The cold weather has well and truly set in, and is there anything better during the colder months than an old country town adventure? We think not!

With so many gems right at our fingertips, there’s one crowd favourite that we will continue to visit year after year, that’s the ever-so-friendly and quaint country town of Morpeth.

Located just a short drive from the centre of Newcastle and 5-minutes from Maitland, the historic town of Morpeth is home to boutique shopping, eclectic experiences, delicious dining, and cosy accommodation making it perfect for a short stay.

This winter, why not make the short trip out west and make the most of everything available in Morpeth. To keep your itinerary planning easy, we’ve covered our top picks of what to do, eat & drink, and places to stay in Morpeth! Happy exploring… 

Eat & Drink

It’s no surprise that when visiting somewhere, looking for the best spots to eat & drink is on the top of our to-do list! Morpeth is home to a bunch of different eateries including some that have stood the test of time, and a handful new to the scene.

From cosy little cafes overlooking the river and traditional bakeries to your traditional pub and high-end dining, there’s a little bit of everything available.

Arriscar Café

Like most venues in Morpeth, Arriscar Café is set up on the main street of Morpeth overlooking the Illalaung Park and the iconic, historic, and downright stunning Morpeth Bridge on the Hunter River.

Step inside and be treated to homemade sweet treats and savoury goods with some traditional Aussie hospitality and some delicious coffee courtesy of beans from Newcastle-based coffee roasters, Peaberrys!
Where: 1/129 Swan St
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Boydell’s

Tucked along Green St, Boydell’s Cellar Door & Restaurant by Daniel and Jane Maroulis has quickly become a local favourite. The Cabin-esque-styled cellar door space literally has you taking a step back to admire not only the craftsmanship of the old slab hut building but the incredible transformation that has taken place.

Dining at Boydell’s offers a relaxed yet sophisticated experience with the interiors flowing seamlessly from cellar door to dining space. The menu is equally sophisticated with a focus on local suppliers and a seasonal menu.
Where: 2 Green St
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Commercial Hotel

Need a traditional pub feed? Look no further than the Commercial Hotel. Sitting high on the corner of Swan and Northumberland Streets, the Commercial Hotel offers it all when it comes to country pub hospitality.

Featuring those traditional pub meals including Crumbed Lamb Cutlets and Chicken Schnitzels, alongside artisan beer from their onsite nano-brewery, Morpeth Brewery, and their upstairs area, Miss Mullen’s Bar where you can take in the beautiful view, Commercial Hotel is the place to be!
Where: 127 Swan St
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Common Grounds

Serving up some delicious coffee with help from Glee Coffee Roasters, Common Grounds is home to a modern renovated interior with a cosy back porch, the perfect spot to start your Morpeth adventure as you devour your morning cup of coffee and tuck into a delicious breakfast.
Where: 4/142 Swan St
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Cupz n’ Crepes

It’s a little retro but trust us when we say it packs a punch when it comes to quality food, coffee, and service! This foodie and retail spot has been providing both locals and visitors alike with quality sweet and savoury options for the past three years.

The café space is accompanied by a gorgeous outside laneway garden which extends back into a number of retail spots including a beautiful homewares & gift shop and a magical garden ware shed out the back. Want to hear a funny story? Make sure to ask the owner, Michael Priestly, about the coffee machine. It truly is quite the talking point…
Where: 137 Swan St
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High Tea on the Hunter

Treat yourself to something extra special and book your table for a delightful high tea experience in Morpeth with High Tea on the Hunter.

“Our mission is to make you feel totally spoiled, with everything vintage and utterly gorgeous – like our delicate, fine bone China tea sets, crystal glassware and silver cutlery, our embroidered vintage napery and antique furnishings, to the fresh flowers in every corner,” owner, Kez Hiscox says.

The traditional high tea house offers three different high tea experiences, each with its own unique offering, Devonshire Tea, Traditional High Tea, and Indulgent High Tea.
Where: 119 Swan St
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Morpeth Brewery

This nano-brewery sits within the Commercial Hotel and has been brewing hand-crafted beers on-site since 2012. Morpeth Brewery brews kegs exclusively for the Commercial Hotel, providing the many local customers and visitors the ultimate brewpub experience.

Since its inception, the nano-brewery has brewed over 40 different styles of beers, with their six taps dedicating four to their regular beers, with IPAs and seasonal beers on rotation.
Where: 127 Swan St
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Morpeth Cottage Bakehouse

Every small country town has a go-to for all things baked goods, and for Morpeth, it’s the Morpeth Cottage Bakehouse! Featuring an excellent selection of pies and pastries, this gem makes for a perfect spot to drop in and pick up something tasty before enjoying lunch in the park.

Where: 151 Swan St
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Morpeth Deli Fine Food Store

This absolute cracker of a spot is your one-stop-shop for all things fine food including gourmet cheese and meats, meals, sandwiches, amazing coffee, sweet treats, and the best of the best when it comes to delicatessen products.

Drop in and chat with Kev about their selection of goods including the showcase on local growers and artisans. Our best suggestion? Pop by and pull together a little grazing board to enjoy in the park. Scan the cabinets and shop the racks before piling your picnic basket full of delicious goods!
Where: 160 Swan St
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Morpeth Woodfire Pizza & Indian Delicacies

Situated inside the ever-so-popular Morpeth Wine Cellar, this welcoming foodie hotspot will bring your senses alive from the second you step foot inside from the fresh aromas making their way out of the kitchen.

Pull up a spot and choose from a range of pizzas from their authentic wood fire oven or devour some classic Indian dishes. Or, to make the most of this truly unique experience, why not try both?
Where: 173 Swan St
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River Royal Inn

This old-school pub is situated just up the road away from the ‘hustle and bustle’ of Morpeth’s main road. Boasting a great beer garden perfect for enjoying those winter rays, and a beautiful old-world country charm, the River Royal Inn is perfect for a pub feed and a cold beer.
Where: 97 Swan St
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Savannah’s on Swan

This long-time favourite on the main street has just had a bit of a makeover with new owner Bridget injecting some much-needed life into the historic building.

Enjoy dining on the banks of the Hunter River in Morpeth’s Historic Bond Store, known affectionately by the locals as Savannah’s. Enjoy the alfresco dining in the warmer months of pull up a chair inside in the refurbed rustic and eclectic café space. Watch this space as Bridget aims to bring the upstairs to life with a one-of-a-kind gallery space in the not-so-distant future.
Where: 128-130 Swan St
More Info: click here

Shop

It’s time to hit the shops! The country town is home to a great collection of long-time retail tenants alongside a selection of new lifestyle stores making for a truly unique shopping experience.

Boho Luxe Trader

You might recognise this lifestyle business, as they use to call Darby Street home! Having decided to pack their bags and move to Morpeth to be closer to home, Boho Luxe Trader has transformed its brand with this truly beautiful space.

Originally opening in Nelson Bay back in 2015, Morpeth’s newest retail offering, Boho Luxe Trader is the creative brainchild of the mother/daughter duo, Karen and Olivia.

The brand aims to bring contemporary quality pieces to keen shoppers with a mix of styles available for women across fashion, homewares, jewellery, bags, accessories, and more!
Where: 5/154 Swan St
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Campbell’s Store

If you’re visiting Morpeth, you can’t have a true experience without dropping into Campbell’s store. It truly is the place in town for shopping for high-quality giftware, fine art, and above all, collectables!

The historic two-storey stone and brick building is now home to Morpeth Antique Centre which features over 25 dealers and other specialty shops and The Servant’s Quarters Tearoom. Running along the back of Campbell’s store is a big blue barn-like structure housing Morpeth Ginger Beer Factory & Gourmet Foods, Morpeth Gift Gallery, and Morpeth Investment Art Gallery.
Where: 175 Swan St
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Christmas Lane

For lovers of all things Christmas, you must take the time to drop into this truly exceptional offering featuring Christmas decorations, ornaments, and more. Make sure to follow on Facebook to make sure they’re open!
Where: 98 Close St
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Fairytale Lane

Brought to you by the same team behind Christmas Lane, this magical space brings all of your Fairy dreams to life with Fairytale Lane. Drop in and experience some magic and explore all their fairy-related paraphernalia for your at-home fairy garden!
Where: 161 Swan St
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Miss Lily’s Lollies

If you’ve yet to step foot inside Miss Lily’s Lollies on Morpeth’s Green St, your sweet tooth is truly missing out. This traditional lolly shop has been a staple in Morpeth since its inception in 1996.

Offering the largest range of lollies you might ever see, you can expect to get your hands on handmade fudge and American candy, to Aussie cobbers and English sweeties as well as humbugs and sour sprays.
Where: 2 Green St
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Morpeth Emporium

A local gem perfect for the ladies, Morpeth Emporium is the go-to for ladies’ fashion specialising in exclusive label clothing, footwear, and accessories!
Where: 165 Swan St
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Morpeth Flower Gallery

Love a little bit of floral in your life? Whether you intend on picking up a bunch of blooms to take home with you or just love browsing everything local when visiting somewhere new, Ruby from the Morpeth Flower Gallery welcomes you to drop by.

The building itself is bursting with character and cottage charm, seemingly plucked right from a fairytale. The shop is filled to the brim with lush plants, a thoughtfully curated selection of gifts and wares, and above all, a collection of both fresh and dried flowers.
Where: 166 Swan St
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Morpeth Jeweller & Antique Gallery

After a little jewellery retail therapy? Well, you must drop into Morpeth Jeweller & Antique Gallery where you’ll receive a truly personal and professional shopping experience. Browse their fantastic collection of modern, antique, and vintage jewellery.
Where: 145 Swan St
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Princess Bazaar

Right in the centre of town is Morpeth’s very own bohemian-inspired boutique situated inside one of the town’s original terrace shops. Brought to you by owner Lisa Simmonds-Webb, this unique boutique features an eye-catching pink chandelier alongside a collection of quirky and eye-catching objects.

Lisa with her vintage-inspired tastes and favouritism towards original designs sees Princess Bazaar become home to a mix of both global labels and a selection of local fashion talent.
Where: 163 Swan St
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The Hunter Collection

This gorgeous retail store sits amongst the core retail group on the main strip and boasts a broad selection of goods from Hunter Valley-based small makers and Australian designs. Whether you love picking up a unique piece or are after a Morpeth souvenir, this is the place for you.
Where: 157 Swan St
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UAINE Candles

Get your hands on some beautiful hand-poured soy candles by UAINE Candles right here in the heart of Morpeth. With four unique ranges available and 18 beautiful fragrances, we can guarantee that UAINE Candles has a scent for everyone.
Where: 162 Swan St
More Info: click here

Explore (things to do)

Make the most of your time in town and sign up for a unique Morpeth experience!

Morpeth Gallery

Established in 1991, Morpeth Gallery has consistently played host to a broad selection of art exhibitions by individual artists. Step inside and be treated to an excellent selection. Of fine traditional Australian landscape and wildlife art. 

Specialising in investment art, the Morpeth Gallery team are keen to assist you in selecting pieces that will not only enhance your home but will appreciate in value over time. 
Where: 5 Green St
More Info: click here

Sourdough Classes at Arnott Bakehouse

Sign up for a truly unique hands-on experience alongside Stephen Arnott, co-founder of Morpeth Sourdough bakery and relative of William Arnott, founder of Arnott’s Biscuits. Learn the art of Sourdough in the famous site and original kitchen that dates back to the 1860s.

Guests will learn to mix, shape, and bake their own sourdough in a totally hands-on experience through defined stages with techniques, tips, and even some science!
Where: 148 Swan St
More Info: click here

Stay

Want to extend your Morpeth adventure? Why not make a short stay of it and book in some local accommodation to truly make the most of your visit. From boutique hotels and self-contained cottages to beautifully restored historic homes, there’s the perfect accommodation offering for all parties.

Morpeth Cottage

Brought to you by the team behind the William Arnott Hotel, the Morpeth Cottage is a quaint three-bedroom self-contained cottage offering all the comforts for a stress-free stay in Morpeth.

Retaining some period originality, the cottage brings in some modern touches making for a comfortable and somewhat historic experience. With an open-plan living area, a country-style kitchen, and a large wrap-around verandah, this spot is perfect for large families, girl's getaways, wedding parties, or corporate travellers.
More Info: click here

Surgeons Cottage

Not short of cottage accommodation options, the Surgeons Cottage offers two separate spaces available for bookings: the Surgeon’s Cottage and the Loft Cottage. The Surgeon’s Cottage provides a two-bedroom space that is situated right amongst the many boutiques, galleries, and cafes Morpeth has to offer.

Situated just behind the Surgeon’s Cottage in the garden you’ll find the Loft Cottage. This two-bedroom accommodation comes with lots of charm featuring original décor and a unique loft bedroom.
Where: 171 Swan St
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The Bronte Boutique Hotel

Morpeth has itself a four-star hotel accommodation right in the heart of Morpeth at The Bronte Boutique Hotel. Offering the perfect spot for a getaway retreat, romantic weekend, or even a mid-week break, this luxury retreat boasts all you need and more for a short stay.  
Where: 145-147 Swan St
More Info: click here

The River Haus

Antique treasures meet luxe accommodation comfort at The River Haus in Morpeth. Set behind a white picket fence, this quintessential country cottage is bordered by historic homes and buildings.
More Info: click here

William Arnott Boutique Hotel

This historic building has quite the story, and the onsite accommodation offers a truly unique stay. Featuring three suites, each with a nod to the Arnott’s brand; The Monte Carlo Penthouse, The VoVo Suite, and the SAO Studio.
Where: 148 Swan St
More Info: click here

Have we missed somewhere? Email us!