MORPETH. Just a few kilometres from Maitland and only 2 minutes by car from the Motel along the banks of the Hunter River, is the historic village of Morpeth. Once the largest inland river port in NSW, it was the gate way to inland Australia and is now classified by the National Trust. Presently you can walk the cobbled streets to see colonial sandstone buildings housing modern and inviting cafes, pubs, galleries, and other local businesses. In May, Morpeth hosts a two-day jazz festival. Events such as these happen all year round attracting hoards of sightseers to this stunning Hunter location. The township commemorates anything from the bazaar Novelty Teapot Exhibition and Morpeth Honey and Fiery Food Festival. Morpeth Courthouse and Museum offers an historical perspective of life in the district, it also makes available tourist information for the passing traveller. An interesting assortment of museums, antiques and quaint shop fronts pepper the town with around 60 specialty boutiques. Be amazed by antiques, local craft and artwork, exquisite clothing, dazzling jewellery, unique home wears and affordable accessories. Enjoy this unique combination of history and country charm in the Hunter Valley’s Craft Capital. Wander down cobbled streets to find colonial sandstone buildings occupied by modern inviting cafes, pubs, galleries, boutiques, antique shops and local businesses.
