Location

The thriving city of Maitland, in the centre of the Hunter River Country, is rich in history, stately mansions, fine civic buildings and magnificent churches. Surrounded by lush countryside, producing high quality agricultural goods, Maitland is an ideal location to access all that the Hunter Valley has on offer. It has a small aircraft airport and enjoys excellent Countrylink and Citylink train and private coach services. Only a 2 hour drive from Sydney, 30 minutes from Newcastle, and 15 minutes from the Hunter Valley Wine Country.

Historic Maitland has many museums and a diverse array of activities. These include: Maitland Gaol with guided tours; Walka Water Works, which was a water catchment area in the 1800’s and is now a museum and recreational area; Mindaribba Aboriginal Land Council Museum which includes archaeological findings from the area and indigenous art; and the Richmond Vale Railway Museum, which is popular for train rides and recreation facilities. The Regional Art Gallery is located in downtown Maitland within a dramatic Gothic Federation building holding many well recognised exhibitions.

If antiquing is on your agenda, Maitland hosts many antique shops. For those who prefer the gourmet experience there are numerous roadside stalls selling the fresh produce of the region or you can enjoy the local produce served up at the many cafés and restaurants which range from brassiere style to more formal dining. Many of the hotels and clubs in the district have casual dining facilities. Maitland's Health Services include the Maitland Hospital, Maitland Private Hospital, the Lower Hunter Community Health Care centre, five aged care facilities, two Baby Health Centres and one Family Care Cottage. Maitland has twenty eight Primary Schools and five High Schools, including the Hunter Valley Grammar School. In addition to the universities and colleges in Newcastle only minutes away, The Hunter Institute of Technology has a campus in Maitland as well as short course vocational training schools.

Population

The Australian Bureau of Statistics February 2006 figures named Maitland as having the fastest population growth in NSW from 2004 to 2005. Maitland is now the 8th biggest city in NSW with a population of 61,517. In 2009, Maitland was recognised as a ‘Boom Town’ with its building resurgence.

Economy

There is a diversity of economic activities including agriculture, tourism, mining, manufacturing, transport and construction industries. Maitland’s greatest asset is its location on the rich alluvial flats of the Hunter and Paterson Rivers and proximity to airports, shipping terminals and freight rail access. It is one of the most highly productive areas in NSW and a service centre for a rich agricultural hinterland.