Maitland

Maitland is located 166km north of Sydney in New South Wales' best known wine region, the Hunter Valley. The wines are characterised by their peppery notes from the regions surrounding natural peppercorn trees.

With an estimated population of 67,500 people, Maitland is situated on the Hunter River. Maitland's relationship with the Hunter River has been one of blessings and heartbreak having bared the brunt of a succession of over 200 floods since settlement. The most famous of the floods known as "The Maitland Flood" was the first natural disaster to be broadcast on a national scale and in 1955 saw water levels reach 12.5 meters (41ft.).

As well as being a popular tourist destination for foreign visitors, Maitland is also an attractive draw card for Sydney-siders looking to get out of the city for a relaxing weekend of gourmet food, wine and stunning Australian bush land scenery.