Things to do in Hunter Valley

Landmarks and Buildings

Welcome to Maitland Mural

Maitland

Located opposite Maitland Train Station, this unique mural, painted by Hunter Valley artist Trevor Dickinson, is one of the first things visitors alighting from the trains see when they exit the railway station. The mural provides a great opportunity to take a photo as a reminder of your stay in the beautiful historic city of Maitland.

Landmarks and Buildings

'Wish You Were Here' Mural

Maitland

Located on the side of Hunter Studios at Elgin Street, this mural depicts the relationship between Maitland's natural environment and steam trains. Curated by local artist, Mitch Revs, this mural was inspired by the local scenery in Maitland and features a South Maitland Railway 10 Class Steam Engine hauling coal - Engine No 10. This train remained in operation at Hexham until the Stockrington Colliery line was closed in 1987. The SMR 10 was featured occasionally at the Hunter Valley Steamfest. The 'Wish You Were Here' mural forms part of Maitland's Art Trail which incorporates a range of galleries and public art installations.

Image: National Trust

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Grossmann House and Brough House

Maitland

In historic Church Street, Maitland's National Trust properties, Grossmann and Brough Houses are mirror-imaged Victorian townhouses built in 1870 by business partners Samuel Owens and Isaac Beckett. The two properties have had varied lives: Entcliffe, known for most of its life as Grossmann House, was a private residence for the Becketts and Maitland Girls High School until the mid-1960s, and now as a fully restored and furnished Victorian house museum. Brough House was also a private residence for a number of years, a boarding house, a hostel for the schoolgirls, and the Maitland Art Gallery, and now has renewed life as an area for displays and exhibitions. Brough House has rotating exhibitions of The Australian Museum of Clothing and Textiles to keep the experience fresh and engage visitors with the wider collection. Brough House also holds The Fibre Makers Space that hosts an annual Artist in Residence. An exhibition of work completed by the artist during their residency is on display at the end of their residency, annually. Catering can be arranged for smaller functions and house tours; the venue is suitable for smaller conferences; the house and garden are a perfect venue for boutique weddings. Disability access to the ground floor areas.

Landmarks and Buildings

St Mary's Anglican Church

Maitland

Maitland became a parish in 1838 and is one of the oldest parishes in the Diocese of Newcastle. The first St Mary's Church was designed by James Hume and situated between the present Church and the Rectory. Completed in 1843, with a seating capacity of 300-400 persons, it was designed to be functional rather than architecturally attractive. With a growing population, the question arose about enlarging the Church Building. The Colonial Architect, Edmund Blackett, said that it was too costly to enlarge and repair and so proposed a new building to seat 700 people and built on an ecclesiastical plan that would look like a house of God. The foundation stone was laid in 1860 but the bell tower was not completed until 1887.

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Australian Museum of Clothing and Textiles

Maitland

Based in Maitland, the Museum of Clothing (AMCAT) was established in 2005 and is Australia's only dedicated clothing museum containing a substantial collection of textile items including dresses, hats, shoes and ties ranging from as early as 1860 to the present day. AMCAT’s mission is to collect, conserve, document and display the history and heritage, of clothing and textiles from Australia’s earliest times to the present day. The collection is a source of knowledge, ideas, stories and memories, and is a focus of community education and engagement. The collection is developed and managed as a community resource, to inspire, educate and inform the community and visitors, and to contribute to the conservation of the history and heritage of textiles and clothing. Open to the public throughout the year, the Museum of Clothing is a not-for-profit organisation operated by a dedicated team of volunteers, with the common goal of preserving the history of the clothing and textile industry.

Image: Maitland City Council

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Maitland Regional Museum

Maitland

Located in the historic Brough House, Maitland Regional Museum hosts a collection of stories and memorabilia about Maitland. The museum hosts several special exhibitions each year that showcase significant historical moments for the city. Educational programs, guided tours, workshops and lectures are designed to inspire and instill a deeper understanding of the cultural heritage, in collaboration with the community. We offer a variety of educational programmes for visitors of all ages, including guided tours, workshops, and lectures. The programmes are designed to engage and inspire, and to provide a deeper understanding of the cultural heritage of our community. Be transported back in time for a truly enriching experience at Maitland Regional Museum which is open on Saturdays and Sundays. Visit their website to see current exhibitions and events.

Shopping and Markets

Pender Place Shopping Centre

Maitland

Pender Place Shopping Centre is tucked into the heart of town. Carrying on the Pender name, from the 1890s to the 1970s when the Pender Bros occupied most of the site where the shopping centre is now located. Pender Bros were the largest supplier of beekeeping boxes, honeycomb frames and apiarists' equipment and also sold timber and building supplies. They were also famous for being skilled tradesmen who sharpened saws for carpenters. The shopping centre hosts over a dozen stores including Woolworths and specialty stores. The centre features a three level carpark with free parking for three hours. Take your time with free WiFi and the food court features a large seating area with beautiful interior features.

Image: Maitland City Council

Natural Attractions

Rathluba Lagoon

East Maitland

Rathluba Lagoon is a hidden treasure, tucked away off Lochend Circuit in East Maitland. The complex features a children's playground, walking tracks, bookable sporting fields, an off leash dog exercise area, as well as a horse exercise yard, all set around the lovely Rathluba Lagoon. Often you will see locals throwing in a fishing line. Rathluba is the perfect place to unwind.

Shopping and Markets

Petals and Halos

Maitland

Petals and Halos is not just a small business but a family pouring out their hearts into every product and service on offer. With the guidance of a mother's wisdom and the enthusiasm of a daughter's dreams, they have created a haven where quality meets care and every customer is treated like family. From the handcrafted creations to the personalised service, every aspect of the business reflects the values instilled in this business, by generations of strong women.

Image: Maitland City Council

Amusement and Theme Parks

Maitland Aquatic Centre

Maitland

Maitland Aquatic Centre is located in the heart of Maitland in Maitland Park and boasts an indoor pool, outdoor pool and splash pad for the kids. The heated indoor pool is open daily year round and offers disabled ramp access. The outdoor state of the art 25 metre pool is part of a program of upgrades that include an outdoor play area that combines a jungle gym with water activities. Learn to swim and fitness classes are also available. Keep up your fitness routine while visiting Maitland and its surrounds.

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Maitland City Library

Maitland

Expand your mind and your imagination at Maitland City Library. Drop in to borrow or read a book, and while you're there, take advantage of the free Wi-Fi, log into a public library computer or delve into tracing your family tree. Maitland City library houses local history and the family history resource collection. Check out the exciting Walls that Talk, Literature Live series and kids programs that run throughout the year. Join a book discussion, watch a movie, borrow some seeds from the seed library or catch an exhibition. Make the most out of the books in your language, outsourced for diverse cultural groups. Take advantage of the library's online services, including 24/7 access to eBooks, streaming music and movies, local history, research databases, storytelling, and so much more. Using and joining the library is free. Visit one of the four friendly library branches located at Maitland City, East Maitland, Rutherford, and Thornton today.

Image: Maitland City Council

Landmarks and Buildings

Stillsbury Lane Mural

Maitland

Stillsbury Lane, nestled off High Street next to The Imperial Hotel, features creative lighting and a bold mural by artist James O'Hanlon. Maitland City Council completed this laneway transformation as part of the ‘Maitlane’ initiative which was proudly funded by the NSW Government’s Streets as part of the Shared Spaces program.