Things To Do

The Monte Pio is right in the heart of the Hunter…minutes to the wineries, Port Stephens, Lake Macquarie and the city of Newcastle, there is no better location.

Whilst at the Monte, enjoy our tennis court, pool, spa, gym and snooker table but right in our backyard is Hunter River Country, full of wonderful surprises like the Maitland Gaol, Morpeth and a host of popular festivals.

Hunter River Country has something for everyone: heritage walks, museums, galleries, historic villages, music festivals, steam festivals, gaol tours, antique shops, markets, vineyard tours, cellar door tastings, award winning restaurants and casual cafes. There are rivers for canoeing and trails for hiking, cycling and horse riding. Mountains can be climbed or skies can be crossed in a tiger moth or hot air balloon.

Guided tours of the district's wineries are a popular and enjoyable activity. Alternatively visitors can drive to various cellar doors and sample at leisure. Choices can be made between larger more established wineries and boutique cellar door tastings.

There are prepared walks of historic villages and the City of Maitland. Heritage Celebrations brings lovers of Georgian, Victorian and Federation architecture. Maitland's Grossman House is one of Australia's finest National Trust exhibits. It has room displays with rare colonial pieces. There is also historic Tomago House. Hunter River Country has attracted sellers of antiques and collectables. Many are located in historic buildings in Maitland and East Maitland.

Road and rail steam engines converge here annually for Steamfest, Australia's premier festival of steam. In 2003 Steamfest was awarded top regional and state festival tourism awards. The railway station becomes the centre for steam train rides throughout the region. There are road steam displays in the streets, miniature train rides, a street carnival and a range of activities for all ages.

Annual field days near Paterson attract farmers and visitors to educational and interactive activities and displays. Morpeth Jazz Festival draws thousands to music in the streets, cafes and churches. Maitland's Regional Art Gallery holds significant exhibitions of regional and national artists. Drama and music productions run throughout the year.

The Hunter River Country Visitor Information Centre staff can assist with planning for these and other popular activities.

Visit www.maitlandhuntervalley.com.au