About Morpeth
Discover Morpeth
Morpeth is a small village located on the banks of the Hunter River, near Maitland. Morpeth was settled in 1821 and was in its hey-day the second largest river port in Australia. Second only to Sydney. The steam ships came transporting settlers and supplies from England, up the river to Morpeth. From Morpeth a large part of NSW was settled, right up to the Queensland border.
Today, not much has changed. Sure the river has silted up and the steam ships no longer visit, but plenty of people still visit to admire Morpeth’s sandstone buildings and street scape and pick up their supplies & collectibles to adorn their homes.
Morpeth Bears is part of the large multi-award winning Campbell’s Store complex. Campbell’s Store is a two storey stone and brick building built by James Campbell in 1869. Everyone from miles around travelled by steamship, horse and cart, walked or rode to shop at Campbell’s Store. James Campbell even minted his own money to be used by patrons. We have gift vouchers today!
Over 140 years later, nothing has changed. After falling into disrepair, Campbell’s Store has been restored to its original splendour. Adorning the walls of Campbell’s Store you can retrace the history of Morpeth’s once bustling river port and early township by viewing the photographic exhibition.
At the Campbell’s Store complex, shopping is a real experience. Wander at your leisure through thirteen individual speciality gift shops, all under the one roof. Try on an Akubra hat, discover exquisite jewellery, play with a variety of educational wooden toys or a puppet. Rummage through industrial relics gathered from all over the world – milk bottles, bobbins, crates & shoes lasts.
Smell the wafting aroma of freshly baked fudge, choose from 134 varieties of handmade jam, relish and mustards. At Morpeth Gourmet Foods taste 18 varieties of Australian honey & thirteen flavours of cordial made on the premises. Locally produced dukkah, olive oils and chilli products are always on the tasting bar. Upstairs at Morpeth Investment Art Gallery admire the work of Australia’s leading traditional landscape and wildlife artists. Watch them at work at their easels once a month. There are teapots galore and the odd tea cosy too!
Meet our resident candle and doll makers, then when it all gets too much, take a break at the Servant’s Quarters for a Devonshire Tea, light lunch or a delicious piece of cake. There are 40 more boutiques, cafes and eclectic stores to visit in Morpeth’s main street. Stay the night at a Morpeth B&B and dine at Morpeth Sourdough Restaurant, where William Arnott of biscuit fame, began his career.
We look forward to your visit at Morpeth Bears & Campbell’s Store.
Open every Thursday – Sunday & most public holidays (closed Good Friday, Christmas Day & Boxing Day). 10am – 5pm. You can telephone us seven days a week.