The practice - also known as stone stacking - can be a form of sculpture with a kind of prehistoric, Stonehenge-type feel.

In fact, this type of art was practiced in several cultures in the ancient world.

On leave from the cut and thrust of life as the City of Newcastle's big kahuna, Jeremy Bath sent Topics a couple of photos of stone stacks in the Barrington Tops.

The Barrington's ancient forests and pristine rivers are really just a stone's throw away from Newcastle.

"Not sure how long this has been here but worth a shout out to the patient person who built this," he said, referring to the piles of river rocks.

Nowadays, some people stack stones to relieve stress. We imagine Jeremy's job is a tad stressful. Perhaps he gave rock balancing a go in the Barrington? And pardon the pun, but he surely knows a thing or two about balancing acts in his role.

Rock balancing, too, is used as a form of meditation. As each rock is balanced - one on top of the other - participants connect with the flow of nature and the universe.

We asked Jeremy how his trip compared to life at the council.

"Certainly the peace and tranquility of the Barrington Tops is about as far removed as I can get from the fast-paced nature of City of Newcastle and a council meeting," he said.

"It's a few years since I've been to Dungog. The town is enjoying something of a rebirth courtesy of that drought breaking and a growing mountain biking community.

"Former mayor Harold Johnston told me a few days ago there were eight empty shops on the main street two years ago. Today there is just one."

For people looking for a reminder of the appeal of country life, Jeremy said they need travel "no more than an hour from Newcastle to get to Dungog".

"That said, after a week here my family is asking when we can get back to Nobbys Beach."

In response to our recent tales of electric and hybrid vehicles, Ian Wilcox tells Topics that he drives a fully electric car - a Tesla Model 3.

"Electric cars do cost about $20,000 more than the petrol alternative, however the cost savings for those who drive a lot of kilometres are substantial," Ian said.

"In the last 12 months, I drove 31,000 kilometres and the total charging cost was around $700 for the year. As there are fewer moving parts and fewer fluids, the car didn't require servicing in the first year. This resulted in a saving of about $5000, which helps set off the premium.

"Most of the fully electric cars now being sold have a range in the early 300 kilometres."

In his job, Ian drives around the Hunter. Most days he doesn't need to charge away from his home charger.

"But I am always confident that I will be driving past a few potential charging spots. I have also been on driving holidays in NSW. While some level of planning is required, it's not too difficult," he said.

He said there were six "fast DC chargers" in the Hunter and many slower chargers.

The NRMA says most electric vehicles take about 40 minutes to reach a charge of 80 per cent with its "fast chargers".

"Actual charging rate will depend on battery size, age, current state of charge and the vehicle's specific battery management system," the NRMA said on its website.

Charging from a home wall box takes seven to 12 hours.