On the banks of the Hunter River, Maitland will charm you with intriguing heritage, food festivals, delicious eateries and bustling markets.

A vibrant historic town in the Hunter Valley wine region, Maitland is two hours’ drive north of Sydney and 40 minutes from Newcastle. You can take the train from Sydney to Maitland, where rural vistas and country hospitality create a lovely experience for all ages.

Maitland is a great base for exploring Australia’s oldest wine region.

Amazing Things to Do, Places to See.

EAST MAITLAND HERITAGE WALK

Proclaimed in 1833 as Government Town, East Maitland has many buildings and sites of historical significance, including Maitland Gaol, East Maitland Court House, and sites associated with convict history and persons of interest like Caroline Chisholm and Les Darcy. Glebe Cemetery is also a site on the walk.

For more information: http://www.mymaitland.com.au/heritage-walks

AEROHUNTER

Based at the local airfield on the outskirts of the city, you can experience the thrill of a lifetime with an authentic war bird military experience flown by an experienced RAAF or Ace aerobatic pilot!

www.aerohunter.com.au/

THE MUSEUM OF CLOTHING

Situated in the High Victorian Gothic building Brough House, this Museum endeavours to preserve the fashion on bygone eras, with exhibitions exploring the changes in fashion over time, both locally and from around the world.

For more information: http://www.museumofclothing.org/

MAITLAND GAOL

With a vibrant history spanning more than 150 years, including having been home to some of Australia’s most hardened and notorious criminals, Maitland Gaol closed in 1998. Learn about the facility, its past prisoners and daring escapes. Indulge in a world-class, self-guided audio tour or take a themed-guided tour or torchlight tour by night.

Only the brave can battle a group sleepover night.

http://www.maitlandgaol.com.au/

MAITLAND REGIONAL ART GALLERY

Known locally as MRAG, the gallery exhibits thousands of artworks and creates hundreds of learning activities across 25 exhibitions annually, while sharing the 4,000+ art collection. The award-winning building is as much a part of the experience as the artworks on display.

http://www.mrag.org.au/

MAITLAND MARKETS

Held on the first Sunday of each month at the Maitland Showground, over 600 stalls showcase home-made, home grown and home baked goods, artisans, musicians, gourmet food and the finest quality craft. Check the dates at http://www.maitlandmarkets.com.au/

Special Events

SLOW FOOD EARTH MARKET MAITLAND

Held on the first and third Thursdays of each month featuring Good Clean and Fair farmers and producers who will sell local, seasonal produce from 2pm – 6pm in The Levee. Slow Food is a global grassroots organisation that works to protect food biodiversity and believes in the philosophy of Good Clean and Fair Food for All.   http://www.slowfoodhuntervalley.com.au/

MAITLAND TASTE

Taking a weekend in March, enjoy entertainment and activities for all ages including cooking demonstrations featuring celebrated Hunter chefs, indulge in the sparkling and seafood lane, and don’t miss the cheese and beer tastings on offer.  There are a multitude of market stalls throughout The Levee – laden with gourmet goodies, fresh local produce, artisan cheeses, delectable desserts, and fresh roasted coffee.  http://www.maitlandtaste.com.au/

HUNTER VALLEY STEAMFEST

Hosting over a weekend in April, Steamfest offers a diverse program including historic steam train trips, vintage machinery displays and demonstrations, live music, interactive heritage walks and displays, vintage car display, market stalls, food stalls, kid’s activities and more.

Be part of the annual Great Train Race featuring steam engines running parallel together whilst racing a Tiger Moth aeroplane, from Newcastle.

https://www.steamfest.com.au/

Town of Murals Art Show

Held each year in September, this community Art Show showcases the talents of hundreds of artists. Attend the opening ceremony, take in the glorious works and be part of the excitement of the prize presentation where a wide range of categories on offer, including a wide variety of art mediums and sections for budding young artists from Pre-school to Year 12.

For more information and entry forms; townofmuralsartshow@gmail.com

MAITLAND RIVER RUN – PRESENTED BY RIVER

Offering a picturesque four-kilometre course in and around the Mall and River Bank of the Maitland CBD, competitors can either run/walk over 4 kms, 8 kms, 12 kms or a half marathon course. Courses are open to novice and elite runners.

http://www.hevents.com.au/

AROMA COFFEE AND CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL

Ward off the winter chills in August, with delicious chocolates and the best, local coffee roasters have to offer. Enjoy wines, desserts, local cuisine and fresh produce through exhibitors, demonstrations and displays, along with market stalls, children’s activities and live entertainment.

www.maitlandaroma.com.au

RIVERLIGHTS MULTICULTURAL FESTIVAL

With the weather warming up, October is the perfect time to visit Maitland, and enjoy your opportunity to engage all your senses to see, taste, feel and experience the different cultures on display.  Celebrate diversity through food, music, dance and interactive experiences, Riverlights transforms Central Maitland into a global village.  Relish the night with spectacular fire shows, a festival lantern parade and the iconic paper lantern flotilla, a truly memorable spectacle.

http://www.maitlandriverlights.com.au/

Dining Options

Maitland and its surrounding suburbs and villages have a great range of dining options from a cheap pub meal to fine dining and everything in between.  

High ST, the main street through Maitland has a bevy of restaurants and cafes to choose from, with a diverse range of cultures to explore.

East Maitland offers options along Melbourne St, and further east centred around Lawes and High streets.

The quaint village of Morpeth offers a delightful offering of cafes and tearooms to choose from.

The Maitland City Council has an informative website to assist you in finding the perfect location for a quick bite or that something special.

https://www.mymaitland.com.au/eat-drink/

Pokolbin Wine Tours from Maitland -

Accommodation

Maitland is a great base for exploring Australia’s oldest wine region. Places to stay suit various budgets, ranging from a modern motels and hotels and apartments, heritage guesthouses and lovingly restored self-contained cottage. There is also vineyard accommodation located close to the city.

For bookings refer to Visit NSW

https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/hunter/hunter-valley/maitland/accommodation

Vineyards and Wine Tasting

Maitland is a great base for exploring Australia’s oldest wine region. With a vast choice in cellar doors and wineries with restaurants to choose from, avoid the confusion and book a wine tour.

Pokolbin Wine Tours from Maitland -
a bunch of lady tourist having so much fun while enjoying the place and the taste of their wine in their pokolbin wine tours
Hunter Valley Wine Tours
girls day out hunter valley vineyards
wine tasting in the vineyards

Combine these great experiences with the Hunter Valley wine region with a tour

A great way to enjoy the views and of course the sensational tastes of what the region offers is to book a wine tour with:

Hunter Valley Wine Tours

With pick-ups and drop-offs from your accommodation

Whether it’s for a corporate or social event, our Hunter Valley wine tasting tours are the perfect way to experience what the famous wine region has to offer.

Our tours are designed with our guest in mind, keeping it simple so that all you need to do is enjoy the day.

Since 2001, we’ve specialized in guiding small group wine tours through the Hunter Valley. We’re family owned and operated and are passionate about showcasing the beautiful Hunter Valley region and its wines, providing our guest with the ultimate wine tasting experience.