Fast facts
- One of Australia’s most historic colonial towns
- Set on the Hunter River and surrounded by fertile plains
- 163 km north of Sydney, population 62,000
Why go there
One of the major towns of the Hunter Valley, Maitland has a treasury of historic buildings that date back almost to the earliest years of colonial Australia, and many of these still in superb condition.
Within 15 minutes of the city centre there are more than 110 cellar doors of local boutique wineries, offering varieties cultivated from the abundant local produce, such as strawberries, pineapples, lemons and other seasonal fruits.
With olive groves, orchards and local farms, Maitland offers visitors unique tastes to savour in the midst of century-old buildings.
History
Early in the 19th century, the city of Maitland was the commercial centre of the prosperous Hunter River agricultural area and, for a while, Australia’s largest inland town.
Later in the century it was outpaced by Newcastle, but not before a number of fine sandstone buildings were erected. Its main thoroughfare, High Street, was originally a bullock track. The buildings simply grew up alongside the track, and you’ll notice how narrow the street seems as you drive along it.
Things to do
- Explore the town’s attractive historic quarter in Church Street and enjoy a lesson in early Australian history.
- Tour the notorious Maitland Gaol for a glimpse of colonial history.
- Marvel at the ingenuity and architecture of the Walka Waterworks Complex, which once used steam engines to pump water to Newcastle.
- Take the Heritage and Produce Trail through Morpeth, Largs and Woodford for great food, wines, galleries and fresh produce.
Events
- Hunter Valley Steamfest, in April, dedicated to lovers of steam railway engines, with a hissing, puffing program of events that includes steam train excursions, 'tin hare' vintage diesel train excursions, market stalls, street steam, miniature locos and children’s entertainment.
Don’t miss
- National Trust-classified Morpeth with its galleries and antique and speciality shops.
- Grossmann House, maintained in its Victorian splendour.
- Saint Mary’s Anglican Church, a fine Gothic Revival church.
- The views over the city and river flats from Bolwarra Lookout.
