Things to do
Discover all the wonderful places and
adventures the Hunter has to offer
Morpeth
Just a few kilometres from Maitland and only 2 minutes by car from the Motel along the banks of the Hunter River, is the historic village of Morpeth. Once the largest inland river port in NSW, it was the gate way to inland Australia and is now classified by the National Trust. Presently you can walk the cobbled streets to see colonial sandstone buildings housing modern and inviting cafes, pubs, galleries, and other local businesses.
An interesting assortment of museums, antiques and quaint shop fronts pepper the town with around 60 specialty boutiques. Be amazed by antiques, local craft and artwork, exquisite clothing, dazzling jewellery, unique home wears and affordable accessories.
Enjoy this unique combination of history and country charm in the Hunter Valley’s Craft Capital. Wander down cobbled streets to find colonial sandstone buildings occupied by modern inviting cafes, pubs, galleries, boutiques, antique shops and local businesses.
Maitland
There’s creativity on every corner in Maitland. Set halfway between Newcastle and the vineyards of the Hunter Valley, this charming town on the banks of the Hunter River has a rich history, emerging food scene, thriving arts community, boutique accommodation and packed events calendar.
Walk the pretty streets of Maitland to spot vibrant murals, see artists at work in their studios and pick up works from local creators. Maitland Regional Art Gallery hosts a superb range of touring exhibitions and shows thousands of artworks each year. For an immersive journey through the city’s street art, history, architecture and food, join Umbrella Event’s three-hour A Taste of Maitland walking tour.
For the history of fashion from the 1860s to present, visit the Australian Museum of Clothing and Textiles. Admire the striking 19th century Walka Water Works, a popular spot for picnics. A short drive away is a fashion icon and one of Australia’s iconic big things – the Big UGG Boots, at Mortels Sheepskin Factory and The Sheep’s Back Museum. There are factory tours where you’ll learn how the world-famous boots are made.
It’s a good idea to arrive in Maitland with an empty stomach. The riverside Levee is a good place to start, with an enticing mix of boutiques, cafes, restaurants and small bars.
Maitland is a two-hour drive north of Sydney or a 50-minute drive from Newcastle.
Hunter Valley
Approximately 35 minutes drive away from Morpeth Lodge Motel are the Hunter Valley Gardens and the many Vineyards that the Hunter Valley is famous for. The Gardens are well-known for the wonderful Christmas lights on display in December as well as the beautifully maintained gardens that you can wander through. Also there is an Aqua-Golf range specially equipped with floating golf balls for those of you fancying golf with a difference!
The Gardens sit in the midst of many, many wonderful vineyards. You can take a leisurely drive through the countryside, stopping at as many vineyards as you want, or arrange a pick-up from the Motel through one of the local Tour Companies and learn about the different wines, cheeses, olives etc that are on offer. Enjoy tasting some of the beautiful wines without having to worry about driving back to the Motel at the end of the day! Hunter Valley Gardens, along with other beautiful locations such as Bimbadgen Estate and the Hope Estate, are also host to many Concerts and Events throughout the year.
The area has hosted concerts for Elton John, Rod Stewart, Fleetwood Mac, The Proclaimers, and Ronan Keating, and stars such as Rob Thomas and Whitney Houston are appearing in the near future. With Morpeth Lodge Motel situated a comfortable 35 minute drive from these locations, or close to a local coach pick-up point for most concerts, we are an ideal base for those guests wanting to stay locally with the flexibility of 1 or more nights accommodation.
Port Stephens
Nature is at the centre of all that is Port Stephens. With a resident population of bottlenose dolphins, whales in season, spectacular bushwalking and wildflowers and endless water activities such as first-class snorkelling and diving in marine parks. It is one of the few Australian coastal towns that have remained relatively unspoilt with national parks making up most of it.
Some of the Port Stephens attractions include the harsh rocky outcrops and lush native bushland surrounding the breathtaking beaches and crystal clear waterways. You will marvel at the gigantic 40 million year old volcanic peaks that rise over 200 metres above sea level and the Port Stephens estuary which was formed over 70 000 years ago when the sea levels rose 60 metres.
The underwater valley is a popular scuba diving spot where an array of interesting sea creatures can be spotted.
Newcastle
Newcastle is a colourful city that’s anything but ordinary. When you indulge your curiosity and uncover Newcastle’s vibrant culture, rich heritage and electric atmosphere, you experience an unexpected feast for the senses and leave with enticing stories and a satisfied spirit. Rather than check in and put your feet up, have your perceptions challenged and seek off beat in our boutique city.
Newcastle is the perfect blend of outdoor adventure, local culture, and laid-back beach vibes! The variety of activities—from exploring natural reserves like Blackbutt to hitting the sandy beaches for a swim or surf—makes it seem like there’s something for everyone. And the food and wine scene? That’s hard to beat! The proximity to the Hunter Valley is definitely a highlight.