Maitland (New South Wales)

Located on the banks of the Hunter river and just 30 minutes train or drive from Newcastle.

By car

The New England Highway connects Maitland with Newcastle to the south, and the Upper Hunter and New England regions to the north. It's 203 km (125 mi.) 2 hour drive along the M1 motorway from from Sydney. It is 542 km (336 mi.) from Canberra.

By train

The most practical and direct way of getting to Maitland by train is with with several NSW Trainlink regional trains service Maitland station daily from Sydney to the south and from the Northern Rivers and New England. Tickets must be booked in advance of travel.
If you have lots of time, and want a cheaper fare, from Sydney there are hourly trains, changing at Hamilton Station in Newcastle. The optimal travelling time by this route is 3 hours, although connections may easily extend the travel time to 4 hours. However, the service is cheap at around $8 with an Opal card or contact-less credit card.
Stations are , , and .

The train line connects Maitland and East Maitland by four stations. Buses are also available.

• Maitland Gaol

  phone: +61 2 4936 6482
  address: 6-18 John St, East Maitland NSW 2323
  A very, very freaky place to visit because whilst it is an old, imposing sandstone constructed prison, it has all the "mod cons" such as razor wire and CCTV mountings in place – it was still being used as a gaol within the past 15 years.

• Walka Water Works

  address: 55 Scobies Lane, Oakhampton Heights
  Walka Water Works is a recreation area in Oakhampton. You can visit the heritage-listed pumphouse, take one of the walking trails that surround the lake, or ride the miniature train that runs on Sundays.

• Hunter Valley Steamfest. Held in the Maitland Railway Station Precinct each year. A must see for anybody who likes trains, otherwise it may be wise to give Maitland a miss while it is on-many streets get closed for the event

• Buttai Barn

  phone: +61 2 4930 3153
  address: Lings Rd, Buttai
  A 20 minute drive out of town, for traditional bush dancing.
• Morpeth is a cute historical town on the outskirts of Maitland. Well worth visiting for a look at the cafes and boutique shops. Be warned though, Thursdays to Sundays are really the only days that are worth visiting- as many shops are closed at the beginning of the week.

• Morpeth Jazz Festival

  phone: +61 2 4933 3312
  address: Roman Catholic Church Anglican Church Morpeth
  New Orleans style jazz festival held annually in September in the main street.

• Bitter & Twisted Boutique Beer Festival

  phone: +61 2 4931 2888
  address: 6-18 John St, East Maitland NSW 2323

• Maitland Park

  address: Blomfield St, Maitland
  Maitland Park is home to a fantastic playground, an Olympic pool, and a heated indoor pool, as well as netball courts, a cricket ground, a bowling club, and a hockey field. There is also an aquatic complex with an Olympic-size outdoor pool and a 25-metre indoor pool.

• Maitland Regional Art Gallery

  phone: +61 2 4934 9859
  address: 230 High St Maitland

• Maitland Fair Markets. 1st Sunday of every month (except January) plus 15th Oct, 19th Nov, 17th Dec. Maitland Showground 8am-2pm.

• Molines Bistro

  phone: +61 2 65747216
  address: 266 Hermitage Road, Belford
  Molines is a small, careful rustic styled cafe serving lovingly prepared, delicious and subtle fine food. Outside in the sun is the best place to sit with a small group. Very limited choice for vegetarians.

• The Old George and Dragon

  phone: +61 2 4933 1098
  address: 50 Melbourne St, East Maitland NSW 2323
  An old fashioned French or English menu. It does not look much from the outside and is located in a business or light industrial area but is well worth a visit.

• Newcastle is 30 minutes away