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Provided by: Destination NSW for the Hunter Valley

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Oceania Australia Hunter Valley The Towns of the Hunter Valley Morpeth

Overview

Morpeth

The guide was updated: 2024-08-15

Founded in the 1820s, the town developed as a river port in the following decade and became an important inland trading post. Morpeth's days as a river port ended around 1890, but the town's comparative isolation meant that its historic shopfronts, wharves and even the hitching posts along the main street have survived intact, hence its National Trust classification today. This is a living museum of Australia's past, complemented by modern dining options, boutique gift shops and specialty craft stores.

Useful Information

Website: www.visitnsw.com/destinations/hunter/hunter-valley/morpeth

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase

Broke

Broke

Broke was settled as early as 1824, and became an important staging point on the overland cattle route between the Hunter and Sydney. Dairying, orange orchards and market gardens also featured in the early development of the town. Today, the village is a major wine area that produces soft and distinctive wines including semillon, shiraz, chardonnay and verdelho as well as Italian varieties such as sangiovese, barbera and dolcetto.

Cessnock

Cessnock

Cessnock developed as a private village on the road that is now known as The Convict Trail, the original Sydney – Hunter Valley road hand-built by 3,000 convicts. Originally a service centre for travellers, Cessnock became a major mining centre at the turn of the century, however wine and tourism have since become the major local industries.

Dungog

Dungog

Rolling hills, national parks and state forests surround gorgeous Dungog. Its main street is an urban conservation area. Notable historic buildings include the primary school built in 1843 and designed by colonial architect Edmund Blacket, who also designed the University of Sydney and St Andrew's Cathedral in Sydney. The Dungog Cinema has a Spanish mission-style façade and is the oldest operating purpose-built cinema in Australia.

Gloucester

Gloucester

Gloucester sits in a picturesque river valley surrounded by hills at the junction of the Avon, Gloucester and Barrington rivers. As the closest town to Barrington Tops National Park, it makes a perfect base for adventurous activities and tours in the region, including trout fishing, canoeing, horseriding and bushwalking.

Lovedale

Lovedale

As a major wine-producing area, Lovedale dates back to the early 1800s when local wheat and general produce farmers turned to grape growing. The name Lovedale combines the name of one of the early families of the district, the Loves, with the memory of the Yorkshire Dales in England. Visit the historic St Paul’s Rothbury cemetery in Wilderness Road and see where the famous winemaking families have been laid to rest.

Maitland

Maitland

Maitland is a thriving business centre surrounded by charming countryside. A rich cultural heritage is reflected in its architecture dating back to the early years of colonial Australia. Visit the Maitland Regional Art Gallery or National Trust Property Grossmann House for a taste of Maitland’s cultural offerings.

Morpeth

Morpeth

Founded in the 1820s, the town developed as a river port in the following decade and became an important inland trading post. Morpeth's days as a river port ended around 1890, but the town's comparative isolation meant that its historic shopfronts, wharves and even the hitching posts along the main street have survived intact, hence its National Trust classification today. This is a living museum of Australia's past, complemented by modern dining options, boutique gift shops and specialty craft stores.

Paterson

Paterson

This small picturesque village features a mountainous backdrop by the Paterson River. Once a busy river port, Paterson today offers a relaxing break with cosy accommodation, old country pubs and idyllic picnic spots. Visit the Tocal Homestead, Paterson Historical Court House Museum and Paterson Rail Motor Museum to discover local history.

Pokolbin

Pokolbin

Pokolbin’s fortunes have been dictated by the vineyards that surround it. Wine grapes were first planted in the area in the 1870s, but development was relatively slow and uneven until the 1970s, when Australian achieved the recognition it deserved as a major wine producer and the Lower Hunter was at the vanguard of this movement. Winding country roads lead from the town to some of the region's best known wineries including Lindeman's, Tyrrell's, Tulloch, Lake’s Folly, Brokenwood and Bimbadgen.

Scone

Scone

Scone is a charming village nestled in the picturesque Upper Hunter. The town is known as the horse capital of Australia with studs dotting the shire. It's the second-biggest horse-breeding town in the world. Horse enthusiasts will enjoy the Scone and Upper Hunter Horse Festival and the Emirates Park Scone Cup Carnival.

Singleton

Singleton

Singleton is a historic Hunter Valley town where you'll find a relaxing mix of country hospitality, nature-based activities, plus great accommodation, food and wine. Pick up a Heritage Walk brochure from the visitor information centre and stroll through the town's historic precinct. The majestic Lake St Clair sets the scene for a range of outdoor activities, from fishing and swimming to camping, waterskiing and sailing.

Wollombi

Wollombi

Historically, Wollombi has always been an important centre for travellers along the Great North Road, built by convicts in the early 19th century. Today, the town retains its fine architectural heritage and you'll also enjoy cafés, wineries and comfortable guesthouses. Nearby are national parks great for bushwalking and well-preserved Aboriginal rock engravings.

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