Sydney weekend escapes – our guide to Maitland, NSW

Weekend escape Maitland

Wedged between NSW’s premier wine region and the coast, Maitland often gets overlooked. But here’s why Maitland is one of the best Sydney weekend escapes out there. Maitland is in a unique and – on one hand – enviable position. Only a couple of hours north of Sydney, it’s easily close enough to get to … Read more

Country uncovered – Morpeth, NSW

Morpeth, NSW

Just 30 minutes from the Hunter Valley’s wine country and the same from Newcastle, is the little town of Morpeth, NSW. Once the epicentre of colonial life and the genesis of Arnott’s Biscuits, Morpeth now sits beside the Hunter River waiting to show its history, culture and community to discerning travellers. In spite of its … Read more

Where to eat in Maitland – 7 top spots

Where to eat in Maitland

Already packed with some of the country’s best wineries, the Hunter Valley has a lion’s share of great produce. But of all places, Maitland in the Lower Hunter takes things to the next step, turning this riverside town into a digestive destination. Here’s where to eat in Maitland, NSW. Sign up to our free newsletter … Read more

Coquun – the heritage of the Hunter

Coquun, Maitland

Along the banks of the Hunter River in Maitland, NSW is a restaurant with a new style but an old name. Coquun (“kokwun”) – the local Aboriginal name for the Hunter River – is a café bar and restaurant with a firm focus on Aussie produce and native ingredients. And my goodness, the food’s good … Read more

Where to stay in the Hunter Region – the Bronte Boutique Hotel

Where to stay in the Hunter Region, NSW - The Bronte Boutique Hotel, Morpeth

Morpeth, NSW – 30 minutes from the Hunter Valley wineries – is a little country village with a big-town history. Opposite the first ever Arnott’s bakery, the Bronte Boutique Hotel welcomes travellers and roadtrippers to the comfort of its homely manor house – a home that has seen the transformation of colony and fall of … Read more

Maitland or Melbourne? The restaurant that connects the dots

Where to eat in Maitland, NSW - The Rigby

With its heritage features and sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere, the Rigby wouldn’t look out of place in any one of Melbourne’s cooler suburbs. But this café-cum-cocktail bar and restaurant sits proudly on Maitland’s High Street in regional New South Wales about 30 minutes from the centre of the Hunter Valley wine region. It’s over 1000km … Read more