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
Three Sisters, Blue MountainsCredit: Filippo Rivetti
Sunrise over the Three Sisters and Mount Solitary in the Blue Mountains National Park, Katoomba.
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Whether you want to be immersed in the expansive bush of the Blue Mountains, lay back with a wine tasting in the Hunter Valley, or explore the natural beauty of South Coast towns Kiama and Berry, there are options for every interest area for a memorable day trip from Sydney.
Blue Mountains
A 90-minute drive west of Sydney, the ECO-certified Blue Mountains is a nature-lover’s paradise. Here you’ll find charming towns such as Katoomba and Leura surrounded by the rugged bush of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park.
First up, head to Echo Point lookout near Katoomba to see the iconic Three Sisters sandstone rock formation. Next, tackle one of the many bushwalking tracks throughout the national park (the Grand Cliff Top Walk is very popular) or skip the exercise and take in the vista via the Scenic Railway at Scenic World Blue Mountains. Alternatively, take in nature at a slower pace with a visit to Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mount Tomah or look to the skies at Blue Mountains Stargazing.
For those seeking an arts and culture hit, drop into the contemporary Lost Bear Gallery in Katoomba, Bygone Beautys Treasured Teapot Museum and Tearooms for high tea and to peruse some 5,500 teapots, or the inter-war period garden at Everglades House & Gardens.
Ready to refuel? BLAQ at Kyah Boutique Hotel is a multi-award-winner showcasing hyper-local produce, and fine diners Ates Blackheath, Amara at Spicers Sangoma Retreat and Megalong at Lot 101 each have one Chef Hat by the Australian Good Food Guide. A little closer to the city, on the way out, Arrana in Springwood is a two-Chef-Hat restaurant with a focus on native ingredients.
Seeking a little luxury? Spend a night or two resting your head at Spicers Sangoma Retreat or Lilianfels Resort and Spa.
The Hunter Valley
Australia’s oldest wine region, the Hunter Valley is only a two-hour drive north of Sydney. This picturesque region is best known for its semillon, but wineries here also produce excellent red and white varietals.
The oldest vineyard in Pokolbin, Audrey Wilkinson offers sweeping views of the valley from its position perched atop a foothill of the Brokenback Mountain Ranges. Brokenwood Wines Cellar Door has an inviting outdoor terrace, ideal for long lunching. While Tulloch Wines is particularly ideal for those with a brood: they offer Junior Tasting, and Kombucha Tasting Experiences for teens and designated drivers. There’s also the new ‘Welcome to Wonnarua’ experience aimed at immersing visitors in the rich culture and traditions of the Wonnarua Nation, complete with a virtual Welcome to Wonnarua Country led by Local Elder Uncle Warren. Meanwhile, Tyrrell’s Wines is home to some of Australia’s most awarded wines, including the number-one spot for Halliday Wine Companion’s Top 100 Wineries for 2024. Prefer to stay put? Stay n’ Sip offers mobile wine tastings and has recently added a casino-style experience to its offering.
Food-wise, after breakfast in the sky with Balloon Aloft, be sure to tuck into the region’s delicious local produce at acclaimed restaurants such as Muse Restaurant at the Hungerford Hill Wines, Bistro Molines, EXP Restaurant and Margan. Harkham also has a new restaurant alongside its cellar-door offering.
Planning to stay the night? Stay at the luxe Chateau Elan or Spicers Guesthouse, both near Pokolbin.
Audrey Wilkinson, Pokolbin Credit: Destination NSW
Scenic views across the Audrey Wilkinson vineyard, Pokolbin in the Hunter Valley region.
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Audrey Wilkinson, Pokolbin Credit: Destination NSW
Scenic views across the Audrey Wilkinson vineyard, Pokolbin in the Hunter Valley region.
Kyah Boutique Hotel & Blaq Restaurant + Bar, Blackheath Credit: Steven Woodburn
Kyah Boutique Hotel & Blaq Restaurant + Bar located in Blackeath located in the Blue Mountains of NSW.
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Kyah Boutique Hotel & Blaq Restaurant + Bar, Blackheath Credit: Steven Woodburn
Kyah Boutique Hotel & Blaq Restaurant + Bar located in Blackeath located in the Blue Mountains of NSW.
Kiama and Berry
The seaside town of Kiama, around two hours’ drive south from Sydney along the spectacular Grand Pacific Drive, is best known for its world-famous blowhole. Once you’ve experienced the majesty of this natural wonder, you’ll find the surrounding area is home to magnificent coastal walks including the stunning Kiama Coast Walk, scenic rainforest trails and pristine beaches. If you’re feeling adventurous, a little further south you can learn to surf with the Gerringong Surf School, or further still (closer to Berry), find dolphins and whales in the wild on a Jervis Bay Wild whale or dolphin cruise.
Staying the night? Book into Nova Kiama, a boutique hotel in the heart of town, or at The Sebel Kiama overlooking Kiama Harbour.
A 20-minute drive from Kiama, or just over two hours from Sydney, idyllic village Berry has long been a favourite getaway spot for Sydneysiders. Browse the shops along Queen Street or pop into one of the many cafes and restaurants in town. South on Albany highlights the best of the South Coast, you’ll find locally sourced delicacies at Flavours of Shoalhaven, and sourdough bread and pastries are top-notch at the nearby Milkwood Bakery. If you’re in town on a Thursday, stock up on picnic supplies at the farmer's market at Berry Showground.
Make the most of the visit by staying at Bangalay Luxury Villas, a 15-minute drive from Berry. This luxury resort on Seven Mile Beach is home to Bangalay Dining, an innovative fine-dining restaurant that highlights Australian native ingredients.
Kiama Blowhole Point, Kiama Credit: Destination NSW
Aerial overlooking Kiama Blowhole Point, Kiama.
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Kiama Blowhole Point, Kiama Credit: Destination NSW
Aerial overlooking Kiama Blowhole Point, Kiama.
Bangalay Dining, Shoalhaven Heads Credit: Destination NSW
Dish at Bangalay Dining, Shoalhaven Heads.
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Bangalay Dining, Shoalhaven Heads Credit: Destination NSW
Dish at Bangalay Dining, Shoalhaven Heads.