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Hunter Region: Home | Our Towns | Nature | Attractions | Accommodation

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Our Towns
Newcastle
Port Stephens
Lake Macquarie
Cooranbong
Cessnock
Kurri Kurri
Maitland
Singleton
Muswellbrook
Denman
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Towns and villages located within the region covered by the Hunter Region iMag


 

Newcastle – “The Gateway to the Hunter Valley”

newcastle-3The Newcastle region is known for its Coal and Steel industries but since 2000 when BHP began to phase out its steel production, the city has undergone considerable change and is now less of an industrial centre but a bustling commercial and administrative hub, full of attractive, Victorian Architecture.
Newcastle’s history is steeped in coal production so much so that by the 1850s the industrial base of the city had been established. As the region developed as a major coal producer, port and railhead, mining villages such as Stockton, Carrington, Cardiff, Swansea, Charlestown, Minmi, New Lambton, Wallsend, Hamilton, Adamstown, Abermain, Gateshead, Merewether and Waratah were established. Clearly, the names of some of these mining villages reflect the fact that the origin of many of the miners was the British Isles.
The city is 156 km north of Sydney and is located at the mouth of the Hunter River. It has stunning beaches, natural beauty and provides a perfect base from which to explore the Hunter Valley.
Newcastle Visitor Information Centre - Ph: 1800 654 558 www.visitnewcastle.com.au


 

Port Stephens port-stephens-3Port Stephens is surrounded by water, with the Pacific Ocean to the east, the Hunter River to the South, the Paterson River to the west, and the Karuah River to the north.
This area is a major tourist/visitor destination because it offers pristine waterways, spectacular scenery, unspoilt national parks and abundant wildlife.
The most easterly peninsula “Tomaree” and the adjacent Tilligerry peninsula are well known for their tranquil atmosphere and beautiful waterfront settings.Stockton Beach sand dunes “the Golden Bight” runs 32km south from the Tomaree Peninsula to the mouth of the Hunter River at Newcastle.
Find Port Stephens by travelling the Pacific Highway, through the township of Raymond Terrace. From here explore the picturesque rural hinterland.
Port Stephens Visitor information centre - Ph: 4980 6900 www.portstephens.org.au
Nelson Bay Town Management - Ph: 4984 4751 www.nelsonbaybusiness.com


 


Lake Macquarie


Cooranbong

Cooranbong is located 116 km north of Syndey, and situated at the base of the Watagan Mountains. Cooranbong is the major gateway to the Watagan Mountains state forest, so rich in the natural beauty of Australian flora and fauna where spectacular views will take your breathe away providing campsites, lookouts, walking trails, picnic areas and well sign posted forest drives. Cooranbong is a quiet township, which blends the history and charm of yesterday with inviting country. The town center has a nice little restaurant and a variety of shops which include the well known and popular Elephant Shop selling a large range of Amethysts, Agate, Onyxware, Crystals, hand carved furniture and imported goods from South-East Asia. Cooranbong has two major historical buildings, the Catholic Church dating back to 1862 and the old sand stone Post office built in 1881.


 

Cessnock

cessnock3Cessnock -a mining town in the Hunter Valley -151 km north of Sydney
It became a major mining centre at the turn of the 20th century and as a result, is a residential, commercial and government centre. As a base though, it is a perfect place from which to explore the wine-growing regions.
As with most mining towns, many early landholders in the Hunter Valley were of Scottish descent and over the last century, coalmining as a major contributor to the economy, was supplemented by wine-making, timber, pottery, dairying and cattle.
From the late 1950s many coal mines closed and wine production slowly replaced coal as the core of the local economy.
The Greater City of Cessnock was declared in 1984 and encompasses 25 formerly separate towns and mining villages that had developed around collieries.
Hunter Valley Wine Country Tourism - Ph: 4990 0900 www.winecountry.com.au

 


 

Kurri Kurri

kurri-kurri3Located approximately 11 km from Cessnock, Kurri Kurri is an old coalmining town. Coal was discovered in 1856 but the pits began to close from the late 1950s when wine slowly supplanted coal as the core contributor to the regional economy. In 1972 an aluminium smelter was completed and is still a primary industry for local employment.
The town has over 40 murals showcasing the areas history, heritage and uniqueness. Visitors can come by bus or by car to see the magnificent murals and undertake a tour by a local guide.
Kurri Kurri Visitor Information Centre - Ph: 4936 1909 www.kurrikurri.com

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Maitland

maitland-3Maitland, in the Hunter Valley is only 30 minutes drive from the centre of wine country and offers an abundance of unique attractions, fine dining, shopping and accommodation.
Maintaining an interesting mix of heritage and contemporary elegance, Maitland has preserved its past while presenting the present in in its street scapes. Many buildings date from the early 1800’s. All of this in a relaxed environment with picturesque views.
Maitland has something for everyone: Tiger Moth joy flight, local nightlife, local produce, speciality wines, country hospitality, walking tours.
Maitland Visitor Information Centre - Ph: 4931 2800 www.maitlandhuntervalley.com.au
Maitland City Centre - Ph 4934 1981 www.maitlandcitycentre.com.au



 

Singleton

Singleton, only a few hours drive from Sydney, offers beautiful gardens, historic and cultural sites and boutique wineries but by contrast it also hosts heavy industry, huge mining operations and enormous power stations.
It has a relaxed life but continues to develop with grace. Singleton awaits you with a thriving community providing cafes and fine dining, wonderful shopping opportunities and historic attractions.
Singleton Visitor Information Centre - Ph: 6571 5888 www.singletontourism.com.au

 


Muswellbrook


Muswellbrook is a substantial and very attractive town of historic buildings and tree-lined streets situated beside the Hunter River, 257 km north of Sydney, 26 km south of Scone and 144 metres above sea-level. Muswellbrook is continually expanding due to the employment opportunities provided by the eight coalmines in the district.
Take a couple of hours a morning or a whole day to visit the thoroughbred horse studs, wineries, historic homesteads, mines and the town Art Gallery, or enjoy the town walk {approx 4.5 km long} passing many of the early and significant buildings of Muswellbrook.The towns Agricultural Show is held in April and the Spring Festival in Sept – Nov. The Muswellbrook Cup is held on Melbourne Cup Day.
Muswellbrook Visitor Information Centre - Ph: 6541 4050 www.muswellbrook.org.au


 


Denman


denman-street-sceneDenman is a small rural picturesque town with spectacular views of rich pastures spreading out from the banks of the Hunter and Goulbourn rivers. Denman is situated 276 km northwest of Sydney and 24 km southwest of Muswellbrook.
Denman is home to some of the best wine producing vineyards in the world including well-known Rosemount Estate, which was developed on the site of an original vineyard planted in the 1860’s. Spend a day exploring the delights of the wineries and take in some spectacular views. All wineries cater for visitors with picnic, BBQ or restaurant facilities.
Denman is well served by the wide range of B&B’s, country cottages and farm stays, these are complimented by a variety of restaurants and café to satisfy all tastes. Shopping for gifts and jewellery is also a delight.

 
 
What's On

diary-web

 

 

'What's On' in the Hunter Region of NSW

AUGUST  2010

Events in Maitland, Hunter Valley

MAITLAND MARKETS – FREE EVENT
Maitland Showground, Blomfield St. Australia’s biggest regional market - with over 600 variety stalls. Old fashioned home made, home grown goods, musicians, gourmet foods, fine quality art. Held the first Sunday of each month from Feb onwards. 8am -2pm. Ph: (02) 4962 5522

6 – 14  THE REPERTORY PLAYHOUSE PRESENTS – ‘THE WINTERS TALE’
by William Shakespeare, part tragedy, part comedy. Maitland Repertory Playhouse, High St (Opp Town Hall), Maitland.  When: Friday & Saturday evenings (6th & 7th, 13th & 14th Aug) at 8pm and Sunday (8th Aug) at 2pm - LIMITED SEASON. Cost: All Tickets $12 each - Season Tickets accepted.Ph: (02) 4931 2800. www.maitlandrepertory.com

7 & 8  WYNDHAM ESTATE – SHIRAZ & CHOCOLATE TASTING
Wyndham Estate Winery, 700 Dalwood Rd, Branxton. Ph: (02) 4938 3444.
www.wyndhamestate.com

7 & 8  CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL AT HUNTER VALLEY GARDENS
Hunter Valley Gardens, Broke Rd, Pokolbin. A chocolately delight to inspire, inform, surprise, entertain and celebrate chocolate. Free entertainment, demos, activities, competitions and prizes.  When: 9am - 5pm. Cost: Adults (16yrs +) $22.50, Pensioner/Concession $17, Children (4 - 15yrs) $12, Children 3 years and under are free. Family Pass $57 (2 adults & 2 children). Ph: (02) 4998 4000. www.hvg.com.au

14  HISTORIC MORPETH CRUISE
Departs Lee Wharf Newcastle. Re-live the historic voyage from Newcastle to Morpeth with NOVA Cruises. Enjoy Morning Devonshire tea and sample some local produce from unique Morpeth. Visit the Morpeth Museum in this once thriving river port. 9:30am Departure. Adult $79, concession $74, student (12 - 17 years) $64, children (3 - 11 years) $54. Ph: 0400 381 787. www.novacruises.com.au

14  HIGH TEA ON HIGH AT MORPETH
Uniting Church Hall, Cnr High & Northumberland Sts, Morpeth. An afternoon of opulence and relaxation. Delectable finger food, assortment of loose leaf teas and soft music. Spend time with friends and get to know others in from your community. Bookings in advance are essential for catering purposes. 2pm - 4.30pm. Cost: $25 per person. Ph: 0438 155 938

14  THE MAITLAND AROMA – FREE EVENT
Maitland Heritage Mall, High St, Maitland. An event that allows you to indulge in all things chocolate and coffee. There will be tastings of desserts, gourmet food and dessert wine accompanied by music. A Classic High Tea in stunning surrounds. Guided historic walking tours of our heritage sites in the CBD will be available. A fashion parade and Art show will also be part of the days activities. There will also be a Barista Competition, a Chill Out Chai tent and Street Theatre. When: 9am - 6pm. Ph: (02) 4934 198. www.maitlandcitycentre.com.au

19  MAITLAND & COALFIELDS DISTRICT ORCHID SOCIETY ORCHID DISPLAY
Thornton Shopping Centre, Taylor Ave. Various Orchid Genera will be on display. Plants for sale, free advice from experienced orchid growers. Monthly meetings at the Masonic Hall, George Street, East Maitland. Contact (02) 4932 8220. When: During shopping hours.   

19 – 29  MORPETH WEIRD AND WONDERFUL NOVELTY TEAPOT EXHIBITION
Morpeth Gallery, 5 Green St. Showing the amazing creativity of teapot makers from all over Australia and around the world. 3,847 teapots on display and for sale...Novelty Teapot Tea cozy competition-entry on our website. Miniature tea sets, kitchen appliances, animals, a rabbit in a hat, dog kennel, storm in a teacup..how about a toilet teapot? 10 - 5pm daily. Ph (02) 4933 1407. www.morpethgallery.com

21  THE ARTISAN MARKETS @ LINUWEL
Linuwel School,133 Morpeth Rd, East Maitland. Held in the car park of the school. Fresh produce, unique hand made clothing, quality toys supporting imaginary play in children, Steiner based art and craft, deliciously healthy food, all natural skincare products and live music. When: 10am - 2pm. Ph: (02) 4933 1791

22  WALK & TALK FLOOD TOURS
Maitland Railway Station, Railway St. Many floods have swept through Maitland Railway Station, bringing trains to a halt, twisting railway lines like spaghetti, with massive amounts of silt and debris. Stand in the exact spot and imagine the flood height way above your heads! 9 -11am. $10 per person (incl morning tea). Ph: (02) 4938 4958.
www.cma.nsw.gov.au

28  AUSTRALIAN ICON WINES – WINE DINNER
Arnott’s Sourdough Restaurant, 148 Swan St, Morpeth. An extravagant experience of Iconic Aussie wines matched to winter produce. (02) 4934 4343. www.arnottsbakehouse.com.au

 

Events in Hunter Valley Wine Country

1 August:  WILHELM QUARTET - CROSSROADS TOUR
Hungerford Hill Wines. Bookings are essential on (02) 4991 1407 or 0437 399 896

6 - 7 August: JON ENGLISH IN THE ROCK SHOW
Cessnock Community Performing Arts Centre. Box Office: 02 4990 7134 or book online at www.cessnock.nsw.gov.au

7 - 8 August: INDULGE YOUR SENSES
Wine & Chocolate @ Wyndham Estate. Ph 02 4938 3444

7 - 8 August: CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL @ HUNTER VALLEY GARDENS
Bookings essential Ph 02 4998 4002

13 August:  OFFENBACH DOWN UNDER
Cessnock Community Performing Arts Centre. Box Office: 02 4990 7134 or book online at www.cessnock.nsw.gov.au

28 August: LONG TUSCAN LUNCH, TINTILLA
Call Tania on 0408 835 159

4 September: 7TH ANNUAL CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS BULLS BRONCS & BARRELS
Cessnock Showgrounds. Contact Ros Lindsay 4991 1585 or 0412 967 863

4 September: WINE COUNTRY POLO
Tatler Wines. Ph 4930 9139

11 September: FUNK N GROOVES FESTIVAL
Tyrrell’s Vineyard.  www.funkngrooves.com.au