully and Big River (Goulburn River NP)

Two sites with basic facilities beside the Goulburn River, some 15 km along the 2WD dry weather Mogo Road from the village of Wollar. Big River access is by 4WD.

Facilities:

• walking

Lees Pinch (Goulburn River NP)

About 20 km from Bylong, the Ringwood Road climbs onto the escarpment of Goulburn River National Park at Lees Pinch. A small picnic area adjoins the short walk to a lookout.

Facilities:

• walking

Honeysuckle Creek (Wollemi National Park)

This grassy spot is on Bylong Valley Way 2.5 km west of the top of Coxs Gap. Rest in the cool shade of kurrajong and white box trees.

Facilities:

• walking

Phipps Cutting (Wollemi National Park)

This small roadside picnic area is located on the Bylong Valley Way 8.5 km west of Baerami. A slip-road allows parking off the main road and a short walking track explores the adjacent old coach road.

Facilities:

• walking

Baerami Creek (Wollemi National Park)

The picnic area is beside the historic oil shale mining relics, 25 km from the small village of Baerami.

Facilities:

• walking

Many of the towns, villages and local parks throughout the area also provide picnic facilities.

Since most of the drives are in the valley, looking up to the hills, this is where many of the best views will be found. Lookouts on high ground are fewer than in some other parts of the World Heritage Area.

Lees Pinch (Goulburn River NP)

On Ringwood Road about 20 km from Bylong, the cliff-top lookout at Lees Pinch gives views over the Goulburn River and much of Goulburn River National Park.

Facilities:

• walking

Phipps Cutting (Wollemi NP)

A short walk along the old coach road from Phipps Cutting Picnic Area (on Bylong Valley Way 8.5 km west of Baerami) reveals views across the Goulburn River valley to the escarpment of Goulburn River National Park.

Facilities:

• walking

Lees Pinch (Goulburn River NP on Ringwood Road)

From the main lookout and picnic area, a short round walk explores the dry ridge-top woodland and cliff-edge views.

Facilities:

• walking

Phipps Cutting (Wollemi NP on the Bylong Valley Way and the Goulburn River Discovery Trail)

A track leaves the northern side of the picnic area and crosses the dry watercourse to climb up some steps onto the old coach road. Follow the road to the left, above sandstone block walls and through black cypress and red gum regrowth. About 200m from the picnic area you can take a rest on a wooden bench overlooking the road and Goulburn River below, with the hills of Goulburn River National Park beyond.

Facilities:

• walking

Baerami Creek (Wollemi National Park, off Baerami Creek Road)

You can wander up the pleasant valley trail, exploring the remains of the oil shale industry.

Facilities:

• walking