Maitland, Hunter Region

Maitland is a large inland city in New South Wales, located along the Hunter River and in the heart of the Hunter Valley Region. It is a city with lots of things in store both for those seeking to enjoy some quiet, relaxing time and for those seeking some relatively urban pleasures.

Founded in 1820, Maitland still boasts of several historically significant structures within its limits. One of the most significant would be the Courthouse, built in Victorian style and located at the corner of High and Sempill Streets. Also found along High Street is the Family Hotel, built circa 1860 and considered as the oldest hotel in city. Those interested in old houses should take a stroll along Regent Street, where well-preserved historic abodes are located, notably the Benhome and the Cintra mansions. A little further in the north, on Aberglassyn Road, is the colonial mansion of the same name. Though most of these mansions are no longer open to the public, interested individuals can still view their beautiful exteriors on the roadside, if only to have glimpses of the city's glorious past. The Grossman House Museum and Brough House on Church Street, however, welcomes anyone curious to see how prosperous families in the past lived. This Victorian Regency structures had its exteriors and interiors beautifully restored and preserved, and are open on weekends.

Visitors can also take part of the Maitland Heritage Walk, where a guide leads them to several churches and other historic buildings in the Central Precint area and along the banks of the river.

The Walka Waterworks Complex, accessed through Scobies Lane from Oakhampton Road, is a favorite family destination. Once a large industrial complex built in the 19th century, it is now a wilderness reserve with lots waterfowl and facilities for outdoor recreation. It is an ideal location for picnics, boating, and outdoor concerts in the area. The complex's most prominent attraction is the pumphouse, with a model of the original pump exhibited inside. There are also miniature stream and diesel trains that operate every Sunday for the children's pleasure.

The city also boasts of another famous attraction, the Maitland Gaol on John Street. Once used as a prison, it is now a favored venue for corporate functions and community events. The facility also offers torchlight tours and sleepovers for those daring enough to be `locked up' for a night.

The Maitland Park is also popular among families and groups of friends, with its Victorian landscapes, Olympic-sized swimming pool, extensive playground, and several sporting facilities open to the public all days of the week.

Views of the city's spectacular surroundings can be had at the Bolwarra Lookout, where visitors get to enjoy not only the sweeping cityscapes but also of the river flats.

There are also several community events in Maitland. Antique lovers and bargain hunters converge in the city every first Sunday of the month for the Maitland Fair Markets, considered the country's largest regional markets. In April, the city plays host to the Hunter Valley Steamfest, when different steam trains gets into full gear with a lots of revelry and family-oriented activities. The Maitland Gaol is also the setting of the annual Cellar in the Cells, where good food and fine wines are in abundance while local fashion designers display their latest collections. And during spring, spectacular gardens of private residences are opened to the public to generate funds for Vision Australia.

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