Explore the Lower Hunter Valley area with a car rental from Maitland
When it comes to exploring the picturesque Lower Hunter Valley region of New South Wales, securing car hire Maitland with Airport Rentals is an ideal choice. Maitland is approximately 40 kilometres northwest of Newcastle and the South Pacific coast. The Hunter River runs through this historic city, which is blessed with a charming centre incorporating museums, restored colonial-era buildings and one of the best art galleries in the region.
As well as being an attractive destination in its own right, Maitland makes a great point from which to start a classic Australian road trip. The city is within an easy drive of the Central Coast's world-class beaches, relaxed ambience and superb surfing conditions.
Fancy heading a little further afield? Sydney, the state capital and Australia's most populous city, is a two-and-a-half hour drive away, while the vibrant nightlife of the Gold Coast and the culture of Brisbane lie 725 kilometres to the north. For an even more extensive driving adventure, make the 965-kilometre drive south to the cultural hub of Melbourne.
Get your road trip off to the best possible start by booking your Maitland car hire with Airport Rentals. We're experts in international car rental, with more than 50,000 pick-up locations across the world, and our extensive network and buying power allow us to provide exclusive offers to our customers.
As well as great prices, we offer our customers peace of mind - from reservation to pick up to drop off. Most of our cars come with free cancellation and instant confirmation, and because we don't demand booking fees or credit card charges, you can be sure that the price we advertise is what you end up paying. And if you do encounter any problems or need to ask us a question, you'll find our friendly customer service team are available 24/7.
A quick guide to Maitland
Maitland is a fantastic jumping-off point for anyone planning to explore the Hunter Valley wine region, which is dotted with more than 150 wineries. Many offer tours and tastings, so you'll definitely want to include them on your itinerary when hiring a car in Maitland (just make sure you choose a designated driver first).
● Leaving Maitland CBD, head east on the New England Highway.
● After 16 kilometres, turn left onto the Pacific Highway as it crosses the Hunter River.
● After 750 metres, use the right two lanes to turn onto Tomago Road.
● Continue onto Cabbage Tree Road, then after 6 kilometres take the first exit at the roundabout onto Nelson Bay Road.
● Turn left onto Williamtown Drive and arrive at the airport.
Car hire Maitland driving tips
● A zero alcohol limit applies to visiting drivers in New South Wales.
● Temperatures in Maitland drop to an average of 6-7 degrees Celsius on winter nights (June to August), so bring warm clothes if you're visiting at this time.
● New South Wales has two default speed limits. If you're in a built-up area (street lights, buildings next to the road) and there are no posted signs, the limit is 50 km/h (30 mph). For all other roads without posted signs, the limit is 100 km/h (60 mph).
● There are toll roads in parts of New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria - all within the limits of the state capitals (Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne respectively). All toll roads are cashless, so you'll need to pay with an electronic tag or pass.
Within 500 metres of The Levee, Maitland's main shopping district, there are 500 on-street and 3,000 off-street parking spaces.
City Info
Accommodation in Maitland
Maitland offers plenty of accommodation options. Here are some of our favourites.
● Best Western Endeavour Motel - Reasonably priced accommodation located just 85 metres from Victoria Street Railway Station.
● The Regents Park - Upscale city-centre apartments with a private pool. Some have their own balconies.
● Shenanigans at The Imperial - This lively hotel above an authentic Irish pub is a great spot from which to enjoy the local nightlife.
Annual events in Maitland
Highlights on the local entertainment calendar include:
● Hunter Valley Steamfest (April) - Steam locomotives from as far afield as Canberra, Sydney and Thirlmere are showcased at this family-friendly event.
● Maitland Aroma (August) - Sample fresh coffee, chocolate, and decadent dishes on the bank of the Hunter River.
● Riverlights Multicultural Festival (October) - The Levee transforms into a global village, with food, dancing, live music, and language lessons.
Main attractions in Maitland
Hop in your car hire Maitland and visit some of these great local attractions while you're in town.
● Maitland Gaol - Now a museum, this heritage-listed former prison once housed some of Australia's most notorious criminals.
● Maitland Regional Art Gallery - An excellent gallery with regularly changing exhibitions, guided tours, and a packed events calendar.
● Walka Water Works- An ornate 19th-century pumping station next to a large lake. A great spot for walks and picnics.
