HUNTER VALLEY GUIDE
- May 27, 2020

CAMPBELLS STORE COMPLEX

IT'S A FOODIES PARADISE Wander in for tastings of thirteen flavours or cordial, including Ginger Beer, fudge, nuts, honey & gourmet foods. It’s a foodies paradise.

Campbell’s Store is an historic sandstone building that 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 antiques, vintage, deco to retro & bric-a-brac. 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.

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.

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 one and all. Wander down the path to the big blue barn-like building, which houses Morpeth Gift Gallery & Morpeth Investment Art Gallery. Showcasing the work of Internationally acclaimed artists who paint Australian wildlife, landscape, still life & marine art.

Choose Australian made gifts such as skincare, socks, Akubra hats & belts. International brands of clothing, handbags, collectable figurines, fine bone china mugs & teapots, plush toys and traditional wooden educational toys for children.

Have you spotted the six foot brown bear & even taller giraffe yet? Welcome to Morpeth Teddy Bears, home to hundreds of cuddly bears and animals, including Hansa, Gund, Peter Rabbit & Winnie the Pooh, Charlie Bears, the ‘Rolls Royce’ of teddy bears Steiff, Merrythought & Hermann Red & Green collectable bears from Germany and England. They are kept company by Kewpie Dolls and cloth dolls, whilst waiting to be re-homed.

Morpeth Ginger Beer Factory & Gourmet Foods is next door. Wander in for tastings of thirteen flavours or cordial, including Ginger Beer, fudge, nuts, honey & gourmet foods. It’s a foodies paradise.

Campbell’s Store is a 40 minute drive from Hunter Wine Country & Port Stephen’s Blue Water Wonderland and a 35 minute drive from Newcastle & Lake Macquarie. They are open Thursday – Sunday & public holiday Mondays. 10am – 5pm. (Closed Good Friday, Christmas Day & Boxing Day.)

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