28 Driving along the Scone Bypass heading up the Valley you will look to your right and see the huge White Park Equine Complex in the Horse Capital of Australia. From Professional Bull Riders (PBR) events to local competitions, school events and the Upper Hunter Beef Bonanza, the complex is growing its reputation as one of regional Australia’s premier equine, livestock, and large event facilities. White Park is named after the local farming family who donated the arena to the town in 1924. Mr Alf G White of Belltrees saw the local council at the time was struggling to get together the funds to purchase the grounds so stepped in, gifting the arena to the town and its people. Since then, White Park has welcomed hundreds of thousands of visitors through its gates for countless events showcasing the agricultural and farming communities of Australia. The versatility of the venue is unmatched, with the recent extension of the main undercover arena roof to now include the rodeo chutes and cattle yards, making a significant difference to the usability of the facility. The venue boasts grandstand seating on three sides of the covered arena, a campdraft arena, warm-up arena, rodeo chutes, cattle yards, 66 powered camp sites, 200 unpowered sites, amenities, surface preparation to suit any event, stables, and large open grassed flat areas. Anna Brennan, Business Services at Upper Hunter Shire Council, said the venue attracts some amazing events. “The bigger the venue gets, the bigger the events get and we’re adding more to the calendar each year. Last year for the first time we hosted Australia’s Greatest Horseman, which showcased Australia’s best western performance horses. “We also hosted the Australian Professional Rodeo Association for the first time last year and they’re back again in 2026, so events are seeing the value in using our facilities, and the spectators do too,” she said. The PBR stopped in at Scone again in February, attracting more than 5000 spectators. Australia’s largest youth livestock event, the Upper Hunter Beef Bonanza, returns in October bringing more than 5000 people as well. White Park also recently hosted the National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) National Finals and the Australian Reined Cow Horse Association (ARCHA) Futurity and Derby Show and continues to attract major national equine events, with another NCHA event scheduled for August. Whether it’s a rodeo surface that’s needed, a surface for a farrier competition, breakaway roping, cutting, or facilitating events for local schools or organisations, the arena offers everything to create the perfect conditions. And don’t forget the large, grassed area that can host your dressage, showing, jumping or field day events. If you’re travelling to compete at White Park, the powered and unpowered campsites provide a convenient option for competitors and their horses to stay onsite throughout events. The proximity of the venue to the Scone CBD is also a major advantage, with local shops, cafes, pubs and clubs all within easy walking distance of the grounds. In 2019 the upgraded arena was awarded ‘Best Regional/Rural Industry Contribution’ from Parks and Leisure Australia, further cementing it as one of the must attend venues for events in regional NSW. So, whether you’re well versed in all things country, or you are new looking to immerse yourself in everything a country event has to offer, make sure you stop in at White Park. WHITE PARK THE EVENTS HUB OF THE HORSE CAPITAL
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