Hotel Maitland

Maitland
Interesting rural centre in the heart of the Yorke Peninsula
Located 168 km west of Adelaide via the Princes Highway and 164 km south of Port Pirie, Maitland is one of the few inland towns on the Yorke Peninsula which looks as though it will survive the dramatic changes which have occurred over the past decade. The Peninsula has become a popular holiday seaside destination and the wheat and sheep which traditionally drove the economy of the area has become more marginalised. Consequently the towns which operated as service centres to the local farm community have become small and less important. Still Maitland persists. It is a small and charming town with flower beds in the wide main street.

The town was proclaimed and named in 1872 after a family connection (Lady Jean Maitland, the wife of the First Lord of Kilkerran in Scotland) with Governor Fergusson who was the Governor of South Australia at the time of the establishment of the town. The local Aborigines called the area 'madu waltu' which meant white flint which was common in the area.

The town was laid out in the same style as Adelaide with a series of radiating squares. On the outer edge are North, West, South and Shannon Terraces. Road radiate in from the corners of this square. There is a smaller square and then two smaller squares. This is not a typical Australian grid pattern. It is much too unusual and elaborate.

Today the town is in the centre of rich farming land. The limestone soils are ideal for the growing of barley and wheat and the area enjoys a good rainfall.

Things to see:  

Maitland National Trust Museum
Located on the corner of Gardener and Kilkerran Terrace, this National Trust Museum (it used to be an old schoolhouse) contains a good collection of local memorabilia. Of particular interest are the Aboriginal and German heritage exhibitions. As most of the Aborigines had disappeared from the Yorke Peninsula by the time of European settlement this is a particularly valuable collection. Open Sunday and school and public holidays 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. - (08) 8832 2220

St John's Anglican Church (1876)
This is well worth a visit to look at the stained glass windows. They depict biblical stories but the settings are all Australian. It is located on the corner of Alice and Caroline Streets.

Lions Bicycle Adventure Park
Located off Elizabeth Street, the Lions Park is an ideal place to spend a few hour with the children. It is a pleasant retreat.

The District Council of Yorke Peninsula Building which was completed in 1908

Other Attractions
There is a self-guided nature and history trail. Information and leaflets from District Council. There are also a wide range of interesting stone buildings exist in the town. In Walter Street there are some particularly fine examples. The District Council of Yorke Peninsula Building which was completed in 1908 at the cost of £276 and used as Council Chambers from 1 July 1908 and the verandah was added in 1928 at the cost of £60. It ceased to be used as the Council Chambers on 16 March, 1969

	Tourist Information
	Maitland Council Office 8 Elizabeth St Maitland SA 5573 Telephone: (08) 8832 2701
	Hotels
	Arthurton Hotel Lot 45 Main St Arthurton Maitland SA 5573 Telephone: (08) 8835 1210
	Hotel Maitland 33 Robert St Maitland SA 5573 Telephone: (08) 8832 2431
	Yorke Valley Hotel 20 Robert St Maitland SA 5573 Telephone: (08) 8832 2422
	Farm & Eco Holidays
	Eothen Farmhouse Cottage P.O. Box 205 Maitland SA 5573 Telephone: (08) 8836 3210 or 019 141 643 Facsimile: (08) 8836 3210 Rating: ***
	Restaurants
	Hotel Maitland 33 Robert St Maitland SA 5573 Telephone: (08) 8832 2431
	Red & White Coffee Shop 32 Elizabeth St Maitland SA 5573 Telephone: (08) 8832 2858
	Yorke Valley Hotel 20 Robert St Maitland SA 5573 Telephone: (08) 8832 2422