Morpeth is today a small town about two hours’ drive north of Sydney. The town of Morpeth grew from an original 2000 acres of land given to an English army officer, Lieutenant Edward Close (1790-1866), in 1821. During the 1830s and 1840s Morpeth became a major river port, due to its favourable location. Produce, hides and timber were brought to Morpeth from inland New South Wales and shipped down the Hunter river to the coast and then to Sydney. However, in 1870 a railway line reached the town, and the importance of river shipping began to decline. Today, Morpeth, with its beautiful old buildings, is a popular tourist destination.
Questions 1 – 3
Use NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR a NUMBER for each answer.
1. When was Lieutenant Close given the land on which Morpeth grew?
2. On what river is Morpeth situated?
3. When did trains first get to Morpeth?
A. Country Comfort Inn, Hunter Valley
The Country Comfort Inn, Hunter Valley, is a beautifully restored 125-year-old building just 20 minutes from the vineyards. Formerly an orphanage, the Inn is set on 10 acres of landscaped gardens complete with pool, sauna, tennis court, spa, gym, billiard room, guest lounge, fireplace, cocktail bar, and two restaurants. Special packages available.
New England Highway, Maitland.
Call toll-free 1800 065 064 or (049) 32 52 88.
B. Siesta Motel
“Spend a night – not a fortune”
That’s the Budget Motel chain motto. The Siesta Motel, rated 3-star, is conveniently placed at the gateway to tire winery district and nearby to the historic towns of Morpeth and Wollombi. The family-owned and operated Siesta offers air-conditioned comfort and a friendly atmosphere. A free light breakfast is delivered to your suite and excellent meals are available at the Maitland City Bowling Club next door. Quality of accommodation is assured and the tariff is the lowest in the district.
258 New England Highway, Maitland.
Phone (049) 32 83 22.
C. Endeavour East Maitland Motel
28 modern, comfortable 3-star units which open onto the swimming pool and barbeque area. All units feature TV and videos, air- conditioning, 2 with spas. Fully licensed restaurant with cocktail bar and lounge is open 7 nights. Close to all amenities.
New England Highway, East Maitland.
Phone (049) 33 54 88.
D. Eskdale Country Cottages
Rustic cottages secluded amongst gum trees provide quietness and privacy on 200 acres. The cottages are located on the historic beef cattle property, “Eskdale”, nestled in the Williams Valley. Each cottage is completely self-contained having 2 bedrooms, full kitchen facilities, and sitting rooms with TV and video, and offers comfortable rural accommodation to those who enjoy the delights of the country yet still retain access to the city. Situated close to the towns of Morpeth, Maitland, Port Stephens & rainforests around Dungog.
Nelson Plains Road, Seaham NSW 2324.
Phone (049) 88 62 07, 88 62 09
Fax (049)88 62 09.
Questions 4 – 8
There are four advertisements on the page for places to stay near Morpeth.
Answer the questions below with the letter of the appropriate advertisements.
4. Which expensive place to stay has restaurant?
- A
- B
- C
- D
5. Which place claims to offer the cheapest rate?
- A
- B
- C
- D
6. For more information, to which place can you telephone free of charge?
- A
- B
- C
- D
7. At which place can the guests cook their own food?
- A
- B
- C
- D
8. Which cheap place to stay has restaurant?
- A
- B
- C
- D
ART GALLERY
The Art Gallery’s mission is to bring diverse forms of art and craft
to the people of this city. New Year festivities: a multimedia exhibition from the four comers of the earth on show in the Hanson Theatre, Level 2, Main Building
Opens January 1, closes March 20.
The art of the early West: American art of the westward expansion is on show in the South Gallery, Level 3.
$15 adults, $5.00 for members, $4.50 for students.
Opens March 13, closes June 30
Greek Olympic sculpture: a historical exhibit of work by ancient artists is in the North Gallery
$10 adults, $8.00 for members, $6.00 for students
Opens July 1, closes August 7
Developmental art: work by gifted local school children on show in the East Gallery.
$2.00. Donations may be left in the box at the exit, and will be gratefully received
Opens July 25, closes September 30
Headsets are available for the Greek Olympic Sculpture only
A fee of $6.00 per adult, $5.00 for members and $4.50 for students will be charged.
Questions 9 – 15
Using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS OR NUMBERS answer the questions below.
9. Which exhibition can you visit in late August?
10. A student would like a headset for the Greek Olympic Sculpture. How much will it cost?
11. Which exhibition shows the work of young people?
12. How much must a member pay to see the exhibition of art from the United States?
13. In which location would you find the oldest exhibits?
14. Which exhibit could a large group see most cheaply?
15. Which exhibit is the most expensive for a student?