Spring is almost here and it’s a great opportunity to plan a day out in Maitland. The Levee in Central Maitland is one of the easiest family day trips in the Hunter. It’s flat, walkable and packed with things to see, so you can go at your own pace, whether that means a full day out or a quick morning stop between errands.
With riverside paths, laneway murals, cafés, shops and a playground all within a few minutes’ walk of each other, it’s a solid pick right through spring.
Here’s our local guide to making the most of a visit, plus a preview of Riverlights, the big community event lighting up The Levee on Saturday 10 October, right at the end of the school holidays.
Ride along the riverside
The Riverside Walk runs along the Hunter River with flat, wide paths that are easy for scooters, bikes and little legs. Keep an eye out for the flood markers along the way, which show just how high the historic 1955 floods reached. There are plenty of spots to pull over for a break, as well as a string of cafés on the Riverwalk if anyone needs refuelling on the way.
Spot the murals
The Levee’s laneways are home to some genuinely impressive street art, including large-scale murals and sculptures that reflect Maitland’s history and its connection to the river.
Turn it into a scavenger hunt for the kids by picking a few favourites to track down. Look out for The New One in the Bourke Street Link, Clouds Gathering at The Riverlink, Take Me to the River in Drill Hall Lane, Passing On in Preschool Lane, The Heart of Maitland at the Maitland Central carpark, and the artwork along Stillsbury Lane. It’s a nice way to slow a walk down without anyone getting bored.
Family-friendly cafés
There’s no shortage of café stops at The Levee, so it’s easy to find something for everyone. Grab a coffee while the kids have a babyccino or milkshake, or settle in for a proper brunch if you’ve got the morning free. Local favourites include Lavenders Cafe, Acacia Dining, Orange Tree Cafe, The Whistler and Ometto, each with their own take on the café classics. Whether you’re after an early breakfast, a mid-morning coffee or a relaxed lunch, you’ll find options at every price point.
Sweet treats
If anyone in the family has a sweet tooth, The Levee delivers. Between the bakeries and patisseries scattered through the precinct, there’s scones, vanilla slice, Portuguese tarts and more on offer. It’s an easy way to turn a walk into a proper outing.
Playground nearby
Little ones can burn off some energy at Maitland Central’s new playground, located just outside Aldi. There’s also a smaller playspace near Terry White Pharmacy if you’re after a quick stop rather than a full play session. Handy if you need somewhere for the kids to let off steam before or after lunch.
Shopping stops
The Levee has a good mix of local shops worth ducking into to support local, from toy stores and bookshops to gift shops and kids’ boutiques. It’s a good spot to pick up a birthday present or a holiday treat without heading to a big shopping centre.
Have a browse through Toy World, Tactica Hobbies and Games or Kaisercraft for toys, games and craft supplies, or duck into Maitland Book Exchange and Tomcat Books and Comics for something new to read.
For kids’ fashion and gifts, check out Willow and Mum, Mod Bodz children’s boutique and Bumble Beads, and if anyone in the family surfs or skates, Breakaway Surf is worth a look too. McDonalds Book Store and Stationers, The Goose and Squirrel and Therapy Sensory Shop round out the precinct’s mix of local specialty stores.
Picnic ideas
For a change of pace, pack a picnic and make the most of the riverside setting right in the CBD. Pull up at one of the picnic tables overlooking the river, or spread a blanket on the grass where there’s plenty of room to run around. It’s a low-cost way to spend a few hours and works well either side of a play at the playground.
Visit local businesses
While the kids are occupied, The Levee is also a handy spot to tick off a few errands. There are hairdressers, therapists and other local professionals based in the precinct, so it’s easy to combine a family outing with an appointment you’ve been putting off.
School holiday activities
With flat paths, shade along parts of the riverside, and a mix of free and low-cost things to do, The Levee is well suited to a family outing any time this spring, and especially during the spring school holidays. Combine a few of the ideas above (a ride along the river, a mural hunt, a playground stop and lunch) for a half or full day out that doesn’t cost a lot and doesn’t need much planning.
Maitland Riverlights
The Levee’s biggest event of the season is coming up. On Saturday 10 October, Central Maitland will come alive as a vibrant global village from 2pm to 9pm, with cultural villages, live performances, interactive activities and food from around the world. The celebrations continue into the evening with a community parade, the lantern flotilla and a finale show on the Riverlights Stage.
It’s a big one for families, so it’s worth planning ahead for parking and arriving early to find a good spot along the river for the evening program. Find out more about Riverlights
Suggested family itineraries
Want some inspiration for a family day out at The Levee?
Morning: Start with coffee and breakfast at one of the cafés along the precinct. From there, wander the laneways and see how many murals you can spot before heading down towards the river.
Late morning: Bring the scooters or bikes and ride or stroll along the Riverside Walk. Dogs are welcome to tag along too. Stop for photos at the flood markers or wherever the kids want to explore.
Lunch: Refuel at one of The Levee’s family-friendly cafés or restaurants. With options at different price points, from a quick bite to a sit-down meal, there’s something to suit however the morning has gone.
Afternoon: Spend a bit of time browsing the shops and picking up a treat from one of the bakeries. If you haven’t ticked off all the murals yet, this is a good time to finish the trail before one last stroll along the river to wrap up the day.
Good to know
Parking: The Levee has a wide spread of parking options throughout the precinct, including car parks on Elgin Street, Church Street and St Andrews Street, plus the Riverside and Maitland Riverside Plaza car parks. On Riverlights day, arrive early as central spots fill up fast.
Toilets: Public toilets are available at The Riverlink building and Maitland Central, along with a number of cafés in the precinct.
Best for: All ages, though the flat paths and nearby playgrounds make it especially easy with toddlers and primary-aged kids.
For more information, visit The Levee website
You might also like: