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Hunter Region Botanic Gardens

Parks and Gardens

Hunter Region Botanic Gardens

The Hunter Region Botanic Gardens showcases and conserves the unique flora of the wider Hunter Region of NSW, and is the only botanic garden in the region. Within the 125-hectare site, there are 25 theme gardens, including Grevilleas, Succulents (Cacti), Orchids and many more, with natural bushland also a feature. Many rare and endangered plants are currently being propagated in the in-house nursery as part of the NSW Government 'Save Our Species' program, and the Herbarium houses an important collection of plants of the Hunter. Research and conservation programs are ongoing throughout the Gardens all year round. The property features a visitor centre, plant stall and gift shop, with a café for light meals, cake and coffee. There is a large lawn area perfect for picnics. Most of the grounds are connected by paved pathways and are wheelchair- and pram-friendly, with some of the outer areas suitable for bushwalking. Guided tours can be arranged prior to visiting. Several special events are featured annually, such as Children's Discovery Day, Spring Fair, Teddy Bear's Picnic and Medieval Fair. School holiday workshops are also offered. Conference facilities and wedding sites round this venue off to appeal to all sectors of the community. The Gardens celebrate their 40th anniversary in 2026 and are managed, maintained and developed by a non-profit company of around 200 volunteers.

Heatherbrae NSW

7.1 km away

Wirraway Park

Sports and Recreation Facilities

Wirraway Park

Wirraway Park is located in Thornton and is an exciting aviation-themed park providing shared community areas and beautiful parkland open spaces. It features a half-sized basketball court, a flying fox, a skateboard zone, a massive slide, and some different equipment that you don't see everywhere. The kids will love this park, with plenty to explore and do.

Thornton NSW

7.5 km away

Seaham Swamp Walk — Image credit: Photo: John Spencer

Natural Attractions

Seaham Swamp Walk

Seaham Swamp walk is a great option for walking with kids. This short walk near Newcastle and Raymond Terrace is also a must for birdwatching. Enjoy a short walk through ironbark forest with lovely views of the adjacent Seaham Swamp. A great option for walking with kids, this 300 metre track is ideal for birdwatching and nature-spotting. Keep your eyes peeled - it’s likely you’ll spy a range of waterfowl and migratory birds, and perhaps a goanna or grey kangaroo too. Continue on to the swamp itself or the nearby Seaham Swamp Bird Hide to catch sight of its birdlife and maybe even some of the more elusive residents like eastern snake-necked turtles. Located in Seaham, north-west of Raymond Terrace and about 40km from Newcastle, the track begins at the old stone church on Seaham Road. This walk also boasts other fascinating heritage attractions like the colonial-era Tom’s Cottage, complete with a corrugated-iron roof.

Seaham NSW

8.0 km away

Seaham Swamp Nature Reserve

National Parks and Reserves

Seaham Swamp Nature Reserve

Whether you're interested in birdwatching, Aboriginal heritage, bushwalking or natural history, the Hunter region's Seaham Swamp Nature Reserve offers a memorable experience. Birdwatching enthusiasts have already caught onto this little gem, which is a habitat for numerous waterfowl. Locals will also tell you it's a great place for a walk at any time of year, and historically significant in more ways than one. Seaham Swamp Nature Reserve boasts an impressive variety of freshwater wetland habitats, from open water and mud flats to melaleuca forest, open woodlands and pasture. Bring along a picnic, a camera and your trusty walking shoes and you're all set for a delightful day in the great outdoors.

Seaham NSW

8.0 km away

Morpeth Avenue of Trees

Natural Attractions

Morpeth Avenue of Trees

The picturesque Avenue of Trees is located off Edward Street, Morpeth. This hidden spot is beyond the play space area and is the perfect location for family or even wedding photos with plenty of space to move and shade making it a photographers dream location. It is a beautiful back drop for any occasion, simply amazing.

Morpeth NSW

8.2 km away

Morpeth Common — Image credit: Maitland City Council

Natural Attractions

Morpeth Common

Ray Lawler Reserve, referred to as Morpeth Common is a beautiful park in historic Morpeth. Lovely lawn areas, a delightful avenue of trees and small ponds are home to a number of bird species and a great place for family outings and picnics. The park is often used for family photographs and is often booked for wedding ceremonies and birthday parties. Facilities include play equipment, parking and toilets.

Morpeth NSW

8.2 km away

Seaham Swamp Bird Hide

Natural Attractions

Seaham Swamp Bird Hide

Seaham Swamp Bird Hide is a haven for birdwatching. Visit this great Seaham attraction to see a variety of Hunter region waterfowl, both out in the swamp and sheltering in the hide. Located in a small wetland reserve adjacent to Seaham village, this all-weather bird hide allows you to watch from a platform, ensuring you get great views and photos of the birds without disturbing them. Check out the surrounding signage with interesting information on the birds of Seaham Swamp or stop at one of the picnic tables for a snack amidst imposing rough-trunked ironbark trees. For another view of the swamp try stretching your legs along Seaham Swamp walk.

Seaham NSW

8.3 km away

Woodberry Mural — Image credit: Maitland City Council

Landmarks and Buildings

Woodberry Mural

Woodberry Mural contributes to the beautification of the local neighbourhood of Woodberry. Local children and young people were engaged in the design and painting of the mural, with each element within it carrying a unique story that reflects the diverse and vibrant community it represents. Located at Woodberry Shopping Village, this mural plays an important part in building community pride, being created in collaboration with John Robinson Aboriginal Art and studio 'UP&UP Inspirations' and local community members. 'UP&UP Inspirations' and Johnny collaborated with many young people in Woodberry to develop a design that reflected both Aboriginal culture and Graffiti culture.

Woodberry NSW

8.4 km away

Woodberry Skate Park — Image credit: Maitland City Council

Sports and Recreation Facilities

Woodberry Skate Park

Woodberry Skate Park is now on your list of places to practice and shine. The new skate facility features a skate bowl, vert wall, a street section and BMX track. All skateboarders and scooter riders will love this park. Smaller features and tracks are available for the little one's bikes and scooters' are also available.

Woodberry NSW

8.5 km away

Morpeth Riverside Walk — Image credit: Maitland City Council

Natural Attractions

Morpeth Riverside Walk

The newly developed shared walking and cycling pathway at Morpeth provides scenic views of the Hunter River. Winding along the banks of the Hunter River, the pathway features a 70m long boardwalk, with a track that goes underneath Morpeth Bridge. The pathway is a peaceful walk through nature. The pathway connects Robert Street to Illalaung Park, and is the first stage of what will eventually be a shared path from Morpeth to Walka Water Works.

Morpeth NSW

8.8 km away

Morpeth Heritage Walk past Illalaung Park — Image credit: Maitland City Council

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Morpeth Heritage Walk

The Morpeth Heritage Walk is the perfect way to discover the vibrant history of Morpeth. Walk in the footsteps of early Australians, locate the markers and read the intriguing stories and history of buildings dating back to the mid 1800s. Take a journey to 25 significant sites in the heritage listed town, which tells the story of Morpeth through the eyes of key characters and through the streets and buildings that echo Morpeth's past. The town was planned on private land at the time when river trade was essential to supplying Sydney and the newly settled region of the Hunter with produce. You can grab your copy from the Maitland Visitor Information Centre or download online from the MyMaitland website. The tour is also available on the 'Maitland Walks' App, which can be downloaded on both the App Store and Google Play. The Morpeth Heritage Walk is an initiative of Maitland City Council.

Morpeth NSW

8.9 km away

Thornton Skate Park

Sports and Recreation Facilities

Thornton Skate Park

Thornton skate park caters to a range of skill levels and abilities, and was designed in partnership with the community. The facility offers a halfpipe with spine and box jump, a kinked floating ledge, vert wall, flat banks, rails, sheltered outdoor seating, a bubbler and more. The adjoining playspace and basketball court, add to what is already a versatile recreation space for everyone to enjoy.

Thornton NSW

9.0 km away

Morpeth Bridge — Image credit: Maitland City Council

Landmarks and Buildings

Morpeth Bridge

Morpeth Bridge is a timber truss bridge that spans the Hunter River at Morpeth. The bridge is listed on the state heritage register and is assessed as being nationally significant, primarily based on its technical and historical characteristics. Local campaigning for a bridge began as early as 1870 but was not successful until tenders were called in the Government Gazette, on 17 August 1896 for 8200 pounds. Work on the bridge began in November 1896 and the bridge was constructed over three years, officially opening on 15 June 1898 by Minister for Works Mr JH Young and christened by Mayoress Mrs R Sim. Percy Allan designed the bridge and Samuel McGill built the bridge for 8855 pounds. The bridge is highly valued by the local community and is important to the history of Morpeth and the expansion of the road network throughout NSW in the late 19th century. Morpeth Bridge is one of 15 historic bridges constructed before 1905 in the Hunter region today. It is the oldest surviving example of an overhead-braced Allan truss road bridge in service and is one of three surviving overhead braced timber truss road bridges in New South Wales. Visit after dark to appreciate the Morpeth Bridge lights that were installed during Morpeth Bicentenary Commemorations and light up with different colours to signify various commemorations.

Morpeth NSW

9.0 km away

Thornton Library

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Thornton Library

Expand your mind and your imagination at one of your local libraries. Drop in to borrow or read a book and while you're there take advantage of the free WiFi, delve into local history or trace your family tree. Check out a range of exciting events and kids programs that run throughout the year. Ask about the toy library or book a meeting space. Take advantage of the online services including 24/7 access to eBooks, streaming music and movies, local history, research databases, public computers, charging stations, printing and more. Free to join, so be sure to visit one of the four library branches located at Maitland City, East Maitland, Rutherford and Thornton today. Electronic Vehicle Charging bays are situated in Thornton Library carpark.

Thornton NSW

9.2 km away

Illalaung Park — Image credit: Maitland City Council

Parks and Gardens

Illalaung Park

Named after the Wonnarua word for the area around Morpeth, Illalaung Park has tiered gardens and lawns leading down to the Hunter River. With great views of the historic Morpeth Bridge, it is an excellent spot to take a break from the shops and attractions of Swan Street, Morpeth, with a coffee at the picnic tables. Take a leisurely stroll along the Hunter River with easy access to Stage 1A of the Morpeth to Walka Shared Pathway.

Morpeth NSW

9.2 km away

Collab Store

Shopping and Markets

Uniquely Boutique

Uniquely Boutique is a haven for shoppers, with a delightful array of boutiques, antique stores, and artisan shops, each offering a treasure trove of one-of-a-kind finds. As a collaborative store, the shop is filled with goods from various local businesses. Think creatives at their best, with a beautiful supply of artwork, candles, health and beauty products, homewares, playtime, handbags, baskets, macrame, kids' items, men's and women's fashion, jewellery, and much more.

Morpeth NSW

9.3 km away

'Rugs'

Landmarks and Buildings

'Rugs' Mural in Morpeth

Hand painted by local artist Patricia Van Lubeck, 'Rugs' is an artwork that covered up to about 200 square metres. See all four remaining rugs painted on Berkley Street in the historic township of Morpeth. 'Rugs' was commissioned by Maitland City Council as part of the 'Morph It' program, funded by the NSW Government.

Morpeth NSW

9.3 km away

Morpeth Antique Jewellery Gallery

Shopping and Markets

Morpeth Jewellery Gallery

Located in the main street of Morpeth, Morpeth Jewellery and Watches gallery aims to make every shopping experience a pleasure by offering a personal and professional service. Pop in and have a look at their fantastic contemporary, antique and vintage jewellery. In house you will greet their jeweller, Tom, who has over fifty years experience in this family business. You may find that gift for someone special.

Morpeth NSW

9.3 km away

Elements Spa Morpeth — Image credit: Elements Spa Morpeth

Spas and Retreats

Elements Morpeth

Elements Morpeth is a healing oasis dedicated to combining all elements of wellness with the best spa therapies to deliver deep levels of relaxation, calm and real results. As a destination spa, Elements provides luxurious face and massage treatments delivered in a nourishing and blissfully inviting environment. Each experience is delivered with genuine care and intention, allowing your body to soften, your mind to slow, and your nervous system to reset.

Morpeth NSW

9.3 km away

St James' Anglican Church

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

St James' Anglican Church

The Anglican Parish of St James at Morpeth is one of the oldest in Australia, consecrated on December 31, 1840, with St. James as its Patron, by William Broughton, the first Bishop of Australia. In the early 1860s, the architect Edmund Blacket added the sanctuary and sacristy, the chancel arch and the carved stone pulpit. In 1874 the church suffered major damage from a fire in the roof and another architect, Mr John Horbury Hunt, oversaw the repairs. Hunt included the walls of the Nave in the repairs removed the original internal brick lining to these walls, and built the new ‘hammer beam’ style of roof, which resembles the hull of a timber ship. This is the roof framing that is still visible today. The church warmly welcomes visitors and is generally open for private prayer worship from 9am until 4pm daily.

Morpeth NSW

9.4 km away

Maison Hotel — Image credit: Princess Bazaar

Shopping and Markets

Princess Bazaar

With a presence spanning over two decades, Princess Bazaar is a distinguished ladies' boutique located in the heart of Morpeth,a historic township in the Hunter Valley, NSW. Specialising in exclusive items not commonly available elsewhere, the boutique features curated labels from the United States, Great Britain, Spain, France, Canada, and numerous Australian designers. Known for its vibrant atmosphere, Princess Bazaar emphasises colour and texture throughout its collection. The boutique offers a strong selection of denim and is recognised for having some of the best jeans in the Hunter Valley. Whether seeking an elegant cocktail dress, attire for a formal event, high-quality denim, smart casual ensembles, or distinctive one-off pieces, Princess Bazaar provides options to suit various needs. Conveniently situated just 40 minutes from Newcastle and the Pokolbin vineyards, or a two-hour drive from Sydney, Princess Bazaar offers visitors a unique shopping experience in Morpeth, a destination well worth visiting.

Morpeth NSW

9.4 km away

Morpeth Emporium

Shopping and Markets

Morpeth Emporium

Morpeth Emporium is a ladies shopping destination. Situated in the charming village of historic Morpeth in the Hunter Valley New South Wales. The boutique features a diverse collection of international and homegrown labels that are unique and affordable. From weddings or races to comfy casual looks, Morpeth Emporium can outfit you from head to toe with fascinators and shoes to match. Morpeth Emporium pride itself on customer service and recognising the needs of the interstate and time poor customers. Check out their online store where you can browse and choose from their entire collection.

Morpeth NSW

9.4 km away

UAINE Headquarters

Shopping and Markets

UAINE Candles

Multi-award-winning UAINE Candles is one of the fastest-growing candle manufacturers in Australia due to its focus on producing beautiful, cleaner, safer, healthier candles and home fragrances. All of their candles are Made in Australia from 100 per cent soy wax and natural fragrances. UAINE Candles has a growing and dedicated following of customers who recognise that you don’t have to compromise your safety and health to enjoy beautiful candles and exquisite fragrances at great prices. UAINE Candles' distinctive logo is the tree of life converted into a Celtic knot. Their brand name, UAINE 'oonyah', is a Gaelic word meaning green, lush and verdant reflecting the view from our pouring rooms overlooking the Hunter River and our commitment to producing the best products for you, your family and the environment. UAINE Candles is truly Australian-owned and made in the historic village of Morpeth. Their manufacturing facility overlooks the Hunter River only metres away from Morpeth's original candle factory established in the 1850's. Visit UAINE's Candle Cellar Door in the main street - affectionately known as 'The Sniffery'. Their friendly staff will guide you through a fragrance journey where you will soon understand what makes UAINE Candles such a popular destination. Business of The Year 2023 Hunter Region.

Morpeth NSW

9.4 km away

Miss Lily's Lollies — Image credit: Maitland City Council

Shopping and Markets

Miss Lily's Lollies

Miss Lily's Lollies is located in a small quaint street in the historical town of Morpeth. Established in 1996, this quirky lolly shop is home to a tantalising range of sweets from all over the globe, including giant lollipops, liquorice, American Candy, Aussie Cobbers, English Sweeties and Humbugs. Miss Lily's Lollies also makes homemade fudge which visitors can observe being made before them fresh in store. With so many options available, Miss Lily's Lollies brings out the inner child in everyone.

Morpeth NSW

9.4 km away

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