Hinterland Heritage Self Drive

Port Stephens Street, Raymond Terrace Port Stephens Street, Raymond Terrace

This place is the green behind the blue – our incredible hinterland is where you can explore at your own pace and discover hidden gems and the regions rich history and heritage in the charming towns and villages.

Tip: If you are travelling to Port Stephens from Sydney or the North Coast, Raymond Terrace is just minutes from the freeway on route to the coastal villages of Nelson Bay, Anna Bay, Shoal Bay, Fingal Bay and Soldiers Point.

St Johns Anglical Church St Johns Anglical Church

Raymond Terrace Historic Town Walk

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Drive time/distance: Nelson Bay to King Street, Raymond Terrace via Nelson Bay Road and Richardson Road - 40 min (44 km)

The historic river town of Raymond Terrace, gazetted in 1937, is rich in history and natural beauty. Surrounded by fertile farmland and located at the junction of the Williams and Hunter Rivers. Raymond Terrace began life as a grazier’s property where wheat, wine and wool would be shipped on the river to trading ports.

The stunning mid-19th century architecture, boasting iron and lacework verandahs with filigree and ornamental pillars create a charming country town atmosphere. Spend the morning exploring the Raymond Terrace Historic Town Walk.

An online version is available. Simply click on the number for some interesting facts and images.

Coffee stop: The Rectory Tea House – a stunning heritage property built in the 1840’s open 8am to 1pm daily for breakfast, brunch or lunch. Plan ahead and book a High Tea.

Victoria Hotel, Hinton Victoria Hotel, Hinton

Victoria Hotel

2 Paterson Road, Hinton

Drive time/distance: Raymond Terrace to Hinton – 15 minutes (13 km)

Located on Paterson Road, on the corner with Old Punt Road, the Victoria Hotel was built in 1840 and is now one of Australia's oldest continually licensed hotels. As its name suggests, Old Punt Road once led down to a punt by the junction of the Paterson and Hunter Rivers which connected Hinton with Morpeth.

A quintessential country pub set in beautiful surroundings. Dine at the bistro indoors or take in the fresh country air on the relaxing verandah.

Open 12-2.30pm midweek and 11.30am to 3.00pm Sat/Sun.

The Woodville Store, Woodville The Woodville Store, Woodville

Woodville Store

229 Clarence Town Rd, Woodville

Drive time/distance: Hinton to Woodville – 10 min (8 km) 

Just a short drive from Hinton you can visit the charming village of Woodville nestled on the banks of the Paterson River offering the romance and beauty of bygone years.

The Woodville Store is Australia's oldest continually running business still carrying on the same services it was licensed for in 1844 and has been it is current location since 1863. This historic General Store, situated within a community with an abundance of fresh produce, source the best from local growers along with the addition of quality whole-food and environmentally friendly products from select suppliers.

Tip: Just along the street at (227 Clarence Town Road) is a Café in a little cubby house in the middle of nowhere serving fresh coffee!

Fighterworld museum, Williamtown Fighterworld museum, Williamtown

Fighterworld

49 Medowie Road, Williamtown

Drive time/distance: 35 min (36 km) via Seaham Road

Fighter World is dedicated to preserving Australia’s proud military aviation heritage. Located adjacent to the RAAF Base, visitors can walk-around and look into the cockpits of some of Australia’s most famous aircraft as well as sit in the cockpits of the Mirage and Macchi jets and experience first-hand what it’s like to live on the edge as one of the world’s best ‘Top Guns.’

Inside the main hangar you’ll also find a range of weapons and jet-engine and propeller-driven aircraft as well as the Norm Forrester Collection; undoubtedly one of Australia’s finest displays of hand built model aircraft.

Open 10am to 4pm daily.

Return to Nelson Bay - 30 min (33 km)

Unique Places to Stay in the Port Stephens Hinterland

The Clyde Tiny House, Eagleton The Clyde Tiny House, Eagleton

Why not spend a night or two to further meander the hinterland towns and villages. Stay in a renovated heritage listed chapel, riverside bungalow, tiny house or at one of the comfortable motels in Raymond Terrace and surrounds.

Urban Connection Farm Retreat at Eagleton: 3 bedroom cottage, fully self-contained, on a large property set in the countryside. 

The Hinton Chapel: a beautifully renovated heritage listed chapel est. 1856 just a 5 minute stroll from the Victoria Hotel.

Tiny Houses: set on a property named "the Old Shipyard" because of its heritage as a historical shipyard dating back to the late 1800 you will find The ClydeThe Whispers and The Ferryman at Eagleton. Enjoy breathtaking views of the farmland and open skies with the Williams River right at your doorstep. 

Riverside Luxury Bungalow at Woodville: two bedroom, modern riverside luxury bungalow set on almost a kilometre of Patterson river frontage. River View Cottage also at Woodville is elevated with views of the historic bridge surrounded by the river.

The Rectoryspend the night at the historic Rectory in Raymond Terrace in the elegant main bedroom. Relax in the claw foot bath or in the cosy lounge room.

Motel Accommodation: you will find a range of motel accommodation in and surrounding Raymond Terrace including the Colonial Terrace Motor Inn.

1850's Historic Arnotts Bakehouse, Morpeth 1850's Historic Arnotts Bakehouse, Morpeth

Tip: Morpeth, just a short drive from Hinton or Woodville, is a living museum classified National Trust, with its rich heritage, beautifully preserved buildings, uneven cobble stone paths and unique walkways.