Destination's Journey

Tag: Maitland

  • Maitland Regional Art Gallery

    Maitland Regional Art Gallery

    Maitland Regional Art Gallery

    The Maitland Regional Art Gallery occupies a building complex in High Street alongside several other historically significant buildings. Originally two separate buildings a major renovation, saw a joining structure added linking them into one structure.

    There is ample parking available at the rear of the gallery, so you can avoid trying to park in the road. Entry is either via the main entrance, or through the café. We chose the latter and had a relaxing coffee before walking through the gallery.

    Three special exhibitions were on display during our visit, which made the visit even better.

    A Survey into the Cretaceous by Andrew Sullivan

    Survey into the Cretaceous by Andrew Sullivan imagines a situation where the artist is part of an expedition into the past. He is there to record the animals found, which makes for some fascinating paintings. Being interested in the subject, we found it a refreshing take on dinosaur artwork, because it was different.

    • A Survey into the Cretaceous by Andrew Sullivan
      A Survey into the Cretaceous by Andrew Sullivan
    • T-Rex by Andrew Sullivan
      T-Rex by Andrew Sullivan
    • Coelacanth by Andrew Sullivan
      Coelacanth by Andrew Sullivan
    • Adult and Juvenile Pteranodon by Andrew Sullivan
      Adult and Juvenile Pteranodon by Andrew Sullivan
    • Corythosaurus by AJ Sullivan
      Corythosaurus by AJ Sullivan

    Paintings by Ken Done You Probably Haven’t Seen

    The gallery had a display of lesser known Ken Done paintings on display, which were to his usual colourful standard.

    • Ken Done Exhibition
      Ken Done Exhibition
    • Ken Done Paintings
      Another Ken Done Painting
    • Ken Done Paintings
      Ken Done Paintings

    Fieldwork – Landscapes West of Sydney

    An Art Gallery of New South Wales Touring Exhibit, Fieldwork was a surprise, because we were not expecting to see it here. The exhibition draws together many works from the galleries’ collection, many of them not displayed in decades. We enjoyed these paintings from the mid to late 1800s, as they show the beginning of a rich period of Australian artwork. There was quiet a variety of interesting paintings on display, a little something for everyone. This gallery is small but has a lot to offer. We enjoyed it!

    • Fieldwork Landscapes West of Sydney Exhibition Maitland Regional Art Gallery
      Fieldwork Landscapes West of Sydney Exhibition
    • Maitland Regional Art Gallery
      Maitland Regional Art Gallery
    • Burragorang Valley Near Picton by JH Carse 1879
      Burragorang Valley Near Picton by JH Carse 1879

    Other Displays at the Maitland Regional Art Gallery

    • Joshua Smith JWA Smith 1937 Maitland Regional Art Gallery
      Joshua Smith JWA Smith 1937
    • Maitland Regional Art Gallery
      Maitland Regional Art Gallery

    Outdoor Sculpture

    Visible from the road, this two metre high sculpture is a fun example of what art can be.

    Fetch Boy by Gillie and Marc Schattner Maitland Regional Art Gallery
    Fetch Boy by Gillie and Marc Schattner

    Our photos are available for purchase on

    To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.

  • Historical Maitland in the Hunter Valley

    Historical Maitland in the Hunter Valley

    Maitland

    Situated on the Hunter River approximately 166 kilometres by road north of Sydney and 35 kilometres north-west of Newcastle, Maitland is a city in the Lower Hunter Valley of New South Wales. Located on the New England Highway, it is easy to get to and its heritage and proximity to the Hunter Valley vineyards makes it worth visiting.

    The Levee

    Running parallel to the Hunter River and encircled by Ken Tubman Drive, The Levee is a hive of activity. It offers a range of entertainment and dining options, a blend of small business and national retail stores. Professional services such as banks, solicitors and accountants are also located here.

    • The Levee on a Foggy Morning
      The Levee on a Foggy Morning
    • Street Art at the Levee
      Street Art at the Levee

    Buildings

    The city has several historic buildings, and many others with interesting architecture, making them worth searching out. Several excellent walks can be found here, downloadable as PDFs.

    Maitland Railway Station

    The railway reached Maitland in 1858, having reached East Maitland in 1957. This resulted in the building of the current Italianate style building being built in the 1880s.

    This building can be viewed from the carpark, or for a different perspective, climb the pedestrian overpass. This allows you to see it from above, where you can see the top of the building more clearly.

    Railway Station
    Railway Station

    Maitland Post Office

    Constructed in 1881 and designed by the Colonial Architect James Barnet, the Maitland post office is an example of Victorian Italianate design of stucco on brick. This is characteristic of Barnet’s work, making it a fantastic attraction in the centre of the city.

    • Maitland Post Office
      Maitland Post Office
    • Maitland Post Office
      Clock Tower at the Maitland Post Office
    • Maitland Post Office
      Maitland Post Office

    Old Bank of Australasia Building

    Built in 1869 and opened on 1st January 1870, this was the third bank constructed in High Street. The design of this building is one of the few colonial examples of Byzantine architecture and is significant for the skilful use of the curve and upper floor verandah. Although substantially altered, it still exhibits many original features making it significant.

    Old ANZ Bank Building
    Old ANZ Bank Building

    St. Mary’s Church

    Opened in 1867, St. Mary’s Church has a magnificent stone spire which is a landmark in the town and surrounding area. The building is a fine example of High Victorian Style Gothic architecture. Designed by the celebrated architect Edmund Blackett the building has excellent stone tracery windows and detailing, exhibiting craftsmanship of the highest order.

    St Mary's Anglican Church
    St Mary’s Anglican Church

    Old Synagogue

    Ceasing as a place of worship in 1898 the old Synagogue was the first of its kind in Australia. Designed by renowned local architect, John W. Pender it is a simple Victorian Romanesque building. Constructed in 1879 it subsequently served as a co-educational school until 1928, a meeting hall and is now, after restoration, used as a Credit Union office and shopfront.

    Former Maitland Synagogue
    Former Synagogue

    Heritage Mall

    Constructed as a Bicentennial Project in 1988 The Heritage Mall in the main commercial centre of Maitland contains many building styles. Best viewed by walking down the centre of the Mall, the history of many buildings can be viewed on their upper floors above the awnings

    Johnston's Boot Store Facade
    Johnston’s Boot Store Facade
    Old Building Facades
    Old Building Facades

    Courthouse

    Designed during the transition of Victorian and Federation periods, the Maitland Courthouse is an outstanding building. Designed by Walter Liberty Vernon and built in 1895-96, it is Federation Free Classical in style and detailing, using typical Federation materials such as face red brick with contrasting sandstone trim.

    Maitland Courthouse
    Maitland Courthouse
    Street by the Court House
    Street by the Court House

    Steamfest

    Established in 1986, Steamfest pays homage to an industrial steam era and the men and women involved in its operation.

    The heart and soul of Steamfest is its impressive assembly of steam trains. While there you can take a ride on one of the many unique train trips visiting various Hunter destinations or simply wander around and enjoy the displays.

    Read our full story and see our pictures of Steamfest here.

    • Traction Engines Hunter Valley Steamfest Maitland
      Traction Engines
    • Locomotive 6029 The Garrett
      Locomotive 6029 The Garrett

    Our photos are available for purchase on

    To see what else there is to do in the Hunter Valley, please see some of our other stories.

  • Hunter Valley Steamfest Maitland

    Hunter Valley Steamfest Maitland

    Hunter Valley Steamfest is an annual event held at Maitland in the Hunter Valley. Although focused around steam trains it also includes a large number of stalls selling local produce. There were also plenty of options for refreshments from stalls and shops to pubs and restaurants. 

    The main attractions are the steam locomotives 6029 “The Garrett” and 3642 along with the diesels Red Rattler and Tin Hare. During the event you can purchase tickets for a ride in the carriages. It is suggested that you purchase them beforehand so that you don’t miss out.

    Red Rattler Hunter Valley Steamfest Maitland
    Red Rattler
    Steam Locomotive 3642 Hunter Valley Steamfest Maitland
    Steam Locomotive 3642
    Locomotive 6029 "The Garrett" Hunter Valley Steamfest Maitland
    Locomotive 6029 “The Garrett”

    There is a large display of steam traction engines, which are down on a field next to the train station.  Several steam engines were driving around the outside of the arena. Seeing these huge machines driving past was a great experience. There were also a large number of stationary steam engines most if which were working. The engines were constantly tended by their owners to make sure they kept working properly.

    Traction Engines Hunter Valley Steamfest Maitland
    Traction Engines

    Near the traction engines was a steam powered car something we didn’t know existed until we saw this one. It was in immaculate condition and would have been great to see drive around, but unfortunately, not while we were there.

    Steam Powered car at Hunter Valley Steamfest in Maitland

    As a related interest there were a large number of steampunk cos-players attending which added a lot of character to the festival as they walked around. For those interested, they had stalls selling steampunk related merchandise which was interesting.

    Steampunk Hunter Valley Steamfest Maitland
    Steampunk
    Penny Farthing Steampunk Hunter Valley Steamfest Maitland
    Penny Farthing Steampunk

    A great day out at Hunter Valley Steamfest seeing steam locomotive history live. A great atmosphere from everyone attending as they were obviously enjoying themselves.

    To see what else there is to do in the Hunter Valley, please see some of our other stories.