HUNTER VALLEY GUIDE
- May 27, 2020

MORPETH ANTIQUE CENTRE

A HIDDEN GEM Morpeth Antique Centre is like walking through history, or your great grandma’s

house…there’s something of interest for everyone, young & old!

The Morpeth Antique Centre is located within Campbell’s Store. This historic sandstone building is situated at the beginning of Morpeth’s main street.

Morpeth is a historic village that was founded in 1821. With Australia’s second largest river port only to Sydney it was once a thriving hub in NSW. James Campbell built his general store in 1835. From his first floor lounge room window, he could watch the steam ships unload his stock, from one of Morpeth’s twelve wharves, into his river side warehouse. Goods were then carted up the hill and into Campbell’s General Store.

Settlers came from as far away as the Queensland border to shop at Morpeth, purchasing everything they required, from food to haberdashery, clothing, kitchen gear & building materials.

Today not much has changed. James’ servant Elizabeth, who was murdered by a jealous lover, still roams the upper floor rooms, and Campbell’s Store now houses the Morpeth Antique Centre with 25 dealers showcasing all things ancient, antique, vintage, deco to retro & bric-a-brac.

It’s like walking through history, or your great grandma’s house. Jewellery, chintz & china, Depression glass, militaria, nautical & industrial, tools, coins, silver, kitchen gear, bakelite, Olympic, plush toys & tin toys and games… there’s something of interest for everyone, young & old. Don’t miss the first floor book room, vinyl records, art glass, Morpeth Hat shop and over 5,000 buttons through the ages on display and for sale.

In the back garden area you’ll find an old Brake Van and Slab Hut Cottage, which has been transformed into the most fabulous ‘Man Cave’ by Robinson Ordinance. Militaria, hunting, sport, garage and transport gear is popular with everyone, but especially men. Traditionally hard to buy for, we guarantee you’ll find something of interest for the men in your life.

The former Servant’s Quarters has been converted into a tearoom, which serves a fabulous Devonshire Tea with real cream & fresh strawberry jam and leaf tea in a pot. Big breakfasts, light lunches & a selection of cakes, tarts and muffins with a steaming cup of coffee will allow you to recharge the batteries from indoor or outdoor seating.

Because currency was in short supply in the mid 1800’s, James Campbell minted his own. His tokens dated 1854 were issued and could then be redeemed for goods instore. You’ll find some for sale in the coin cabinet, and the same offer is extended today. Should you have one in your possession, you may trade it at the counter for goods or ‘cash in hand’.

Morpeth Antique Centre is open Thursday – Sunday & public holiday Mondays. 10am – 5pm. (Closed Good Friday, Christmas Day & Boxing Day.)

READ ABOUT MORPETH ANTIQUE CENTRE IN YOUR HUNTER VALLEY MAGAZINE