Cessnock
Cessnock ranks 115th of 128 overall in NSW, with core operations the area most needing attention.
"Hunter Valley wine country gateway — Cessnock, Kurri Kurri, and vineyards"
See where Cessnock ranks: Best Councils in New South Wales 2026
New South Wales · regional council · Pop. 69,352
Data last updated: 2023-24 · Data confidence: high
Overall Score
37 out of 100
#72 of 79 regional councils in NSW
#115 in New South Wales
Score Breakdown
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Sustainability | 51/100 |
| Community Services | 30/100 |
| Lifestyle & Amenity | 37/100 |
| Core Operations | 30/100 |
What This Means For You
Among regional councils, Cessnock performs strongest in Sustainability (scoring 51 out of 100 against peers), with room to improve in Core Operations (currently 30 out of 100).
What Makes This Place Unique
Hunter Valley wine country gateway — Cessnock, Kurri Kurri, and vineyards
Cessnock is the gateway to the Hunter Valley wine region, combining the mining heritage of Cessnock and Kurri Kurri with world-famous vineyards.
Known For
- Hunter Valley wine region access
- Cessnock and Kurri Kurri mining heritage
- World-class wineries — Tyrrell's, Brokenwood, McGuigan
- Hot air ballooning over vineyards
Living Here
Cessnock offers wine country lifestyle at affordable prices with Newcastle's amenity within easy reach.
Hidden Gem
The Kurri Kurri murals — a town that's transformed its streets with stunning large-scale murals.