Part of the joy of travel are the surprises along the way; on the way back from Newcastle, New South Wales, we discovered the cute little historic village of Morpeth in the Hunter Valley. It was purely by chance; Louise had picked up a brochure which featured a cruise up the Hunter River to Morpeth.
We didn't have time to take the boat, we had to drive, but sometimes that's the best way to find these little gems, like when we hired a car and drove to Mount Dora, Florida from Orlando (see our United States Trip 2008).
Situated on the banks of the Hunter River, Morpeth, was established as originally as a river port in the nineteenth century. It's importance declined, as the Port of Newcastle, where we had just visited, expanded into a major city, whilst Morpeth remains pretty much preserved in time.
Now days it is a popular tourist destination. and it's no wonder - it really is very cute. The old stone buildings lining a wide tree lined street, the brown Hunter River flowing lazily under an old white wooden rickety bridge, the lush green fields stretching into the distance provides a picturesque setting. A visitor can spend hours fossicking amongst the quaint little shops, and Louise naturallly liked this shop named Louise's of Morpeth (pictured below).
There are plenty of cozy cafes and restaurants. The freshly baked scones from a wood fire oven gave a satisfying crunch as we bit into them at Morpeth Wood Fired Pizza in the main street.
Then we were lucky enought to catch this Tractor Parade through the main street. A horse drawn carriage taking tourists on a ride pulled over to the side and rattled to a stop to allow the machinery to pass, the old making way for the new.
It was time to head back for the two and a half hour drive to Sydney, but we are already planning a return trip for an over night stay at Morpeth.
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TRIP NOTES:
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Morpeth
Established: 1821
Population: 891
Approximately 165km north of Sydney and 35km north west of Newcastle, NSW.
Morpeth Wood Fired Pizza
173 Swan St, Morpeth.
173 Swan St, Morpeth.
Open seven days for lunch and dinner.
PH: 02 49339737.
