The Hunter Valley in NSW is an historical region that lays claim as the birthplace to some iconic Australian brands! Thornton, in the City of Maitland, is where you’ll find Mortels Sheepskin Factory where they make some of the finest hand-made ugg boots, slippers, and sheepskin rugs in the world. This family-run business employs skilled workers who lovingly churn out thousands of ugg boots, hand making them at each stage. Interested visitors can jump on a tour through the onsite museum where you can learn about the fascinating sheepskin industry, as well as the family business which spans three generations. You’ll also get a birds-eye view of the shoemakers at work, from a raised viewing platform. Out in the shopfront, you can choose from an impressive range of ugg boots, slippers, rugs and sheepskin seat covers. Once you’ve made your selection, make sure you swing into the Cafe @ Mortels- just next door- for coffee, a light snack, or a delicious lunch .
In under fifteen minutes from Thornton is the charming little town of Morpeth. The streets are lined with heritage and historical buildings, including the famous Historical Arnott Bakehouse. This is where William Arnott first started his baking business, and it features the original oven where William baked his bread in the first commercial Scotch oven in the 1800’s. After an impressive renovation, descendants of William Arnott- husband and wife Steve and Allie Arnott- have received the old bakehouse with a bakery out-front, and sourdough making classes on offer. There’s also the addition of some very stylish accommodation, the William Arnott Boutique Hotel. There’s three rooms to choose from, all named after a different Arnott biscuit; the cute ‘SAO Studio’ sleeps two, the fun and frivolous ‘Vovo Suite’ sleeps four, and the star of the show is the Monte Carlo which features two sumptuous king sized- bedrooms, and a combined living space and kitchenette. And, of course, each room comes with a pack of its namesake Arnott’s biscuits. A stay here is sure to be full of nostalgia!
FOR MORE INFO:
Mortels Sheepskin Factory
William Arnott Boutique Hotel
Historic Arnott Bakehouse
Sourdough classes: historicarnottbakehouse.com.au/sourdough-classes/
History Tour: historicarnottbakehouse.com.au/arnotts-tour/
