The Riverlink, MaitlandCredit: Paul Foley; Maitland City Council
The Riverlink building on the banks of the Hunter River, Maitland.
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Just two hours north from Sydney, and only 30 minutes northwest from Newcastle, Maitland is the kind of place you get really comfortable in — fast. Many colonial settlers certainly did back in the early 1800s, drawn here by the proximity to the Hunter River, plus the fertile fields of the Hunter Valley, to the west. Today, this heritage lives on through grand historic buildings — now home to hotels, restaurants, bars and boutiques — as well as creative, cultural and culinary scenes that set trends for the region.
Where to eat
Maitland has a long agricultural history, and you’ll get to meet some of the city’s finest producers at the Slow Food Earth Market, held on every first and third Thursday of every month. You can also purchase fresh fruit and vegetables directly from sustainable and chemical-free Phoenix Park Farm, a 10-minute drive outside of town, which hosts a pop-up market and café every Saturday.
Coffee fiends should head straight to Common Grounds, which sources beans from Glee Coffee Roasters. Then cycle on to Bikesmith & Espresso Bar, which not only has great brews but also attracts bike fanatics for its specialty wheels and parts. Nearby, the quirky Cabin Collective roasts coffee beans over a fire while you get inked — yes, there’s a tattoo parlour. The Cunning Culinarian is also legendary for quality coffee, best paired with baked goods prepared daily in the cafe. There are also takeaway meals, if you’re self catering, and cooking classes, if you’re lingering.
You can also get hands-on and learn the art of baking bread at Morpeth Sourdough, situated in a thoughtfully restored reincarnation of the historic Arnott Bakehouse. The Commercial Hotel’s heritage building overlooks the river, with the on-site brewery and bistro a scenic spot to refuel on classic pub fare. If you’re after more craft beer and burgers, set your GPS for The Pourhouse, occupying the 1866 Exchange Hotel. Or check out the original 1867 design flourishes at Fratelli Roma, serving swoon-worthy handmade pastas. For refined dining inspired by native ingredients, visit Coquun, a café, small bar, deli and bistro overlooking the Hunter River.
Ready for something sweet? The Icky Sticky Patisserie perfects delicate French-style cakes and tarts, while Campbell’s Store has an enormous range of gourmet goods, including locally made jams and candy — there’s also an on-site ginger-beer factory, where you can sample soda made the old-fashioned way.
The Bikesmith & Espresso Bar, Maitland Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying coffees outside The Bikesmith & Espresso Bar, Maitland.
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The Bikesmith & Espresso Bar, Maitland Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying coffees outside The Bikesmith & Espresso Bar, Maitland.
The Icky Sticky Patisserie, Lorn Credit: Destination NSW
Desserts available from the The Icky Sticky Patisserie, Lorn.
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The Icky Sticky Patisserie, Lorn Credit: Destination NSW
Desserts available from the The Icky Sticky Patisserie, Lorn.
Where to play
Maitland’s Aboriginal heritage dates back tens of thousands of years, with the Wonnarua people the region’s Traditional Owners. Europeans were drawn here in the early 1800s, and the area fast became a hub for trade around the Hunter. Many of the original colonial buildings — crafted from sandstone and cedar — remain today, and you can explore their history on a heritage walk (there are a number to choose from) taking in significant sites.
Some of the highlights include Mansfield House, circa 1887, its handsome Victorian architecture only outshone by manicured gardens. And the Maitland Gaol — discover its 150-year history on insightful tours including Ghost Hunting 101. The region’s former courthouse, meanwhile, is now home to the Morpeth Museum, housing a number of exhibitions shedding light on the area’s heritage.
Fast-forward to the present day, and many of the city’s newer buildings and infrastructural landmarks have been transformed with street art. The New One mural at Bourke Street Link along the river is particularly striking, painted by on a warehouse wall by Patricia Van Lubeck. Head indoors to the Maitland Regional Art Gallery to glimpse a wonderful collection of Aboriginal works as well as paintings from the likes of Charles Blackman and Lionel Lindsay.
Or visit the Morpeth Gallery, which curates works by an impressive roster of Australian artists — the gift shop is the perfect place to find a souvenir. Collections are much more local, but just as covetable, at Hunter Artisan Gallery & Café, which sells work from local makers, with a bite to eat on the side.
What to do
Every October, town’s diverse communities come together to celebrate for the Riverlights Multicultural Festival, culminating with a lantern parade and street fair with plenty of ethnic food. It’s a theme in these parts. You can also sample the world — from Vietnamese sandwiches to Texan smoked meats — at the Street Eats pop-up, a union of food trucks and live entertainment held every month or so at various locations around the region. If you’re a craft beer fanatic, you’ll want to attend the Bitter & Twisted Boutique Beer Festival every November — think Australia’s best brewers and live music. If you’re into your beans, add the Maitland Aroma coffee and chocolate festival to your itinerary (every August).
Where to stay
Accommodation in Maitland comes with plenty of personality. Case in point is The Regents Park, a Georgian-style mansion that sits on two hectares of manicured gardens. There are three check-in options: the Mansion (sleeps eight), the Tocal Suite and the Gardeners Quarters (both sleep two). The Bronte Boutique Hotel offers similarly charming, character-filled rooms that mix Asian and Victorian styles in design.
Maitland Gaol, Maitland Credit: Newy Digital; Maitland City Council
Aerial overlooking Maitland Gaol, Maitland.
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Maitland Gaol, Maitland Credit: Newy Digital; Maitland City Council
Aerial overlooking Maitland Gaol, Maitland.
Morpeth Museum, Morpeth Credit: Destination NSW
Couple riding past the Morpeth Museum, Morpeth.
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Morpeth Museum, Morpeth Credit: Destination NSW
Couple riding past the Morpeth Museum, Morpeth.
More Inspirational Stories
Sea Cliff Bridge, CliftonCredit: Destination NSW
Sun rising over the Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton.
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The beauty of an ambling road trip? Uncovering lesser-known spots and finding new ways to experience more popular locales. Renew your wanderlust on one of these five routes exploring NSW’s beautiful beaches, characterful small towns, astonishing natural wonders and delicious food and wine.
Be mesmerised by coastal scenery on the Grand Pacific Drive
Feel refreshed by the sea breeze as you set off on the Grand Pacific Drive from the Royal National Park, less than an hour’s drive south of Sydney. Be wowed by the dramatic Sea Cliff Bridge, which follows the curves of the coast between Coalcliff and Clifton, then continue on to the relaxed coastal city of Wollongong, where you can stop for an energising coffee and a bite to eat by the beach at Diggies. Keep following the coast to witness the power of Kiama’s famous Kiama Blowhole, a natural formation that blasts seawater 30m into the air. Come nightfall, allow the surf to lull you to sleep while staying just steps from the sand at Bangalay Luxury Villas in Shoalhaven Heads, where you can savour fine dining infused with Australian native ingredients at its excellent on-site restaurant, Bangalay Dining.
Continue on to the idyllic blue waters of Jervis Bay, just an hour’s drive south of Shoalhaven Heads. Dive in for a refreshing swim, take an exhilarating dolphin- or whale-watching tour with the likes of Jervis Bay Wild and leave footsteps in some of the whitest sand in the world on the glorious White Sands Walk. Soak up the coastal scenery from a different angle on a luxe glamping stay at Paperbark Camp near bayside Huskisson. Paperbark is also home to memorable restaurant, The Gunyah at Paperbark Camp, built up high off the ground, among the treetops.
Adventure through the outback on a drive from Sydney to Lightning Ridge
Tap into your sense of adventure on a trip along roads less travelled to the historic mining town of Lightning Ridge, just under nine hours’ drive northwest of Sydney in Outback NSW. Discover plenty of interesting stops along the way, such as Katoomba in the Blue Mountains, where you can browse for unique trinkets at its antique stores, take in jaw-dropping Blue Mountains views, and enjoy the old-world charm of local stays at the Metropole Guesthouse or The Carrington Hotel.
Head down the mountains to lap up the food and wine of charming country town, Mudgee, where The Barn at Blue Wren Farm offers a fresh way to savour the scenic region’s renowned produce. After Mudgee, call in on historic town Gilgandra, birthplace of the World War I Coo-ee March, followed by the outback town of Walgett, for a reviving coffee at Stone’s Throw. From here, it’s less than an hour to Lightning Ridge. Experience a warm country welcome upon check-in at the likes of Sonja’s Bed and Breakfast before heading out to explore ‘The Ridge’. Get a taste of the town’s heritage on an opal mine tour, have a blast mastering the art of fossicking, and bliss out in naturally heated artesian bore baths.
Paperbark Camp, Woollamia Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a romantic glamping getaway at Paperbark Camp, Woollamia.
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Paperbark Camp, Woollamia Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a romantic glamping getaway at Paperbark Camp, Woollamia.
Scenic Drive, Cumborah Credit: Destination NSW
Scenic outback drive in Cumborah, near Lightning Ridge.
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Scenic Drive, Cumborah Credit: Destination NSW
Scenic outback drive in Cumborah, near Lightning Ridge.
Drift peacefully along the Mighty Murray River Drive
Take an immersive journey into Australian history on the Mighty Murray River Drive, an unforgettable four-day exploration of the Riverina region starting on the banks of the Murray River in Albury, a six-hour drive or short flight from Sydney. Before you head off on your journey, revel in the area’s heritage at Circa 1928 Albury, housed in a former bank, or lean into the urban vibe at the Atura Albury. Be surprised and delighted by the fascinating stories of heritage towns including Howlong and Corowa, where Corowa Whisky and Chocolate, set inside a 1920s flour mill, encourages a delicious pit stop.
See the Murray from a fresh perspective on an atmospheric Murray River Paddlesteamers cruise in the twin towns of Echuca Moama, throw in a line at Balranald, where five rivers meet, and connect with Aboriginal culture and the unique natural landscape of Mungo National Park. Get a buzz camping alongside native wildlife in the national park, or tuck into a hearty country meal at Mungo Lodge before enjoying a restorative night’s sleep in a spacious cabin room. Your final stop is Wentworth, where you can admire views of the Murray and Darling rivers, call in to the cellar door and restaurant at Trentham Estate Winery, and treat yourself to a night of glamping, including a romantic dining experience under the stars on an almond farm, hosted by Outback Almonds.
Reset on a quick getaway from Sydney to Newcastle
Discover how refreshing even a short trip can be on the drive from Sydney to the coastal city of Newcastle. Pause in the picturesque Hawkesbury region to slurp fresh oysters at the ‘shellar door’ of Broken Bay Pearl Farm in Mooney Mooney, just an hour from the city centre. Move on at your own pace to Lake Macquarie, the largest coastal saltwater lake in the southern hemisphere, where you can get your blood pumping on a kayaking excursion or an invigorating rainforest walk. Once in Newcastle, stroll down to the beach for a refreshing dip before checking out one of the city’s many great restaurants. Merewether Surfhouse is the perfect spot for a long lunch with dazzling ocean views, or enjoy a delicious meal at contemporary bistro Subo. Once satisfied, turn in for the night at the likes of QT Newcastle or the Little National Hotel Newcastle.
Breathe in the cool mountain air on a drive from Sydney to Jindabyne
Admire the changing landscape as you make your way from Sydney to Jindabyne in the Snowy Mountains, a five(ish)-hour trip that’s worth extending to include selfie stops at the likes of the Big Merino in the historic town of Goulburn, two-and-a-half hours southwest of Sydney. Another two hours down the road, strap in for a thrilling virtual fly-over of the Snowy Mountains at the Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre in the town of Cooma. Then get an even bigger thrill with snow activities for the whole family at the ski resorts of Thredbo, Perisher and Charlotte Pass near Jindabyne, or Selwyn near Cooma. If you’re driving through during summer, challenge yourself with a session of rock climbing or mountain biking with K7 Adventures, or linger over an artisan tipple at Wildbrumby Distillery, which bottles a variety of liquors in alpine surrounds. Seize the opportunity to take a walk to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko, Australia’s highest point, and be amazed by yet another natural attraction at Yarrangobilly Caves, two hours north of Jindabyne, where you’ll find stalagmites, stalactites and cave corals, and a river walk to a thermal pool. Enjoy the convenience of the central location in Jindabyne with a stay at the Banjo Patterson Inn, home of the Kosciuszko Brewery. Savour the fare at the two restaurants located on the property, or take a stroll around town to Holly Go Lightly, a burger bar that also slings excellent cocktails.
Mount Warning Tours, Tumbulgum Credit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoying an early morning kayak tour on Tweed River with scenic views of Mount Warning.
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Mount Warning Tours, Tumbulgum Credit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoying an early morning kayak tour on Tweed River with scenic views of Mount Warning.
Camping, Kosciuzko National Park Credit: Destination NSW
Camping underneath the stars at Island Bend Campground in Kosciuszko National Park.
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Camping, Kosciuzko National Park Credit: Destination NSW
Camping underneath the stars at Island Bend Campground in Kosciuszko National Park.