 At eight years of age, Hunter had an attack of pneumonia and was sent to recuperate with an aunt in Albury, New South Wales, where he stayed for some years.Hunter was educated first at Albury Public school (1906–12), and later at the academically selective Fort Street High School, Sydney, which he left with a bursary and an exhibition.As a medical student at the University of Sydney, despite circumstances making it necessary for him to earn money by coaching, he succeeded in winning practically all available prizes and scholarships.