Geologically, Muswellbrook is situated in the northern parts of the Sydney basin, bordering the New England region.

[4] The area is predominantly known for coal mining and horse breeding, but has also developed a reputation for gourmet food and wine production.

Muswellbrook railway station is served by local (Newcastle to Scone) and long-distance rail (Sydney to Armidale and Moree) services.

[23] As such, it formed an important junction, as well as serving the numerous coal mining sidings found within a short distance from the main station building.

"Songwriter Donald Fagen explained the lyrics in an interview with Paul Cashmere of Undercover Music; "I think we had a map and put our finger down at the place that we thought would be the furthest away from New York or wherever we were at the time".

During World War II, Muswellbrook was the location of RAAF No.5 Inland Aircraft Fuel Depot (IAFD), completed in 1942 and closed on 29 August 1944.