The Hunter electorate is diverse, encompassing part of Australia’s largest coastal saltwater lake, Lake Macquarie, as well as some of the largest coal mines in New South Wales. The electorate is also home to some of the country's best vineyards, best horse studs and richest beef cattle grazing areas, in addition to the Liddell and Bayswater power stations, which play a vital role in keeping the lights on right across the state.

Hunter includes the Muswellbrook Shire Council, Singleton Council, Cessnock City Council (part) and Lake Macquarie City Council (part). The main towns include Broke, Cameron Park, Cessnock, Denman, Edgeworth, Morisset, Mulbring, Muswellbrook, Paxton, Putty, Singleton, Toronto, Widden and Wyee.

This description reflects local government areas in existence in 2015.