BRANXTON Branxton is a two in one town that stretches 5ks from Greta. The other half. The towns are the first entry place into the Hunter Valley, the rich wine producing and coal mine/power centre of NSW. The highway runs through the towns making the place very busy with through traffic. The reason for the name is not known, or readily accessible. Branxton is located mostly in Cessnock Shire. Together with nearby Greta it had a population of 3,805 in 2001. Branxton is a busy service township with a medical centre, swimming school, and an art school. An infamous road sign on one approach to the town states that Branxton has two cemeteries - no hospital. The sign, erected by the local Lions Club, is meant to act as a deterrent to rule-breaking motorists. Branxton is located on the cross roads of the Cessnock and Dungog road Branxton is at the northern end of Wine Country Drive and is the northern gateway to the world renowned Hunter Valley. James Busby (1801 – 1871) widely regarded as the "father" of the industry planted his first grape vines on his property “Kirkton", which is located in the district of Branxton. The Branxton Anglican Church is in Greta. The Branxton War Memorial likewise is in Greta. There are three pubs in the greater precinct. And there is a scattering of old buildings. If you are on the road or ‘doing’ the region the traveller will pass through Branxton. Heritage diary