Hunter Guides Attractions Events in New South Wales

On the banks of the Hunter River, tucked away in Upper Hunter Country is historical Aberdeen located between Muswellbrook and Scone on the New England Highway.

Aberdeen is close to many attractions including the wineries of the Upper Hunter, Lake Glenbawn Recreation area and world class Thoroughbred Horse studs. The town boasts a range of historical sites from the early 1800’s and offers visitors a chance to explore these sites in a town tour. For over 100 years, the Aberdeen Meat Works had been the largest beef and lamb shipping company in Australia for export until its closure in 1999. Across the railway line and on the edge of town are the ruins of the Butter Factory and Flour Mill.

Aberdeen also boats one of the most famous pie shops on the New England Highway. For 21 years, Crofts pies have been traditionally made by the family.

Every July, Aberdeen residents don their kilts and prepare for a celebration of Gaelic proportions for the Aberdeen Highland Games - a festival celebrating the Scottish heritage and traditions of the first founders of Aberdeen. The Games begins with a street parade that features 12 pipe bands, clan societies and various floats, moving from the main street into Jefferson Park for the opening of the Games. The Games include tournaments and competitions including jousting, tartan warriors, tug - o - war, haggis haul, egg throwing, kilted dash, three legged race, and highland dress competitions. The day concludes with a Ceilidh evening featuring Scottish cuisine, beverages and music.

The 50,000 hectares of national parks and state forests around the Barrington Tops include steep smothered in ancient temperate rainforest, sub-alpine
mountain tops dominated by snow gums and a mosaic of gorges, waterfalls and fast running streams.

A five minute walk through lush, subtropical rainforest leads to the Williams River, who's deep, clear pools are ideal for swimming. Swimming in the river
in summer is much more refreshing than the beach. You can choose to sunbake in the sun or relax under the shade of the beautiful trees. The Barrington National Park in situated on a high, volcanic flow plateau. The high rainfall has eroded deep ravines which lead south to the Hunter River and northeast to the Manning River.

Panemelons are frequently sighted as one journeys through the park and there are also wallabies, kangaroos, wombats, bandicoots, possums, marsupial mice, lyrebirds, brush turkeys, parrots, bowerbirds and many other types of fauna.

Experience the natural splendour of Barrington Tops National Park where serenity and wilderness surround you. The unique quality of this area, covering 80,000 hectares is reflected in its listing as a World Heritage Area.

This is unspoiled country, the eastern and southern slopes of the Barrington Tops plateau lead down from lush and pristine forests through rolling farmland to towns that retain the charm of yesteryear.

Barrington Tops provides habitat for many different plants and animals with more than fifty being listed as rare or threatened.

Barrington Tops can be appreciated by all visitors for their diversity and wilderness experience. The mood of the forest environment changes markedly from dawn through midday to dusk, from summer heat to winter mist and chill, through dry periods and rain and even a dusting of snow on the high country.

Through the forest there are tracks for hiking, mountain biking, horse riding and four wheel driving.

Located 10 minutes south of Singleton, on the New England Highway, Belford is situated at the northern end of Pokolbin. Offering a range of bed and breakfast or cabin accommodation, you can be assured of a comfortable and relaxing stay. Be sure to visit the many wineries in the area including world renowned Bramblewood Fruit Wines.

Belmont, located on the eastern shores of Lake Macquarie offers a broad range of accommodation options and varying activities and attractions. Water and sports enthusiasts are well and truly catered for with two major sailing clubs and a championship golf course. Alternatively, swim and surf at nearby Blacksmiths and Redhead Beach, take a jet boat ride or try sailing on the Lake.

Get back to nature and take a leisurely walk through the Green Point Nature Reserve which has all the features to make it one of Lake Macquarie's most scenic and enjoyable natural attractions for cycling, walking and picnicking.

The Belmont area has many popular restaurants and cafes where spectacular views of the Lake can be enjoyed.

For visitors, a walk of the street browsing the shops is a must followed by a picnic on the foreshore to take in the magical view of the lake.

Branxton, located 18 km north-west of Maitland is a small township on the New England Highway between Maitland and Singleton.

History is rich in Branxton with the main street occupied by antique stores and historical buildings.

Just 20 minutes from Singleton and 10 minutes from Pokolbin the Broke Fordwich area is in the southwest corner of the mid Hunter Valley. Sitting between Pokolbin and Wollombi, Broke played a critical role in the development and history of NSW.

Today Broke Fordwich is still making history. In 1994 it was the first area formally recognised as a separate viticultural sub-region of the Hunter Valley. While, historically, it is one of the oldest wine growing areas in Australia, it is only in the last 30 years that Broke Fordwich has started to become an important player in the Australian winemaking industry.

As importantly, in contrast with other wine producing areas, Broke Fordwich retains its integrity as a rural community remaining free of large scale development yet offering first class B&B and self catering accommodation, restaurants ans activities.

With the massive Brokenback Range Yellow Rock escarpment standing guard above, the village of Broke is well worth a visit. Many experts tip the area to be the 'next big thing', particularly with the success of verdelho and merlot varieties in the Broke area. There are around 50 individual vineyards as well as vines managed by major wine producers.

When in Brunkerville it is essential to stop off at Rose Cottage and Wallis Creek Pottery and Watergardens.

Rose Cottage is a local gallery featuring local arts, gifts and a coffee shop and is housed in a restored traditional miner’s cottage. Open Tuesday - Sunday 10am - 4pm.

Wallis Creek Pottery and Watergardens hold pottery making demonstrations and also feature paintings, sculpture, landscaped gardens, ponds and picnic areas. Open Sunday and Monday 10am - 4pm, other times by appointment.

If instead of turning off to Warkworth, you continue southwards along the Putty Road then you will pass by huge Open-cut mining operations on both sides of the road. Nine kilometres will bring you to a bridge, beyond which is the tiny village of Bulga where there is a little more than a store - service station. It was from Bulga that drover Peter Clarke set off in 1863 on a trip which saw him fatally shot by bushranger Henry Wilson.

Exactly four kilometres south of the store Thompson Road heads off to the right. It is signposted 'Oranges For Sale Pick Your Own'. Another four kilometres will bring you to the rather beautiful Hillsdale Orchard where there are 5,000 orange trees. The business is well-organised and caters for coach groups with morning and afternoon tea and a guided tour through the property.

Situated in the Maitland district, proximal to the Hunter vineyards and wine tasting, Buttai has a small township. Buttai Barn offers a true country experience and dance entertainment for all to enjoy.

Camberwell is located 13 kilometres north of Singleton along the highway is the tiny village of Camberwel where St Clements Anglican Church was built between 1844 and 1855. The Singleton to Newcastle section of the New England Highway closely follows a track that was already in existence by 1832.

Stretching from the lakeside township of Teralba, through Glendale, to the business hub of Cardiff, and out to Edgeworth is where you will find Northlakes. Teralba is well known for its coal mining history, and is located along the Sydney to Newcastle train line.

Just north of Teralba is Glendale, where you will find entertainment, shopping and sporting options. It is home to the Hunter Sports Centre, a ten million dollar sporting complex which hosts regional, state and national meets, and also offers Stockland's Glendale Centre which includes a diverse range of retail outlets, eateries and a modern cinema complex.

Travelling west brings you to rapidly expanding new residential areas surrounding the old township of Edgeworth, once the stepping off point to the Lower Hunter towns of Maitland, Kurri and Cessnock.

Carrowbrook is a picturesque 25 minute drive from Singleton and it also has the attraction of Lake St Clair. The lake, which nestles in the undulating hills of the Hunter Valley, was formed behind the walls of Glennies Creek Dam after its completion in 1983.

Lake St Clair provides Singleton with a water supply and abundant areas for exciting recreational pursuits, such as water skiing, boating, swimming and fishing.

The Lake has been stocked with Bass, Perch and Catfish, and restocking of recreational sport fish is ongoing.

The recreational area provides attractive areas for camping and picnics.

The eastern shoreline is a particularly scenic drive.

Swansea and Caves Beach provides a link between the ocean and the lake, and are popular holiday destinations. Blessed with beautiful beaches, sandy inlets and open lake foreshore areas, Swansea and Caves Beach are great destinations for water enthusiasts. Explore the sea caves at low tide on Caves Beach, venture out into the open waters with a deep sea fishing adventure or catch a wave at the patrolled beaches.

Located less than two hours drive north of Sydney, the area of Cessnock includes small towns such as Paxton, Millfield and the wonderfully named Bellbird. Originally, Cessnock was a service district for travellers and farmers but has built its more recent reputation as a mining centre. It is also adjacent to Pokolbin ­ one of New South Wales' most vital wine-making areas, so a short trip out of Cessnock is as far as you need go for a pleasant afternoon spent tasting the local produce.

Charlestown is centrally located on the Pacific Highway and is seen as the business and retail capital of Lake Macquarie. Charlestown Square is the major retail shopping centre of Lake Macquarie and boasts many boutique shops located in the central business district servicing over 25,000 visitors every day.

With plenty of parking, Charlestown is a major regional business centre with a large number of medical and professional services, government agencies and banking facilities. It has quality accommodation located on the Pacific Highway and is well serviced by buses.

Clarence Town is thought to be the seventh oldest settlement in Australia and was the area's centre for shipping until the railway reached Dungog in 1911.

Many historic buildings remain but the Williams River is the town's major attraction. A paradise for water skiers who can camp right on the edge of the water with their boat moored within easy reach, the river is wide and conditions are ideal for skiing.

Williams River Caravan park is a camping spot for non skiers also right on the river. This is a peaceful spot and the natural landscape is very beautiful.

Also situated at Caravan Park on site cabins with own on-site's cater up, to six persons.

The local stores will supply all your camping needs or if you don't wish to camp you can stay at the Erringhi Hotel and enjoy the lovely meals.

Cockle Creek is located at the northern end of Lake Macquarie, near the town of Teralba.

For further information, use the side navigation to search for activities, accommodation and events.

One of the largest coastal saltwater lakes in the Southern Hemisphere, Lake Macquarie is surrounded by cosy holiday towns like Belmont, Wangi Wangi, Cooranbong, Swansea and Toronto. Enjoy a sunny afternoon in one of the many boats that grace the shimmering water, catch a wave at one of four patrolled beaches or venture into the mountains for a picnic lunch and sightseeing walk. There are a mammoth 92 towns and villages, 29 public boat ramps, 28 public jetties and wharves and seven marina berth around Lake Macquarie, making it the perfect family holiday destination.

With a buzzy bohemian vibe, the inner-city suburb of Cooks Hill is one of the most exciting precincts in Newcastle. Its main street, Darby Street, is home to numerous restaurants, funky sidewalk cafes, cosy pubs, quirky home-wares stores, second-hand book shops, local art galleries, jewellery shops and trendy designer street-wear stores.

A myriad of leafy streets, terrace houses and winding back alleys, Cooks Hill was home to the city’s first settlers. Now it’s the city’s artistic centre, hosting a diverse array of local photography and art galleries such as John Miller Galleries in Darby Street, and the and Wide Horizons gallery which specialises in panoramic scenic photography and houses some stunning local landscape and aerial photographs.

Another artistic find is Cooks Hill Galleries, tucked away in Bull Street; it exhibits many young and developing artists.

On Darby Street, award winning restaurants offer a delicious choice of eating experiences and delectable gourmet coffees.

Diverse, friendly, relaxed, off beat, cosmopolitan and bohemian - people come to Darby Street to “feel”, to “experience” and to “enjoy”.

The Southlake area includes Morisset, Dora Creek, Cooranbong, Wyee and the Watagan Mountains. The area offers visitors a wide diversity of experience from lake to mountain side. Escape to the Watagan Mountain National Park and State Forest Area, explore the arts and craft houses of Cooranbong or relax with a picnic by the lake on the Morisset Peninsula.

Morisset is a thriving town centre offering an array of shops, services and eateries. Morisset Mega Markets offers an enormous selection of market stalls every weekend. Dora Creek, the first town to be established in Lake Macquarie in 1840 provides picnic spots neat the water to feed the ducks. Cooranbong is a picturesque rural community located at the foot of the Watagan Mountains. Southlake is easily accessible by train or from the F3 freeway.

George Wyndham planted his first vineyard at Dalwood in 1830, with his first vintage in 1835. Today, Wyndham Estate is Australia's oldest operating winery and hosts major concerts including Opera in the Vineyards.

DENMAN - In The Upper Hunter

Welcome to Denman in glorious Upper Hunter Country ….surrounded by magnificent bronzed sandstone cliffs, world class wineries and “five star” Thoroughbred Studs.

Denman…the real country feel in our historic town (we turned 150 years young in 2003); a game of golf at our fully watered 9-hole course; fine wines to be sampled at our friendly vineyards; a relaxing scrumptious meal and cleansing ale at our 100-year-old pubs; cafes and little shops to “poke around” in Ogilvie Street; primeval forests; ancient rivers carve deep gorges through the wild Wollemi National Park – an explorer’s dream; bring the bicycles – country roads and rural lanes – cows and horses, wombats and kangaroos, emerald green lucerne flats, vineyards and sandstone caves, tiny wrens, parrots of brilliant colours, birds of prey; cool wide verandahs at our country cabins to sit; reach up to the stars so close….The Milky Way, brighter than you’ve ever seen it; a gentle breeze, cool sweet air and birds calling “good night” at the end of a busy day…

…Country Contentment

We look forward to meeting you at Denman…

…easy driving on the Golden Highway.

Located in Hunter River Country, Duckenfield is a tiny village surrounded by rich pasture and farmlands, six kilometres from the historic river port of Morpeth. It affords excellent views across the plains to the Hunter River. Duckenfield and neighbouring Berry Park offer a juxtaposition of Georgian architecture and modern housing. It is an area that has bred fine racehorses and is a horse breeding region today.

Duckenfield was part of the original estate of wealthy landowner and businessman John Eales (1799-1871). A drive along Duckenfield Road passes two homes built by Eales, Berry Park House and Berry House.

It is from these beautiful hills that the name Dungog, 'A Place of Thinly Wooded Hills' was derived. The hills are at their most striking in the early morning or
the evening when the light casts long shadows from the trees and mist hangs in the valleys.

Dungog first settled in the 1820's is two and a half hours easy drive from Sydney. With its wide streets and country charm it is the shopping and business
centre for a thriving community based on beef cattle, controlled logging of hardwoods, dairying, deer farming and tourism.

World-class wilderness most of Barrington Tops will always be forest, protected as State Forest and National Park, and with pristine regions designated
Wilderness areas and listed under World Heritage legislation. There is wide diversity, from vigorous regrowth stands of tall straight eucalypts, to ancient
beech forest pure and undisturbed. There is rich sub-tropical rainforest in the lowland gullies, and twisted, stunted snowgums on the high plains.

There are tracks for mountain-bikers, horse riders and four-wheel drives. Camp sites in the bush with crystal-clear streams with sparkling waterfalls and
pools.

Originally the town centre of Maitland, 1830 to 1850, saw in Melbourne Street East Maitland a hub of activity. Fine buildings abound from that era, currently housing fine restaurants, cafes, antique, speciality and home renovation stores. Lawes Street offers a traditional shopping centre. The beautiful churches St Peters and St Josephs overlook the area.

Day and evening tours can be taken of the 150 year old Maitland Gaol, which was recognised to be one of the toughest in the country.

See a bronze tribute to Les Darcy, Australia's boxing wonder, in King Edward Park and visit his burial place in the Darcy family vault at East Maitland, one of New South Wales’ oldest cemeteries.

With a population of around 8,500 East Maitland has a modern shopping village to address everyday needs from pharmacy to banks, from grocery shops to butchers, from cafes to restaurants, from bakeries to newsagent.

In Hunter River Country, a suburb of Maitland, bordered by Wallis and Fishery Creeks, affording excellent views back to Maitland and across to Louth Park. Gillieston Heights has a small but growing community with areas of new housing developments. It affords excellent views of the rolling hills, which surround the City of Maitland.

Stretching from the lakeside township of Teralba, through Glendale, to the business hub of Cardiff, and out to Edgeworth is where you will find Northlakes. Teralba is well known for its coal mining history, and is located along the Sydney to Newcastle train line.

Just north of Teralba is Glendale, where you will find entertainment, shopping and sporting options. It is home to the Huner Sports Centre, a ten million dollar sporting complex which hosts regional, state and national meets, and also offers Stockland's Glendale Centre which includes a diverse range of retail outlets, eateries and a modern cinema complex.

Travelling west brings you to rapidly expanding new residential areas surrounding the old township of Edgeworth, once the stepping off point to the Lower Hunter towns of Maitland, Kurri and Cessnock.

A visit to the Barrington Tops area is fast becoming a popular alternative for people. There has been a significant increase in visitor numbers over the last few years, with people looking to relax, explore and escape in the totally Wilderness Experience that Barrington Tops offers.

This World Heritage listed National Park area covers 120,000 ha.

Once here, people can either relax in peaceful and tranquil settings, explore the Barrington Tops National Park and escape to their own patch of wilderness, visit the historic main streets of country towns with charming cafes, or enjoy such diverse activities as canoeing, bushwalking, mountain bike riding, horseriding, fishing, skydiving or a relaxing game of golf. The Visitor Information Centres at Gloucester and Dungog can provide further information on these activities.

Accommodation ranges through from luxury retreats, bed and breakfast, self contained cottages and farmstay, units and bunkhouse - in fact something for everyone. Camping is also available both in the mountains and foothills; however those who prefer the luxury of hot and cold running showers should stay closer to the townships!

Features now include an array of farm gate producers selling local produce direct to the consumer. From wineries to lavender and other Essentially Barrington products such as Barrington Beef, Barrington Perch. These details are incorporated in the soon to be produced Essentially Barrington Farm Trail map.

The opportunity to bring the agriculture experience of the Barrington Tops area direct to our visitors provides a wonderful opportunity to broaden their tourism experience and provide fresh local produce. Fresh produce can also be sampled at the various restaurants and cafes throughout the small towns surrounding Barrington Tops thus enhancing the food and wine experience.

Other activities include the array of events held in the area. With over 50 events in any given year, you can choose from rodeos, country markets and festivals such as Chill Out Day, The Mountain Man Tri Challenge, the Gloucester Springfest. The Annual Shakespeare on Avon festival takes place in the Gloucester Valley, nestled in the foothills of the Bucketts Mountains. Shakespeare’s more lighthearted productions are highlighted at this festival along with markets and all the fun of the fair.

Situated in the Maitland district, proximal to the Hunter vineyards and wine tasting, Gosforth has a rural perspective.

Prior to the Prior to the colonial period the Gresford area was occupied by the Gringgai clan of the Wanaruah Aboriginal people. The first Europeans in the district were timbergetters who began extracting cedar in the 1810s. When Paterson was settled in the 1820s exploration upriver began.

The first grants were 'Camyr Allyn', issued to Charles Boydell (now Gresford) and 'Cawarra', made out to George Townshend (now East Gresford). Boydell's brother William took up 'Caergwrle' (just north at Allynbrook and pronounced 'Ca-girl-ee') upon his arrival in Australia in 1836. As these names might suggest these early settlers were Welsh. In fact Charles Boydell and George Townshend were neighbours in Wales and came to Australia on the same ship. Other local place names, such as Trevallyn and Eccleston, reflect their heritage. Indeed Gresford is named after a town on the Allyn River in North Wales.

Greta is a small township on the New England Highway between Maitland and Singleton. Greta, has several older buildings which display the regions historical and heritage value.

Hamilton is a busy Newcastle suburb located only 3.5 kilometres from Newcastle central business district.

The Hamilton precinct, in particular its main street, Beaumont, is a Newcastle institution. Often seen as the cosmopolitan heart of the city, Hamilton is long established as a popular dining precinct. It was home to Newcastle’s first Italian and Greek immigrants, creating a dynamic Mediterranean focus with the delicatessens and restaurants still offering a variety of international cuisine.

Beaumont Street has undergone extensive refurbishment since the 1989 Newcastle earthquake, which damaged many of its historic buildings. Now it’s the centre of all the action - a buzzing cultural hub, littered with sidewalk cafes and a thriving pub scene. For excellent coffee head to Café de Beaumont or Three Bean Cafe for delectable food encompassing organic and local produce. Discover The Other Place, tucked away behind Euro Bar & Grill, they serve arguably the best slow cooked lamb shanks on the planet!

In addition to eclectic dining and drinking experiences, Hamilton also has a colourful array of specialty stores and boutiques. Home to some quirky and unusual finds, Beaumont Street offers boutique and retro fashion outlets, antiques, collectables, bookstores, award-winning hair studios and unique home-wares stores, all within metres of each other.

A former coal mining suburb, Hamilton also hosts a number of festivals and events throughout the year, such as ‘Hamilton’s St Patricks Day Music, Food and Wine Festival’. Each year during the festival, Beaumont Street is transformed into a giant block party where people can tantalize their tastebuds while enjoying a selection of local musical talents.

The harbour is home to Honeysuckle - a major waterfront rejuvenation project transforming Newcastle. Working wharves are becoming places of play with the creation of foreshore promenades and open squares offering waterfront cafes and restaurants - all with glorious views.

The Promenade along the harbour foreshore is a wide shared pathway suitable for all the family whether you are walking, rollerblading or cycling. Look across the harbour and you will see the Destiny statue, situated at Walsh Point on the old State Dockyard site. Inspired by the figure heads on the front of sailing ships, she symbolises the spirit of the future, standing on a global sphere and drawing strength from the earth.

Eye the super sleek vessels at the Newcastle Yacht Club or watch as the fishing fleet sails out before dusk. Take a harbour cruise or hire a kayak and explore the Hunter River. The Seafood Cooperative offers the freshest local seafood or for those who prefer to have a meal prepared for them, Newcastle boasts many fine seafood restaurants.

Across the way is Harbour Square. This is a hub for live entertainment, with restaurants and cafes all overlooking the harbour. It is an unforgettable experience to dine within metres of a giant ship heading out to sea. Whether you are sipping cocktails at Silo, enjoying an intimate dinner for two or a casual meal with friends at The Dockyard, Harbour Square is sure to impress.

The waterway now known as Newcastle Harbour was discovered by Lieutenant John Shortland in 1797 and the coal that dotted the shoreline became Australia's first commercial export cargo 2 ears later in 1799. The Port of Newcastle has changed significantly in its 200 years of operation, from sailing ships and shovels to today's modern technology with huge coal loaders, some of the largest bulk carriers and container ships in the world and the occasional cruise ship.

Newcastle’s Maritime Centre is newly opened on the harbour as a highly interactive museum exploring Newcastle strong maritime heritage. One of the highlights being, a photographic exhibition of the Pasha Bulker’s surprise visit to Newcastle’s shore during the devastating floods in June 2007.

For a slice of the good life, look no further than the Hunter, just north of Sydney. Great wines, gourmet food, superb restaurants and cafes, rustic cottages and romantic beachside retreats.

Get away from it all and relax on a houseboat on Lake Macquarie, or explore the broad ocean beaches and extensive forests nearby.

For a taste of culture and nightlife drop into Newcastle, Australia's second oldest city.

Hunter Valley Wine Country is a Mecca for food and wine enthusiasts. Explore the wineries by horse-drawn carriage, hot air balloon or bicycle.

Meander through Maitland's elegant heritage precincts or visit historic Morpeth, Australia's oldest river port. Singleton and the Upper Hunter reflect Australia's rural heritage with small country townships and farm stays. The area also offers wineries, horse studs, forests and a wealth of outdoor activities. Or for a change, experience Barrington Tops which features rugged mountains, gorges and dense forest. It's a magnet for horseback riders, bushwalkers, campers and 4WD tours.

Hunter, so much...so close

Hunter Valley Wine Country is a two hour drive north of cosmopolitan Sydney. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Brokenback Range, the area now yields more than a hundred wineries and cellar doors, embracing areas such as Pokolbin, Rothbury, Broke Fordwich, Lovedale, Wollombi Valley and Mount View.

If you are hunting for something new to do, you may wish to experience a glorious sunrise from a hot air balloon, horse ride through a vineyard, browse through galleries and antique shops, or see the Valley by horse and carriage, bicycle or even limousine!

The Hunter Valley is known for its award winning wines, however the valley now supports a burgeoning olive industry with cold pressed olive oil and other olive products. You will also find wood fired bread, delicious Hunter Cheeses, stone fruits, table grapes, honey, home made condiments and sauces, and even chocolate made with chilli.

What ever your taste and budget, accommodation is in abundance with self contained cottages and cabins set amongst the vines, superb guesthouses, charming bed and breakfast, and five star resorts.

Your only challenge now is choosing where to begin your “hunting” expedition in Hunter Valley Wine Country!

Jerrys Plains is located 247 kilometres north-west of Sydney via Cessnock and Singleton and a scenic 30 minute drive from Singleton, along the Golden Highway.

A pretty rural village situated on fertile green river flats by the Hunter River. Jerrys Plains has many historic buildings and history, such as the Post Office Store built in 1881 by hand made bricks.

Has a back road to Denman.

Kotara and Kotara South make up the area between Charlestown and Adamstown. The area has good access to public transport, schools, shopping centres and recreational areas.

The most prominent feature of Kotara’s recreational facilities is Blackbutt Reserve. The reserve combines walking tracks, picnic facilities and wildlife and is one of Newcastle’s main attractions. Kotara also has a large number of parks. Nesbitt Park, Kotara Park and Lugar Street Reserve provide sporting fields and children’s equipment. Tennis courts are available and a cycle way runs through the residential area. Kotara has a large commercial district containing two main sections.

Kotara was originally established to create a ‘garden suburb’ with high quality housing. The area developed slowly until 1947, but grew rapidly after this time. There is a suburban atmosphere in Kotara today. Kotara combines a commercial centre with residential living as well as a convenient recreational area.

For seventy years, Kurri Kurri was the heart of the Hunter coalfields. The work of the early miners was notoriously insecure and for a long time the community reflected the transient nature of this occupation. Mining left the Kurri Kurri community in the late 1960's.

The town has reinvented itself with shopping centre improvements and several new sub-divisions have been established, with many fine modern homes, contrasting but complimenting the simple charm of miner’s cottages in the earlier sections of the town. With the introduction of the Town Mural project in 2002, the communitu is now attracting increased tourism. There are now 44 murals located throughout the town promoting the heritage of the community. This project is attracting increased visitation from Australia and overseas tourist and is now recognised as one of the world mural towns.

Kurri Kurri also has several historical attractions, including churches, galleries and the Kurri Kurri Cemetery which includes mining monuments that honour those who were killed working in the mines.

Lambs Valley is a picturesque area in the Maitland district, located close to the vineyards, surrounded by hills rolling down to the river. A major attraction of Lambs Valley is Mount Hudson Strawberries, who produce large red delicious strawberries.

An historic town, frequented by cedar getters before the Lang family settled it in 1921. It developed into a river port and boat-building town before the river changed course. Largs Public School, established in 1838, is the one of the oldest remaining schools in Australia currently serving its community. There is a general store with newsagency and the Largs Hotel, offering a friendly country pub atmosphere, lunch and dinner

Lemington is located about 4 kilometres east of Jerrys Plains, on the road to Singleton, Lemington Road heads off to the left to the Hunter Valley Mine (9 kilometres), the scene of major industrial disputes between Rio Tino and its employees in 1998. The road passes over the Hunter River at Moses Crossing where the adjacent land is quite lush; a nice spot for a picnic.

Situated in Hunter River Country, ten minutes from Maitland, Lochinvar is minutes from the vineyards and wine tasting areas of Lovedale and Branxton-Greta. It has a rural perspective and offers a hotel, bed and breakfast accommodation, a country department store with authentic Australian hats, belts and trousers. There are also stores that service a small community.

The famous Federation and garden suburb of Lorn has a village atmosphere offering services, which include cafes, bakery, post office, bottle shop, chemist and hairstylist. It also offers bed and breakfast accommodation.

Visitors can enjoy a guided walk with a prepared publication, around the picturesque streets of Lorn. There are fine examples of Victorian, Federation and Bungalow houses in the area.

Lorn is located just over the Belmore Bridge from Maitland town centre and just before the suburb of Bolwarra

Lovedale ... the Heart of the Hunter, is in the lower Hunter Valley directly east of Pokolbin.

Lovedale is a community of boutique wineries, quality guesthouses and homestay accommodation, fine restaurants, unique galleries, and features recreational facilities such as golf, hot air ballooning, horse-riding and adventure trips.

The Lovedale community is unique in that it works together to provide to the visitor a Lovedale experience based on quality, value for money and personal service. The service is friendly and family focussed, and the atmosphere is relaxed and enjoyable with less traffic, less haste, stunning views and quality wines, food and accommodation. Everyone is encouraged to linger longer in Lovedale!

Lovedale hosts a number of events throughout the year, with the signature event being the famous Lovedale Long Lunch held on the third weekend in May each year. In addition, wineries conduct their own functions such as Country Music in the Vines, String Quartet in the Vines, olive oil promotions, pasta classes and special events to mark the release of a new vintage and to celebrate living in the Heart of the Hunter.

The picturesque Lovedale area of the Hunter Valley is renowned for its award winning wines from the local modern boutique wineries, and for fine restaurants, galleries, and tourist accommodation.

The history of Lovedale, however, as a major wine-producing area dates back to the early 1800s when local wheat and general produce farmers turned to grape growing. The name Lovedale combines the name of one of these early families, the Loves, with memories of the hills and dales of Yorkshire.

Settlement in Lovedale dates prior to 1825 when there were significant land grants along Black Creek. This area was particularly suitable for vineyards. This area was favoured also for its proximity to "Old North Road" to Windsor.

There were more wineries in this area before the 1920s than there are today. The Love's Winery in Lovedale Rd, for example, processed grapes from their own vineyard as well as from others, and had 80,000 gallons of wine in their cellars when they closed in 1927.

Lovedale is a composite of the old and the new. We offer premium wines, a variety of luxury and homestay style accommodation, superb restaurants, tantalising views and recreational attractions. Lovedale offers a relaxed and personable atmosphere, reminiscent of the past, but with the style, quality and attention to service expected of today.

For more information please visit our web site www.lovedalehuntervalley.com.au or contact Hunter Valley Wine Country Tourism on 02 4990 0900.

Come and explore its secrets, and meet the Lovedale community.

Situated in the Maitland district, with its own established vineyards and wine tasting. It offers bed and breakfast together with cottage, resort style accommodation. Surrounded by pasture and some farmlands it offers delightful rural views.

Maitland, in the heart of the Hunter Valley is the perfect destination to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and discover the many spoils of the Hunter region. Famous for its diversity; from the rich selection of fresh local produce, fine restaurants and dining, and boutique shopping to our historic architecture, landscapes and festivals, Maitland offers something for everyone and is the perfect base as you explore the Hunter.

For a diverse shopping experience, Maitland will satisfy the most particular of retail explorers. Maitland City Centre, the picturesque riverside precinct, provides shoppers with a relaxed and friendly setting to shop. Antique collectors will admire the abundance of specialists trading in antiquities and visitors can enjoy the activity at the bustling Maitland Fair Markets, Australia’s largest regional markets, with over 600 variety stalls shoppers will be able to find a bargain on the first Sunday of every month (except January).

Accommodation in Maitland ranges from cosy bed and breakfasts, luxury resorts, friendly hotels and motels to self-contained cabins and cottages, there is a place to suit every budget. When the time come to indulge Maitland offers visitors a number of dining options sure to tantalise your taste buds, from the locally renowned fine produce driven cuisine at The Old George and Dragon Restaurant, a counter meal at one of the many friendly pubs in town or why not pick up some fresh local produce and a bottle of your favorite local wine on your way to a picnic by the River.

Maitland, in the heart of the Hunter Valley is the perfect destination to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and discover the many spoils of the Hunter region. Famous for its diversity; from the rich selection of fresh local produce, fine restaurants and dining, and boutique shopping to our historic architecture, landscapes and festivals, Maitland offers something for everyone and is the perfect base as you explore the Hunter.

For a diverse shopping experience, Maitland will satisfy the most particular of retail explorers. Maitland City Centre, the picturesque riverside precinct, provides shoppers with a relaxed and friendly setting to shop. Antique collectors will admire the abundance of specialists trading in antiquities and visitors can enjoy the activity at the bustling Maitland Fair Markets, Australia’s largest regional markets, with over 600 variety stalls shoppers will be able to find a bargain on the first Sunday of every month (except January).

Accommodation in Maitland ranges from cosy B&Bs, luxury resorts, friendly hotels and motels to self contained cabins and cottages, there is a place to suit every budget. When the time come to indulge Maitland offers visitors a number of dining options sure to tantalise your taste buds, from the locally renowned fine produce driven cuisine at The Old George and Dragon Restaurant, a counter meal at one of the many friendly pubs in town or why not pick up some fresh local produce and a bottle of your favorite local wine on your way to a picnic by the River.

Steeped in history Maitland gives visitors a chance to take a look back in time, from an ex-inmate guided tour of Maitland Gaol, formerly home to some of Australia’s most hardened and notorious criminals, to a Heritage Walk of Central Maitland with 35 sites of significance including Grossman House, constructed in 1870-71 now opening its doors to visitors.

If a relaxing afternoon is more your thing, Walka Water Works is just the place, completed in 1887 and formerly the main supplier of water to lower hunter, the National Trust Complex is now a popular picnic and recreation reserve with over 40 acres of picnic area with barbecue facilities, children’s playground, a 2km mini railway, over 12km of walking trails and a 44 acre lagoon to which over 300 species of birdlife call home.

Maitland is also home to a number of annual including:
* Hunter Valley Steamfest- Australia’s premier festival of steam, established to celebrate the Regions long steam history. Each year in April the area springs to life with the unmistakable sounds of steam engines as over 80,000 people help celebrate the fun filled weekend.
* Cellar in the Cells- is a chance to experience the unique and iconic setting of Maitland Gaol, whilst savoring the finest food, wine and fashion that the Hunter has to offer. The event features the hottest fashions created by up and coming young Hunter designers.
* Maitland Garden Ramble- Each Spring, a number of homes in the area open their stunning gardens to the public, in aid of the Maitland Black and White Committee, which raises funds for Vision Australia.

Mayfield is one of Newcastle's oldest suburbs and is located 6 kilometres from Newcastle central business district.

Whilst developing in the 1880’s, Mayfield attracted well-to-do Novocastrians who chose to live in villas on the outskirts of the city. It also became a residential area for workers in the nearby steelworks and other industries.

Merewether is the most populated suburb in Newcastle.

Merewether beach runs along the southern coastal strip and includes the Merewether Ocean Baths. The suburb enjoys good access to schools, shopping, central business district and has local social facilities, shops and a diversity of housing types. Merewether has a number of local parks, including Dixon Park near the beach, Empire Park, Mitchell Park, Campbell Park and Charlotte Street Reserve. Some of these parks include barbecue facilities and playground equipment. The area is also home to parts of Glenrock State Recreation Park, which provides walking trails and picnic facilities.

Merewether Council was incorporated in 1885 and the first mayor was F. Kempster. By the 1930's Merewether had an area of 1,114 acres and a population of 8,653. Building in the area was held up by bank lending restrictions as a result of possible mine subsidence. Consequently development in the suburb did not take off until the passing of the Mine Subsidence Act in 1929 which gave assurances to incidents involving damage caused through mine subsidence. Early industries were few as the area was almost exclusively devoted to coal mining. There were a number of potteries, however, and by 1877 there were seven brickworks operating. One hundred years later only one survived nearby to Junction School.

The first ocean baths at Merewether were built in 1926, partly in reaction to the sewerage coming from the gulf. In 1928 construction work on the existing baths began. The remains of the first small baths are still used slightly to the north. The first gas streetlights did not appear until 1911 and electricity wasn't introduced until November 1928.

You’re always welcome in Merriwa and district, Hub of the Golden Highway. Call in. Merriwa is a unique and friendly rural town nestled in the Upper Hunter Valley. Merriwa’s clean fresh air, plentiful water and Merriwa is two hours from Tamworth, Newcastle, Mudgee and Dubbo.

The Festival of the Fleeces is held on the long weekend in June. This celebration of rural heritage includes shearing and shed hand competitions, games, a street parade, yard dog trials, a billy cart derby, spinning display and a woolshed dance. The rodeo is held in February, the Polocrosse carnival in July and the Agricultural Show in September.

Merriwa derives from an Aboriginal term thought to mean 'grass seeds'. Possibly the first European in the vicinity was Allan Cunningham who made a camp here by the river in the 1820s. The area was initially known as the Gummum Plains district, after the river, which was then known as Gummum Creek.

Today Merriwa is at the centre of a vast mixed farming area focusing principally on cattle, sheep, wheat and horse studs, although olive trees are becoming increasingly common in the area. The Festival of the Fleeces is held on the long weekend in June. This celebration of rural heritage includes shearing and shed hand competitions, games, a street parade, yard dog trials, a billy cart derby, spinning display and a woolshed dance. The rodeo is held in February, the Polocrosse carnival in July and the Agricultural Show in September.

Metford has a population of approximately 3,700 and is a suburb of Maitland. Provides easy access to shopping at Greenhills, East Maitland and Maitland Central Business District.

Tourists and business people can take advantage of this central location then travel up the highway to the Hunter vineyards for wine tasting and country views.

Located on the edge of the Wollemi National Park, Milbrodale offers visitors spectacular scenery and numerous vineyards that are well worth stopping at. As is the Macadamia nut farm, organic winery and the Biame (Aboriginal Art) Cave.

Milbrodale is also host to the Milbrodale Mountain Classic, NSW Off-Road Championship, which is held annually.

Once an extensive red cedar and rich rainforest area, it is now pasture and farmland. It stretches from the banks of the Hunter River to Raymond Terrace. No cedar trees remain today, however a few precious rainforest trees can be found as a testament to its wondrous past.

Visitors may take a scenic drive from Raymond Terrace through Millers Forest then through Duckenfield and on to Morpeth. The area offers bed and breakfast accommodation on the banks of the Hunter River.

The Southlake area includes Morisset, Dora Creek, Cooranbong, Wyee and the Watagan Mountains. The area offers visitors a wide diversity of experience from lake to mountain side. Escape to the Watagan Mountain National Park and State Forest Area, explore the arts and craft houses of Cooranbong or relax on the Morisset Peninsula.

Morisset is a thriving town centre offering an array of shops, services and eateries. Morisset Mega Markets offers an enormous selection of market stalls every weekend. Dora Creek, the first town to be established in Lake Macquarie in 1840 provides picnic spots near the water to feed the ducks. Cooranbong is a picturesque rural community located at the foot of the Watagan Mountains. Southlake is easily accessible by train or from the F3 freeway.

Morpeth, situated on the banks of the Hunter River, was once the gateway to inland Australia and one of the busiest trade ports in New South Wales. Today you can wander down cobbled streets to find colonial sandstone buildings occupied by modern and inviting café’s, pubs, galleries, boutiques, antique shops and local businesses.

With over 60 Specialty shops and boutiques – be inspired by local handicraft and artwork, antiques, unique home wears, exquisite clothing, dazzling jewellery and affordable accessories characterized by individual style and immense character.

Gourmet delights from Morpeth’s restaurants, eateries and coffee houses offer creative expressions of the finest ingredients with superior service.

Don’t miss the chance to sample local wines and taste sumptuous local treats and produce while soaking up the relaxed riverside ambiance.

Morpeth annually hosts a wide range of events attracting thousands of visitors to its picturesque location on the banks of the Hunter River. The township celebrates everything from the Weird and Wonderful Novelty Teapot Exhibition and Morpeth Honey and Fiery Food Festival

Situated at the Southern tip of Pokolbin in the Hunter Valley, Mount View has some of the best scenery and produces some of the finest wines made in the Valley. The history of the area dates back to the mid 1800s when the early pioneers recognised the special quality of Mount View. The small, predominately family owned wineries in the region offer true hospitality.

Murrurundi is situated at the crown of the Hunter region, on the eastern side of the Great Dividing Range. Murrurundi boasts natural beauty and rich farming land, home to many beef and sheep grazing industries. The mighty Hunter River starts its journey in Murrurundi’s high country and there are many great vantage spots to view the area and its valleys.

Murrurundi is home to two major dog trial competitions, a well supported annual rodeo and campdraft competition and the infamous King of the Ranges Stockman’s challenge. It hosts the highest art prize for landscape paintings outside metropolitan areas, the Norvill
art prize which attracts art lovers from all over Australia.
This artistic and eclectic community enjoys an idyllic country lifestyle – come and see for yourself.