Australia is known as the lucky country, with some of the best beaches and cities in the world.

But, it’s our country towns that are the nation’s beating heart.

And as such, there’s always been a healthy debate about which country town is the best.

Dungog in the New South Wales Hunter Valley certainly has its hat in the ring.

Just three hours north of Sydney, with only 2,100 residents, you can get a three-bedroom house for under $300,000.

Even legendary test cricketer Doug Walters calls the rolling hills of Dungog home.

Alan speaks with Mayor Tracy Norman, who also happens to be the daughter of Harvey Norman co-founder Ian Norman and the owner of local pub, The Settlers Arms.

“It’s beautiful up here. It’s a hidden gem.”

“There’s a brewery in town where the beer’s made on site. It’s got everything Dungog, I tell you Alan it’s the greatest place in the universe.”

It’s always a good time to stop in but a highlight is The Dungog Festival in October.

Click PLAY below for the full interview

Image: Dungog Council