Follow in the footsteps of colonial settlers drawn to the Hunter River and its fertile fields when you roam the streets of Maitland, two hours north of Sydney or 50 minutes from Newcastle. Marvel at the way this riverside Hunter Valley town has reinvented itself, with its grand historic buildings now housing hotels, restaurants, bars and boutiques. And sense the buzz in the air as Maitland’s energetic residents fuel creative, cultural and culinary scenes that set trends for the region. 

Dip into the town’s past

Get a feel for what life was like when Europeans were first drawn to Maitland in the 1800s by following a self-guided heritage walk through town. Download the Maitland Walks app and relive key historic events such as the Hunter River bursting its banks on the Beyond the Flood Levels Heritage Walk. This ground-breaking immersive walk features 10 augmented reality experiences delving into the human stories behind these devastating floods.

You can also hear tales of the past, seek out laneway art and get insider tips on the best coffee in town on a 2.5-hour A Taste of Maitland tour with Umbrella Events, which also offers a food-focused tour of the city as well as walking tours of nearby Morpeth.

Step inside Morpeth Museum to stand in the dock or play judge in the region’s former courthouse, and view exhibitions shedding light on the area’s heritage. 

View a wonderful collection of Aboriginal works as well as paintings from the likes of Charles Blackman and Lionel Lindsay at the Maitland Regional Art Gallery, and visit Morpeth Gallery to browse investment pieces by an impressive roster of Australian artists. 

Feel the sun on your face as you admire the town’s vibrant street art, from the iconic Welcome to Maitland mural opposite Maitland’s train station to The New One mural by local artist Patricia Van Lubeck at The Levee lifestyle precinct’s Bourke Street Link. 

And try to time for your visit to enjoy on the city’s regular festivals and events, such as the Luminous winter solstice festival in June. Come to Maitland in October and you’ll be immersed in a celebration of the region’s diverse communities during the Maitland Riverlights multicultural festival, with more than 40 cultures showcased through music, dance, food and storytelling. 

Feast on regional fare

Kick-start your day in Maitland with a coffee at Common Grounds, which sources beans from Central Coast’s Glee Coffee Roasters. Or cycle to Bikesmith & Espresso Bar, which not only has great brews but also attracts bike fanatics for its specialty wheels and parts. 

Meet some of the region’s leading farmers and producers at the Slow Food Earth Market, held on every first and third Thursday of every month (except for January). And get hands-on as you learn the art of baking sourdough bread in a fascinating class with a master baker at Morpeth Sourdough at the Historic Arnott Bakehouse. 

After a busy morning of sightseeing, grab a seat on the balcony of the lovely Commercial Hotel overlooking the river, sip a natural, traditionally crafted beer from the on-site Morpeth Brewery and fill up on classic pub fare. Head to The Pourhouse, occupying the 1866 Exchange Hotel building on High Street, for craft ales from independent breweries as well as share plates and tempting burgers. Or opt for rice bowls, steaks and pub classics at the Metropolitan Hotel, a restored Art Deco gem.

Savour seasonal dishes expertly prepared from locally sourced ingredients over a long lunch at Acacia Dining in the striking Riverlink building. When night falls, follow your nose to Fratelli Roma and its swoon-worthy handmade pastas, served in a stately dining room featuring granite table tops.

Ready for something sweet? Nibble on delicate French-style cakes and tarts at Icky Sticky Patisserie, or scoop up locally made jams, fudge, candy and ginger beer at Campbell’s Store in the Morpeth Antiques Centre. 

Bed down in style

Settle in for a comfortable stay at one of Punthill Maitland’s serviced studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments, where you’ll have easy access to the restaurants and pubs lining High Street. 

You can also base yourself in Morpeth, around a 15-minute drive from Maitland’s city centre, where the accommodation comes with plenty of personality. Choose between character-filled suites that mix Asian and Victorian design styles and luxe one-bedroom apartments at the Bronte Boutique Hotel on Morpeth’s main street. 

Spread out and relax in the serene River Haus, a two-bedroom heritage cottage on Morpeth’s main street, where the gleaming white picket fence and matching exterior is mirrored in expanses of pale tones inside. 

Delight in the knowledge that life is like a box of biscuits when you check into the William Arnott Boutique Hotel at the Historic Arnott Bakehouse. Indulge in the luxe Monte Carlo Penthouse, cosy up in the Sao Studio, relax in the quirky VoVo suite, with its Iced VoVo-like hues, or bring your tribe and book out all the suites with the Family Assorted package.