Whilst at the Monte Pio Hotel and Conference Centre, enjoy our tennis court, pool, gym, sauna, lounge bar , 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.
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. Steamfest is usually held in the month of April.
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.huntervalley.com.au
