Celebrate diversity through food, music and dance at Maitland Riverlights.
The Levee, Central Maitland will transform into a global village on Saturday 11 October from 2.00pm – 9.00pm, where you can see, taste, feel and experience up to 50 different cultures from around the world.
Don’t miss the Week of Riverlights School Holiday Program that features an exciting array of cultural workshops, live performance and interactive activities held across various locations throughout the city of Maitland.Â
The below itinerary has been curated for a weekend (or longer!) stay in Maitland plus suggested accommodation close to the festival.
For chance to win a free weekend in Maitland, enter the Ultimate Riverlights Family Experience competition here.Â
friday Afternoon
After finishing up on Friday, make your way to Central Maitland and settle in for the weekend. Punthill Apartments, Hunter Studios or Quest Apartments offer fresh affordable accommodation. If you’re after something a little more boutique, the full list of accommodation in the area can be found here.Â
Start your multicultural journey through Maitland early by heading to East Maitland Bowling Club for dinner at the best kept secret in town, Bunga Raya, where you can choose from an extensive menu of Yum Cha, main meals, Cantonese BBQ, soups, noodles, club favourites and more! Visit Salt, Chilli & Lime for their seafood dishes, including British style beer battered fish and chips. With excellent service and a friendly atmosphere, you won’t be disappointed.Â
saturday morning
Head over to Central Maitland for breakfast, at Lavenders Riverside Cafe or The Orange Tree Café both overlooking the Hunter River. After brekky, wonder down The Levee browsing local shops as you go. Maitland Regional Art Gallery has some exciting exhibitions over the whole year, so whenever you happen to arrive, you won’t be disappointed. Â
Once you’ve finished browsing through the exhibits, Seraphine Café offers a relaxing atmosphere, and a menu boasting local flavours and fresh produce. If you’d prefer to head back up High Street, Beud Korean and Japanese also on High Street offers tantalising dishes with the added bonus of river views.Â
festival time!
The sights, smells and music will tantalise all your senses at Maitland Riverlights. It’s hard to know where to start.Â
Pick up your passport at the festival and explore your way through The Levee’s global village where you can see, taste, feel and experience different cultures from around the world.Â
Join in on activities at one of the many cultural villages, listen to live music, take part in dance classes, learn how to count, rap or sing in a range of different languages, and make your very own lantern at one of the lantern making classes and enjoy cooking demonstrations at the global kitchen plus more.Â
If you still have room, continue your cultural journey with a trip to The Indian Town for traditional Indian, grab a bite to eat or a takeaway from Maneeya Thai before heading back to the accommodation to put your feet up.Â
BEFORE YOU HEAD HOME
After a good night’s rest head out to Morpeth to the best all day breakfast in town at Morpeth Milk Bar. Enjoy freshly brewed coffee and delicious milkshakes of every flavour.
Be sure to visit Tocal Homestead, which is open on Sundays. Take a self-guided tour of one of Australia’s oldest colonial homesteads and its picturesque grounds.
On your way home, make a quick stop at Donarch Fine Chocolate for some sweet nibbles. Their chocolates are handmade with the finest chocolate from France and Belgium. It’s definitely one place not to miss
accommodation close to the festival
Click here for more Maitland based itineraries.