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Make it a Maitland Getaway

The Riverlink, MaitlandCredit: Paul Foley; Maitland City Council

The Riverlink building on the banks of the Hunter River, Maitland.

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Make it a Maitland Getaway

The Riverlink, Maitland Credit: Paul Foley; Maitland City Council

The Riverlink building on the banks of the Hunter River, Maitland.

#lovensw #newsouthwales

Hashtags #lovensw #newsouthwales

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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