Aberdare.

The quiet side of Cessnock, Aberdare is a small suburb that happily sits on the sidelines. Wide country streets lined with double brick and weatherboard homes, sprawling school grounds and a sprinkling of shops. But it’s the surrounding rugged bushland that’s the beating pulse of this suburban neighbourhood – seemingly endless trails dedicated to walking and mountain biking plus ample space to get off the beaten track.

Forming part of the greater Cessnock area, Aberdare has deep roots in the mining industry. Although remaining true to its working-class roots, the area has come a long way since then with Cessnock and surrounding suburbs becoming the backbone to the thriving Hunter Valley tourism industry. Aberdare though, is more of a local hang out, with a scattering of shops and a local watering hole, but Cessnock remains the hub for weekly supplies. 

Sports is a pretty big deal around here with playing fields and parks aplenty throughout the greater area. Locals take a lot of pride in the rugby talent the region has produced over the years, and rightfully so. But the area is garnering a lot of attention for other reasons these days, namely for its ideal location to the beautiful Hunter Valley region, driving up demand as a place for families to lay down roots.