Singleton is located on the north-eastern part of the geological structure known as the Sydney basin, which borders the New England region.

The Wonnarua / Wanaruah people have occupied the land in the Upper Hunter Valley for over 30,000 years.

The town retains many historic buildings, including the original courthouse built in 1841, various large churches and many traditional Australian pubs.

The countryside surrounding Singleton contains an unusual number of fine old mansions, reflecting the aristocratic nature of land grants when the area was settled.

In May 1942, the community celebrated the appointment of the town's first female Telegram Messenger – Miss Daphne Lambkins.

[8] Singleton was subject to the major flooding of the Hunter River in 1955, causing extensive damage to the town.

[9] John Larnach built the 1600ha house on land owned by his father-in-law James Mudie.

[9] Larnach and Mudie worked together on property with the help of convict labour to create a prominent agricultural establishment producing wool, meat and wheat.

[10] He was assigned 64 convicts which comprised 67% English, 25% Irish and a few from Scotland with a median age of 28 years old.

[13] In November 1833 six convicts decided to revolt because of their poor treatment, meagre provisions and floggings.

[10] They also attempted to kill John Larnach but he managed to escape to Henry Dangar's house.

[12] The subsequent trial in December 1833 led to the convicts being charged with stealing from two dwelling houses, shooting with intent to kill, aiding and abetting and an attempted murder.

[17] Located on 535 Hambledon Hill Road,[18] the land is 50 acres and is currently owned by artist Dale Frank.

Singleton experiences a humid subtropical climate (Köppen: Cfa, Trewartha: Cfal), with hot summers and mild winters, and with a moderately low precipitation amount of 652.7 millimetres (25.71 in).

It provides training and further education as well as collaborating with secondary schools for students completing Senior years.