friday evening
Arriving early to your accommodation at Hunter Studios Maitland or Quest Maitland both in Central Maitland and very close to action over the weekend and looking for some dinner options?Â
For a fine dining experience try The Rigby. Located in a character filled heritage building, you can’t look further than their delectable food and cocktail menu, coupled with genuine hospitality. Ometto Pizza Bar is also a great option for the family with authentic woodfired pizzas and an outdoor courtyard.
If you’re after something else, try the The Regal Inn with its fantastic playground and lots of grassed area for the kids to play on, whilst the adults relax outside and enjoy the views.
morning in morpeth
With a fascinating history spanning over 200 years, Morpeth is beautifully positioned on the Hunter River. Explore the township’s diverse range of boutiques, cafes, and galleries.
Have breakfast at Common Grounds overlooking the beautiful Hunter River or just across the street is the yummy Cupz N Crepes. Take a stroll along the new shared pathway which travels behind the railway line linking the old Morpeth Railway Station to Morpeth Bridge.
After a nice walk browse through boutique stores, including Campbell’s Store. The original 180 year old sandstone building has been restored and is the place to acquire antiques, local produce, and their renowned ginger beer which is brewed in store at Morpeth Ginger Beer and Gourmet Foods. Visit upstairs to view local art from Morpeth Gallery.
Get your sugar fix with a wide range of lollies and stock up on hard to find treats from across the globe at Miss Lily’s Lollies next door. Before you leave, don’t forget to squeeze in a visit to the Morpeth Museum.
Festival time!
Make your way to Maitland where you can enjoy the festivities of this year’s Hunter Valley Steamfest. After last years return, all the fan favourites are back, to make the weekend one to remember.
All aboard one of the locomotives for a spectacular ride to a destination of your choice. This year there are many trips available including Port Waratah, Paterson and Newcastle to mention a few.
While you wait for your trip, the Maitland Station Precinct will come to life with steampunkers, market stalls, road steam, mini steam train rides, live and roving entertainment, and kid’s activities. This year will again feature Carnival Lane which will play host to amusements rides, face painting, fairy floss, candy, fortune tellers and don’t forget to grab the all important showbag!
You will also find plenty of food stalls and restaurants nearby to satisfy your hunger including the onsite offering, Café Loco, and the nearby Grand Junction Hotel.
KEEP THE PARTY GOING
Whilst the train rides may have stopped for the day, your journey can continue into the evening. The station precinct will come alive with Steamfest After Dark, offering an array of food trucks, carnival rides and live music.
If you feel like a sit down meal try Acacia Dining, now in the Riverlink building with the best views in town and a locally sourced menu, or The Whistler for its tasty share plates and child play area or The Belmore Hotel and their local favourite burgers and live music.
Continue the fun after dinner at Dullboys Rutherford. With bowling lanes, an 18-hole themed mini golf course, virtual reality and arcades there is something for everyone. They also have a bar serving cocktails and craft beer on tap. If you feel like something a bit more relaxing head to Reading Cinemas Maitland to watch one of the latest blockbusters.
explore central maitland
Start the day with breakfast at The Orange Tree or Lavenders Café at The Levee Central Maitland. Overlooking the beautiful Hunter River, these cafés offer many options to suit the palette. After breakfast meander through the local shopping district and discover the many art murals on The Art Trail.
If you prefer somewhere where the kids and your pets can run free check out Central Park Café. Situated next to the Maitland Visitor Information Centre and Queen Elizabeth II park, it is pet and kid friendly, having plenty of space for the kids to run and an outdoor play area. Whilst you are there, why not pick up a copy of the brochure for the Beyond the Flood Levels walk from the Visitors Centre for you to explore as you make your back to day two of the festival.
ROUND two
You don’t miss the Altapac Show ‘n’ Shine Show Sunday morning. With over 500 cars of all makes and models. Whether you fancy classic cars, hot rods, vintage beauties or muscle cars, you’re sure to be impressed.
Enjoy live rock n’ roll music and dancing whilst you meander through the food and market stalls.
Return to Maitland Train Station to take another ride on a locomotive. The feature event, The Great Train Race will see two locomotives and a Tiger moth plane make their way from Newcastle to Maitland.
Visit the Rally Ground to see meet makers as they demonstrate their traditional arts, forgotten crafts and rare trades. This will be the second time Steamfest will host the ‘Maker and Merchant’ interactive display where audiences can engage, interact and be educated by the craftsmen and women. Learn from the likes of a silversmith, tool maker, artist, glassblower, woodworker, jewellery maker, stonemason, and leatherworker.Â
sunday escape
Head to Maitland Regional Art Gallery to explore its latest exhibitions. Whilst you are there, engage your creative side by joining Free Art Sunday. These activities are designed for all ages, and can be done as a family.
If there is a higher level of exercise needed at the end of the weekend, head over to Stockade Hill in East Maitland for a round of Disc Golf, it is fun for all ages and abilities. This nine hole disc golf course provides endless entertainment and is free to play.
Click here for more Maitland based itineraries.