Maitland

Maitland Gaol The gaol was built in 1844 and served as a maximum security prison for 154 years. The first inmates were convicts, including some children, and were forced to march 6 km from the wharf at Morpeth in shackles and chains. It has been home to some of Australia's most notorious and dangerous criminals and is now said to be the most haunted gaol in the country. Audio tours are available or there are guided tours with ex-inmates and ex-officers. For the extremely brave, there are also overnight stays. John St, East Maitland; bookings (02) 4936 6482.

Grossman House: National Trust–classified Georgian-style house, now a museum with pioneer silverware, porcelain and handmade clothing; Church St. Maitland Regional Gallery: city's art collection specialising in local works; High St. Self-guide heritage walks: showcasing Maitland, Morpeth, Lorn and East Maitland; brochures from visitor centre.

Morpeth This riverside village has been classified by the National Trust. The town can be explored on foot and features magnificent old sandstone buildings such as St James Church (1830s), and antique and craft shops. There is the Weird and Wonderful Novelty Teapot Exhibition in Aug. A self-guide heritage walk brochure is available from the visitor centre. 5 km NE.

Walka: a scenic drive from Maitland, this former pumping station, now an excellent recreation area, is popular for picnics and bushwalks; 3 km N. Tocal Homestead: historic Georgian homestead; open by appt; bookings (02) 4939 8888; 14 km N. Paterson: signposted scenic drive leads to this charming hamlet on the Paterson River; 16 km N.

Port Stephens 51 km

 Port Stephens is about 220 km north of Sydney and offers a mixed bag of quality species. In the estuaries, bream, flathead, mulloway and whiting dominate the catch while beach anglers do well on tailor, whiting and... Find out more

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Hawkesbury-Nepean River 98 km

The Hawkesbury River is regarded as one of the most consistent waters for big mulloway, or jewfish as they are called. It was with mulloway in mind that I went to the river to fish with Colin Tannahill. The river flows... Find out more

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Botany Bay 144 km

Recently I fished a hot-water outlet alongside the Kurnell refinery pier in Botany Bay, a few hundred metres from a monument dedicated to Captain James Cook’s landing in Australia in April 1770. A year before,... Find out more

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Port Hacking 155 km

In my youth, bream was a species anglers sought to put food on the table. It was a ‘kill it and fillet’ favourite. Both yellowfin and black bream fought well, but the sedentary nature of bait fishing –... Find out more

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Lithgow to Mudgee 158 km

Early settlers following in the footsteps of Blaxland, Wentworth and Lawson took three weeks of hard trudging to cross the majestic Blue Mountains. These days the drive from the Penrith plains in western Sydney takes... Find out more

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South-West Rocks 250 km

When it comes to popularity, there are two types of fishing destinations: those that are hot all the time and those that wax and wane depending on the season. South West Rocks is in the first category. For as long as I... Find out more

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Birdwatching near Newcastle 30 km

A reclaimed 45-hectare wetland area just 10 minutes drive from the centre of Newcastle has been Ramsar-listed and is an excellent spot to see up to 213 bird species, including more than 2000 pairs of breeding egrets. The... Find out more

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Snorkelling and diving around Nelson Bay 55 km

Nelson Bay and surrounds offer some superb snorkelling and diving. Many locations are accessible by boat only, such as beautiful Broughton Island, but there are some exceptional shore dives and snorkelling – some... Find out more

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Barrington Tops National Park 76 km

Best known for its superb bushwalking among ancient Antarctic beech forest and rainforest that receives snow several times a year, this 83 403-hectare park is one of the highest spots on the Great Dividing Range and even... Find out more

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Kayaking, Newcastle to Port Macquarie 89 km

Barrington Outdoor Adventure Centre at Gloucester offers an exciting one-day tour down the Barrington River. Guides can tailor the trip for beginners or family groups, choosing a quieter part of the river where there are... Find out more

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The Great North Walk 104 km

Although it links two of Australia’s most populated cities, Sydney and Newcastle, and passes through some beautiful bushland, the Great North Walk does not get the foot traffic you might expect. A 250-kilometre,... Find out more

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Bushwalking in and around Sydney 107 km

Surprisingly, Sydney does offer some superb bushwalking through secluded bushland. Aboriginal engraving and art sites are quite common, and many are not publicised, simply leaving you to discover them, appreciate them,... Find out more

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Burning Mountain Nature Reserve 115 km

Forget global warming for a while and marvel at this coal seam, about 30 metres underground, that has been burning as hot as 1700°C for an estimated 5500 years. A 3.5-kilometre walk to the top of the mountain through... Find out more

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Kayaking in Sydney 125 km

Surprisingly, this activity has only taken off in Sydney in the past few years. With a city centred on such great waterways, there is plenty to explore, whether just for an hour or two, or a whole week. Sydney Harbour... Find out more

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Taronga Zoo 127 km

One of the world’s best zoos, Taronga is involved in a wide variety of threatened species recovery operations, wildlife rehabilitation and animal research work. As well as having a great day by Sydney Harbour,... Find out more

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Picnicking in the Blue Mountains 139 km

Take a picnic up to the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden in Mount Tomah at any time of year and you will not be disappointed. At 1000 metres above sea level, it is usually cool in summer, brimming with flowers in spring,... Find out more

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The Vintage Golf Club 22 km

Hunter Valley semillon, with its zesty aromas and flavours, is sometimes described by wine experts as ‘Australia’s wine gift to the world’. Its appeal also lies in its capacity to age well. The same... Find out more

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Newcastle Golf Club 27 km

Long before American Tom Doak became the revered course designer he is today, he travelled the world playing and studying more than 800 courses. He made notes on every one, before compiling them into what he called ... Find out more

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Pacific Dunes Golf Club 29 km

Advances in club and ball technology, aimed at helping players hit longer and straighter, have had a big effect on golf course architecture since the early 1990s. Many new developers have urged designers to stretch... Find out more

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Kooindah Waters Golf & Spa Resort 63 km

Throughout his playing career, Craig Parry has won tournaments around the world thanks to a mix of sound strategy, good ball-striking and a first-class short game. He brought those same key elements – golfing... Find out more

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Magenta Shores Golf & Country Club 65 km

There is something truly inspiring about a golf course – whatever the quality of its playing surfaces – that offers the smells and sounds of the ocean. This is perhaps what first persuaded the Scots to use... Find out more

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Terrey Hills Golf & Country Club 109 km

A golf course, by its very nature, is a living and constantly changing thing. A fine example of the way a course can grow and the effect this can have on its original design lies at Terrey Hills, about 40 minutes... Find out more

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Monash Country Club 109 km

The first few years after World War II were boom years for golf course construction in Sydney, particularly north of the harbour. The founding members of Monash Country Club – which is today located high in the... Find out more

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Long Reef Golf Club 114 km

Occupying the Long Reef headland on Sydney’s northern beaches – ‘one of the best sites of any golf course in Sydney’, according to five-time British Open champion Peter Thomson – this... Find out more

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Pymble Golf Club 117 km

Pymble Golf Club has a rich history of nurturing some of the finest ball-strikers Australia has seen. The great Kel Nagle was the club’s resident professional for five years, and it was on the Pymble practice... Find out more

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Avondale GOLF CLUB 120 km

When 19th-hole conversation turns to discussing the best places to play golf in Sydney, one course often slips under the radar. Avondale Golf Club quite rightly ranks among the harbour city’s finest courses. Yet... Find out more

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The Angels Inn Restaurant

This charming country restaurant serves bistro fare, such as caramelised pork fillet with balsamic-roasted sweet potatoes, as well as country staples. If you like a good steak, don’t miss The Molly Morgan, a... Find out more

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The Old George & Dragon Restaurant

The Old George & Dragon is a beloved institution, its reputation for terrific food and excellent service reaching Sydney and beyond. Situated next door to its namesake guesthouse, it’s the place to enjoy big... Find out more

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Organic Feast

Planning a picnic? Look no further than Organic Feast. The proprietors are passionate about providing quality local produce in a sustainable and ethical manner, and stock fantastic organic products to purchase and take... Find out more

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Billy Kwong 132 km

This up-market restaurant in Surry Hills claims to have been the first restaurant in New South Wales that chose to become carbon neutral. Owned and run by passionate advocate of sustainability and ethical eating Kylie... Find out more

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Green Gourmet 133 km

These totally vegan restaurants have fascinating dishes including mock fish, made from taro, mushroom steaks and desserts such as green tea moon cake.... Find out more

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Bluetongue Brewery 18 km

Set up in 2004 by a consortium of Hunter region identities, including wine man Bruce Tyrell and hotelier Ian Burford, Bluetongue Brewery soon established a significant regional market for its premium lager and alcoholic... Find out more

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Hunter Beer Company 21 km

Potters Brewery, as this microbrewery is also known, might seem like a rather odd addition to this convention-based accommodation complex, which is named after the historic beehive-shaped pottery kilns scattered around... Find out more

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Steel River Brewery 23 km

Every brewhouse has its own distinct personality – new ones are punched out in uniform fashion and pretty much look the same, but pre-loved ones tend to have a bit more character and, more often than not, a... Find out more

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Murray's Craft Brewing Company 41 km

But there’s a-nothing so lonesome, morbid or drear, Than to stand in the bar of a pub with no beer. So sang the late country singing legend Slim Dusty and, more importantly, the words of the famous song were penned... Find out more

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4 Pines Brewing Company 121 km

What do Margaret River and Manly have in common? Well, they both have popular surfing spots and craft breweries or, at least, they do now. The Mitchell family had seen the burgeoning Margaret River microbrewing scene... Find out more

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Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel 129 km

Sydney’s longest-running brew-pub is many things rolled into one fine watering hole – an institution for ale lovers, a tourist magnet and a haven for homesick Poms. The historic sandstone pub is as comfy as a... Find out more

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Redoak Brewery 130 km

Redoak burst onto the craft-beer scene by winning a swag of medals at the 2004 Australian International Beer Awards before they had sold even a single drop. And they have continued to collect an impressive array of... Find out more

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Schwartz Brewery 131 km

Tucked away in the basement of the heritage-listed Macquarie Hotel in Surry Hills, this 8-hectolitre microbrewery is the hub of a burgeoning craft-beer empire run by owner Dr Jerry Schwartz. Apart from supplying the pub,... Find out more

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The Watagan Track 24 km

This 61 km track from Flat Rock you through rural farmland and Awaba State Forest, past the Sugerloaf Range and on to the town of Teralba on Lake Macquarie. There are 3 camping areas on this stretch, and accommodation at... Find out more

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Wharf Reserve camping area 26 km

Ah, the serenity. Watch the sun set over beautiful, tree-lined Williams River in historic Clarence Town, an old shipbuilding township 200 km north of Sydney and 50 km north of Newcastle. Coming from the south, take... Find out more

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Williams River Holiday Park camping area 26 km

This extensive and well-equipped holiday park in Clarence Town provides a range of accommodation styles, from tent-based camping to air-conditioned cabins. Clarence Town was an important trading port in the 1800s; today,... Find out more

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Watagan Headquarters camping area 30 km

Once a forest workers’ camp, this is now a quiet, grassy area ringed with protective native forest and blue-leaved stringybark. You’ll find it off Watagan Rd, 3 km north of Watagan Forest Rd. Firewood and... Find out more

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Gap Creek camping area 34 km

To get here, continue along Bangalow Rd for 1 km past Bangalow Road camping area. Bring your own firewood; gas/fuel stove preferred. Gap Creek is situated near 2 rainforest walks, one of which wends its way beneath red... Find out more

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Bangalow Road camping area 34 km

As its name suggests, you’ll find this on Bangalow Rd, 3.8 km from the Mt Faulk Rd intersection, amid majestic blue gum and blackbutt forest. There are wood barbecues, although you’ll need to bring your own... Find out more

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Dungog Caravan Park 41 km

A quaint little spot by the Williams River, on Stroud Rd 700 m north of town, Dungog is a comfortable place to use as a base for exploring nearby Barrington Tops National Park and Chichester State Forest. There’s... Find out more

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Casuarina camping area 42 km

No prizes for guessing what trees you’ll be surrounded by at this camping area, but wait until you hear the music the wind makes when it brushes through the casuarina leaves. This is a good spot for large groups as... Find out more

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Turpentine camping area 42 km

This is only 100 m away from Casuarina camping area, and provides secluded camping sites that are perfect for small groups and families. Boil or treat water from the creek before drinking it or bring your own.... Find out more

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Double Wharf Campground 42 km

This campground is accessed via Googes Rd off Hobarts Forest Rd. It’s 4WD access only, and you’ll need to bring your own portable toilet, firewood and drinking water.... Find out more

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Bellhaven Caravan Park 18 km

With good access to the Pacific Highway, this basic park has grassy drive-through sites ideal for an overnight stop. The town centre is only a short drive away. Bookings are recommended all year round.... Find out more

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BIG4 Valley Vineyard Tourist Park 23 km

This is the best-located park for exploring the Hunter Valley wineries. Just 3 km from the centre of Cessnock, the park offers good facilities including a Thai restaurant.... Find out more

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Newcastle’s Stockton Beach Tourist Park 29 km

This park is located on the beachfront, just north of the port of Newcastle. Stroll along the beach, join in with the fishing on the breakwater, or just watch the large ships come and go. The park has large grassy areas... Find out more

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Australian Motor Homes Tourist Park 31 km

This park is designed for big rigs. Located alongside the Pacific Highway, west of Karuah, it is a great place for an overnight stay and popular with groups on weekends. The owners also operate a commercial fish farm,... Find out more

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Belmont Pines Lakeside Holiday Park 36 km

Not far south of the city of Newcastle, this park is in a superb position on the shores of Lake Macquarie, in a quiet, off-the-highway location. It faces north, with great views across the water. It is a good family park... Find out more

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Swansea Gardens Lakeside Holiday Park 39 km

This large, council-operated park is located in a quiet area on the shores of Lake Macquarie. Facilities are good and include tennis courts and a half court basketball area. There are a small number of absolute... Find out more

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BIG4 Karuah Jetty Village 39 km

Located in a quiet position a short distance from the Pacific Highway, this park has very good amenities and looks across the northern arm of Port Stephens. There is a long jetty, good for fishing, and a limited number... Find out more

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Blacksmiths Beachside Holiday Park 40 km

A very appealing park with modern amenities, this place is just 100 metres from the surf club. The photos in reception are testament to its popularity with caravan clubs. We like it. Bookings are required in peak periods... Find out more

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Discovery Holiday Parks – Port Stephens 43 km

Located in a quiet area of the Port Stephens region, this is a quality waterfront park ideal for a family holiday or just a few days. Bookings are required in peak periods and a minimum-length stay applies during all... Find out more

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Munmorah State Conservation Area 52 km

The National Parks and Wildlife Service manage this recreation area. There are two camping areas, Fraser and Freemans, with tent sites and a limited number of unpowered caravan sites. It is just a short walk through the... Find out more

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The Old George & Dragon Guesthouse

The Old George & Dragon Guesthouse is an award-winning, romantic retreat. The richly decorated English-style guest rooms are all beautifully appointed with antiques and plenty of country style. There is an interior... Find out more

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Pindari House

Pindari House is an exclusive, privately owned estate on 4 hectares of rolling Hunter Valley countryside. There are three fully equipped guest rooms, each with its own entrance and all the expected modern amenities. The... Find out more

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Banjo’s Bushland Retreat, Vacy 21 km

With three self-contained lodges of various sizes and a recreation room that includes an environmental centre, this eco-accredited resort keeps nature as its focus. Even the nine-hole minigolf course weaves around the... Find out more

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Somewhere Unique, Wollombi 44 km

The two stand-alone, couples-only cottages here are stylish, contemporary and have passive solar design. They are eco-accredited, on an 8-hectare bushland reserve, and use only renewable energy and Greenfleet vehicles.... Find out more

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Australia Walkabout Park, Calga 83 km

You can camp out with the 180 species of wild animal in this 32-hectare feral-proofed wildlife park that has a solid history of conservation and caring for injured and orphaned wildlife. The overnight camping experience... Find out more

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Wollemi Wilderness Retreat, Bilpin 135 km

These unusual self-contained cabins of various sizes feature passive solar design and are mainly constructed from recycled and salvaged materials. Although not high-class, they all have a spa and are in isolated bush... Find out more

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Dargan Springs Mountain Lodge, Clarence 149 km

At the soft end of ecotourism, this pleasant lodge and wellness retreat has advanced eco-certification. It is surrounded by a mountain ash forest dotted with waratahs, the habitat of wombats and wallabies. With a maximum... Find out more

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Jemby-Rinjah Eco Lodge, Blackheath 154 km

One of the first working examples of large-scale sustainable tourism to exist in Australia, Jemby-Rinjah has advanced eco-accreditation, and one of the most extensive systems of composting toilets in the country. Ten... Find out more

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Bunjaree Cottages, Wentworth Falls 154 km

Great for families, Bunjaree Cottages have been designed to make a small environmental footprint, with full solar power and earth-brick insulation. One is built with recycled car tyres and mud, providing even better... Find out more

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Old Leura Dairy 157 km

This creative collection of six buildings, which can sleep up to 30 people in various combinations, has been renovated and fitted out with all manner of recycled bits and bobs. There are old oven doors, rusted corrugated... Find out more

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Kanimbla View, Blackheath 157 km

Solar-powered, the two- and three-bedroom cottages here are surprisingly large inside. They are partially constructed from recycled and salvaged timbers, have composting toilets and a great view of the Kanimbla Valley... Find out more

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Woolshed Cabins, near Blackheath 157 km

Eleven kilometres from Blackheath and surrounded by a glorious natural amphitheatre of towering sandstone walls, the Woolshed Cabins sit on 100 hectares of cleared farmland (a working cattle farm) in the Kanimbla Valley,... Find out more

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Pothana Lane Rest Area 26 km

30 km NW of Maitland (L) or 17 km SE of Singleton (R) Small area just off the highway via the old road. Limited shade. GPS: S32 39.433 E151 17.667  ... Find out more

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Medowie Road Rest Area 27 km

58 km S of Bulahdelah (L) southbound only Small area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. GPS: S32 40.225 E151 50.113... Find out more

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Twelve Mile Hill Rest Area 28 km

15 km N of Raymond Terrace (L) northbound only Large area just off the highway. Good facilities. GPS: S32 39.744 E151 50.559... Find out more

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Golden Highway Junction Rest Area 32 km

36 km NW of Maitland (L) or 11 km SE of Singleton (R) Small area just off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S32 38.553 E151 14.005  ... Find out more

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Singleton Park Area 40 km

South side of town Small parking area just off the highway. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S32 34.321 E151 10.852... Find out more

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Singleton North Rest Area 46 km

6 km NW of Singleton (R) or 43 km SE of Muswellbrook (L) Small area just off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S32 31.437 E151 07.945 ... Find out more

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Station Creek Rest Area 52 km

42 km N of Raymond Terrace (L) northbound only Large area just off the highway. GPS: S32 36.535 E152 05.746  ... Find out more

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Browns Flat Rest Area 59 km

20 km S of Bulahdelah (L) southbound only Large area just off the highway. Good facilities. GPS: S32 33.335 E152 08.982  ... Find out more

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Nerong Waterholes Rest Area 60 km

54 km N of Raymond Terrace (L) northbound only Large area just off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S32 32.904 E152 09.206  ... Find out more

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Service Centre 60 km

93 km N of Sydney (L) or 74 km S of Raymond Terrace (R) Highway Service Centre just off the highway. GPS: S33 15.322 E151 24.172... Find out more

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Ourimbah Exit Rest Area 70 km

82 km N of Sydney (L) or 85 km S of Raymond Terrace (R) Large area just off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S33 20.594 E151 22.046  ... Find out more

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Bulahdelah Rest Area 73 km

2 km N of Bulahdelah (R) or 70 km S of Taree (L) Small area just off the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S32 23.506 E152 13.310   ... Find out more

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Muswellbrook North Park Area 82 km

2 km N of Muswellbrook (R) or 23 km S of Scone (L) Small area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S32 14.858 E150 53.764... Find out more

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Newmans Road Rest Areas 83 km

13 km N of Bulahdelah (L) or 59 km S of Taree (L) Small areas just off the highway (both sides). Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S32 21.059 E152 18.905 (NORTHBOUND) &        ... Find out more

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Aberdeen Park Area 89 km

North side of town Small parking area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S32 09.641 E150 53.343... Find out more

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Hawkesbury River Rest Area 95 km

49 km N of Sydney (L) northbound only Large area just off the highway on the banks of the river. GPS: S33 32.029 E151 11.845... Find out more

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Wang Wauk Rest Area 96 km

36 km N of Bulahdelah (L) or 36 km S of Taree (R) Large area just off the highway. Good shade and facilities. GPS: S32 09.295 E152 19.352 ... Find out more

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Scone Park Area 99 km

At the information centre Parking area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S32 03.401 E150 52.174... Find out more

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Talawahl Creek Rest Area 113 km

18 km S of Taree (L) southbound only Large area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S32 02.987 E152 26.816 ... Find out more

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Burning Mountain Rest Area 115 km

24 km N of Scone (R) or 108 km S of Tamworth (L) Large grassed area well off the highway. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S31 51.383 E150 54.016... Find out more

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Four Mile Hill Rest Area 121 km

65 km N of Bulahdelah (L) northbound only Large area just off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S31 57.781 E152 27.925 ... Find out more

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Blandford Park Area 123 km

North end of town Small parking area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S31 46.675 E150 53.547 ... Find out more

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Teamsters Rest Camp Area 139 km

T/O 82 km N of Scone (R) or 5 km E of Tamworth to Nundle (L) Secluded area by the creek 14 km south of Nundle via Crawney Road. Good shade. NOTE: Part unsealed access. GPS: S31 33.399 E151 03.390... Find out more

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Sheba Dams Camp Area 141 km

T/O 82 km N of Scone (R) or 5 km E of Tamworth to Nundle (L) Large secluded area on the shore of the dam 11 kilometres east of Nundle via Hanging Rock Road. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S31 29.890 E151 11.843 ... Find out more

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Ponderosa Park Camp Area 144 km

T/O 82 km N of Scone (R) or 5 km E of Tamworth to Nundle (L) Large camp area in the forest 17 kilometres east of Nundle via Hanging Rock Road. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S31 27.817 E151 15.433  ... Find out more

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Coopernook Forest Camp Area 144 km

T/O 30 km N of Taree or 90 km S of Kempsey via Moorland Large grassed campground surrounded by forest located 5 kilometres west of the highway via Forest Road. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S31 47.330... Find out more

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Swamp Creek Camp Area 149 km

T/O 82 km N of Scone (R) or 5 km E of Tamworth to Nundle (L) Grassed area on the riverbank 4 kilometres north of Nundle via Hanging Rock Road. Good facilities. Limited shade. NOTE: Access part unsealed. GPS: S31... Find out more

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Wallabadah Rest Area 149 km

North end of town Large area by Quirindi Creek behind the Memorial Gardens. Good facilities and shade. NOTE: Toilets close at 5:00 pm. GPS: S31 32.169 E150 49.906... Find out more

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