Nestled in the picturesque Hunter Region of New South Wales, Lochinvar offers aspiring homeowners a blend of rural charm and modern conveniences.
A stone's throw from the Maitland CBD and a 50-minute drive to Newcastle, this suburb boasts a rich history, scenic landscapes, and a tight-knit community.
With its expansive green spaces, historical landmarks, and proximity to essential amenities, Lochinvar has become a highly sought-after location for families, retirees, and young professionals alike.
Whether you're drawn to its serene environment, the promise of growth, or its booming local businesses, Lochinvar is fast becoming a must-have locale for homeowners in the Hunter!
Let’s dive in to discover what makes this suburb unique.
History of Lochinvar NSW
Lochinvar is a village in the Hunter Region of NSW, just 10 kilometres west of the Maitland CBD, making it an up-and-coming area for homeowners looking for quiet, country charm with the convenience of shops, restaurants, and amenities nearby.
The name 'Lochinvar' was given to the area by early settlers, who named it after Lochinvar, a loch (an arm of the sea) in southern Scotland. Since then, Lochinvar has seen incredible growth and development, especially with the expansion of the Hunter Valley wine industry and Maitland as the regional centre.
The Hunter Region is one of Australia's oldest wine regions, known for its world-renowned wines, and Lochinvar has become home to several heritage-listed sites — a glimpse into the historical significance and growth of the area over time.
When heading into Newcastle, Lochinvar residents often take the M15 as the fastest route to the CBD or the A43 via Maitland and Beresfield as an alternative.
If heading to Sydney, residents can make the smooth (and toll-free!) trip using the Hunter Expressway and M1 to the Big Smoke.
Daycare & Schools in Lochinvar
Lochinvar is home to various schools and daycare centres, both public and private. For example, children can start at St Nicholas Early Education and move their way up to St Patrick’s Primary School and St Joseph’s College, all available at the same location from preschool through to Year 12!
Daycare
St Nicholas Early Education Lochinvar is an early education and childcare centre that offers a smooth transition to your child’s primary school years at St Patrick’s Primary School. With an award-winning outdoor environment and a professional team of educators, St Nicholas is a safe and nurturing environment for your young children.
Hunter Mobile Preschool is a not-for-profit, community-based preschool accommodating young children in outlying and rural areas of the Lower Hunter Region (including Lochinvar). Licensed by the NSW Department of Education and established in 1979, Hunter Mobile Preschool offers before, during and after school care at the Lochinvar School of Arts Hall on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Highschools
Founded by the Sisters of St Joseph in 1883, St Joseph’s College is a Year 7 to 12 co-ed Catholic college on the New England Highway in Lochinvar. With under 1000 students and 81 subjects offered, this is a prestigious College for teenage students to attend.
St Patrick’s Primary School was established on the site of St Joseph’s College in 1883. The school offers a contemporary learning environment for children from kindergarten through to Year 6 before heading to high school at St Joseph’s.
Transport
Lochinvar is relatively well-connected in terms of transport. For example, Lochinvar Train Station is two kilometres south of the village and offers service to Newcastle and Sydney, making it convenient to travel to and from major cities in NSW.
Hunter Valley Buses also runs two bus routes through the village, providing access to:
- Stockland Greenhills
- North Rothbury
- East Maitland
- Maitland
- Rutherford
- Greta
- Branxton
- Singleton Heights
While Lochinvar doesn’t have an airport, it’s around a 50-minute drive to the Newcastle International Airport, and there are local paths for those who want to walk or cycle rather than take motorised transport.
Employment Opportunities
In the heart of the Hunter Region, Lochinvar has several sectors that offer exciting employment opportunities, ranging from agriculture and tourism to retail and construction.
Find a role in Lochinvar HERE, or consider broadening your search and commuting to larger cities nearby, like Maitland or Newcastle (a 50-minute commute).
Agriculture
Historically, Lochinvar and the Hunter Region have been known for agricultural activities like dairy farming, horticulture, and viticulture. Gardeners and farmhands are often needed in the area.
Retail & Services
Like most localities, there are always opportunities in healthcare, education, and other service-based sectors. Plus, with Stockland Green Hills nearby, there are often retail opportunities closer to the Maitland CBD.
Tourism
With its scenic beauty and proximity to wineries, tourism plays a vital role in the local economy. Jobs in hospitality, accommodation, and tourism are popular in the area.
Wine Industry
The Hunter Region is one of Australia’s oldest and most renowned wine regions. With scores of vineyards and wineries in/around Lochinvar, there are often jobs in viticulture, wine production, and tourism-related roles.
Transport & Logistics
Given Lochinvar’s connectivity via rail and road, there are often roles related to transport, logistics, and related services. Delivery driver and truck driver roles are often advertised in the area.
Construction & Development
With rapid growth in the region, there could be opportunities in construction, especially with ongoing and planned infrastructure and housing projects. Warehousing roles are also often advertised in Lochinvar.
Parks & Outdoor Activities
Living in such a beautiful area of New South Wales, it would be a shame not to spend the weekends out in the sunshine, taking in the sights of the local area.
There are various walking tracks, wildlife parks, and gardens to explore around Lochinvar:
In the heart of Lochinvar, you’ll find the rural-themed Hereford Hill Playground with winding slides, a challenging wooden balance area, a cow spring rocker, swings and more. It’s the ideal place for families and children in the community to have fun and learn more about the history of the area they call home.
Distance from Lochinvar: NIL.
For a spectacular countryside experience, we recommend the Hunter Valley Gardens. Discover sweet, floral scents in the rose garden or walk through the Storybook Garden for an immersive, magical experience that even the kids will enjoy. During the school holidays, visit Hunter Valley Gardens for rides like the Tea Cups, the Ferris Wheel, and the Carousel!
Don’t miss the Christmas Lights Spectacular each year — millions of lights are displayed for a magical holiday experience.
Distance from Lochinvar: 24 minutes.
With colourful bush birds, incredible spring wildflowers, riding trails and a scenic picnic ground, Werakata National Park is the perfect spot to get some fresh air over the weekend. Ride along Deadman’s Mountain Bike Loop and bring a picnic blanket for lunch at Astills Picnic Area under the gum trees.
Distance from Lochinvar: 23 minutes.
From meerkats and lemurs to lions, giraffes and squirrel monkeys, the kids will love visiting the Hunter Valley Wildlife Park & Zoo. Book a sunrise breakfast among the wildlife, catch a daily show, or spend a little extra to feed the birds and kangaroos — there’s always something exciting to do at the zoo!
Distance from Lochinvar: 19 minutes.
Entertainment & Shopping
Aside from the incredible outdoor activities in the area, Lochinvar is close to unique shopping and entertainment opportunities, like the Royal Newcastle Aero Club, where you can take flight over the bushland and wineries of the Hunter Valley!
If you’re looking for a little country charm, look no further than Aird’s of Lochinvar. Opened in 1971, the store stocks iconic Australian brands like R.M. Williams, Akubra, Driza-Bone and more. You might even be able to pick up a pair of Ariat Cowboy Boots!
Distance from Lochinvar: NIL.
Established in 1928, the Royal Newcastle Aero Club offers scenic flights around the Hunter Valley, over Newcastle, and up to Port Stephens in a DH-82 Tiger Moth, a historical open-cockpit biplane. Alternatively, learn to fly over the Hunter Valley’s beautiful bushland and countryside.
Distance from Lochinvar: 6 minutes.
Wineries
Hunter Valley wineries have been a popular attraction since the early 1820s, and now, over 150 wineries are standing in the area today. Tulloch Wines in Pokolbin, for example, was established in 1895 and offers family-friendly experiences with wine and delicious food. Book a wine-tasting experience for a fabulous Sunday afternoon!
Distance from Lochinvar: 25 minutes.
With a spectacular 18-hole championship course on the grounds of the luxurious Rydges Resort, the Hunter Valley Golf Club is a must-have experience for any golfer. The course features a beautiful lake, rolling mountain views, and over 6,000 metres to play.
Distance from Lochinvar: 19 minutes.
A family-owned and operated business, the Hunter Valley Cheese Factory offers cheese, preserve and olive tastings, lunches, artisan cheesemaking sessions, and more. Australian-made but European-inspired, their cheeses and preserves must be tasted to be believed!
Distance from Lochinvar: 23 minutes.
For a complete shopping experience, Lochinvar locals head to Stockland Green Hills. With clothing and gaming stores, electronics stores, pharmacies, hairdressers, massage parlours, jewellers, shoe stores, cinemas, restaurants, cafes and more, you can spend hours enjoying some retail therapy any day of the week.
Distance from Lochinvar: 20 minutes.
Built in 1844, Maitland Gaol was a maximum security prison that housed convicts until 1998. Escape rooms and guided and self-guided tours are available, as well as child-friendly activities like laser tag, annual sleepovers, and school holiday activities.
Distance from Lochinvar: 19 minutes.
With designated under and over 5s zones, children up to 12 years can spend hours playing and interacting with kids in the same age group in a safe but exciting environment. Kids have unlimited play time inside the centre, while parents can sit aside and take a break in the air conditioning.
Distance from Lochinvar: 20 minutes.
Restaurants & Cafes
From farm-to-table restaurants to fine dining and the tried and true local pub, there’s always somewhere to go for a memorable meal in Lochinvar and surrounding areas. We’ve listed some highlights below — but the opportunities and experiences are near endless!
Run by travelling gypsy chef Edwin Rose, True Cafe & Chocolate offers homemade artisan chocolates, ice cream and gourmet pies in a vintage-style environment with leather couches, games, a library, and a colourful children’s playroom for the kids. All ingredients are sourced from local farmer's markets and businesses.
Distance from Lochinvar: NIL.
There’s nothing better than a country pub with a welcoming atmosphere and ice-cold beer. Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, you can treat yourself to fresh oysters or opt for a classic steak, chicken schnitzel or barramundi — all the essentials from your tried and trusted local pub, the Lochinvar Hotel Motel.
Distance from Lochinvar: NIL.
At the entrance to Pokolbin in the Hungerford Hill Winery, the award-winning Muse Restaurant offers a complete fine dining experience utilising in-season Hunter Valley produce. The menu changes with the season, resulting in rich, delicious dishes that speak for themselves — and the Hunter Valley!
Distance from Lochinvar: 19 minutes.
Upcoming Infrastructure
As of February 2023, Lochinvar was named Maitland’s next “boom town” with 5000 housing lots on public exhibition, a new school and shopping precinct in the works with the Maitland City Council.
The Council’s Development and Environment Manager, David Simm, also told the Maitland Mercury the Council is also planning new local parks, sporting fields, community facilities, and road upgrades in the area, as the growth rate in Maitland and Lochinvar is continuing to grow faster than other Hunter Region areas.
You can see it in the Lower Hunter Regional Strategy, aiming for 115,000 new dwellings in Lochinvar by 2031while committing to protecting ecological and culturally significant landscapes in the area. With few and manageable development restraints, Lochinvar is expected to grow and flourish over the next decade.
Demographics & Housing Prices
Lochinvar is a small village with a population of around 800 people, which is growing every day thanks to the charming country lifestyle with the convenience of Maitland’s CBD and amenities nearby.
The average age of residents in the area is 40 to 59 years old, 55% being part of a family, and 45% single.
Four-bedroom homes are common in the area, with a median price of $840K and spending an average of 84 days on the market.
Zoning
Zoning is a legal requirement establishing what kind of development is allowed on a property. New and upcoming housing estates in Lochinvar, like Hereford Hill, Arrowfield, and Lochinvar Downs, are in residential zoning, meaning what you can and cannot do on your property is relatively straightforward.
Our team can provide a rundown of the zoning and covenants on your block of choice!
All blocks in estates like Hereford Hill are ready to be connected to services like water, sewer, power, and NBN internet.
Retirement Villages
If you’re moving to a new location, it’s comforting to know your family members are nearby, especially if you’re a pivotal part of their care routine. Luckily, there are multiple retirement villages nearby, where older family members can receive the care they need while living comfortably and independently in a safe (yet fun) environment.
Life at Calvary Mount Carmel Village combines security and independence, all within a quiet countryside environment. The village offers two-bedroom independent living units with large outdoor spaces and verandas, making them the ideal downsizing opportunity for older family members.
Distance from Lochinvar: 12 minutes.
With scenic views of the Hunter Valley and quick access to Maitland, residents of Ridge Estate by Teman are spoiled for choice at this beautiful location. Play bowls, visit the community centre to make friends, and contribute to the veggie garden — don’t forget to bring your pets along!
Distance from Lochinvar: 16 minutes.
Oak Tree Group owns 31 retirement villages across Australia, including one in Rutherford, 10 minutes from Lochinvar. Residents have maintenance-free living, safety, and security in a stylish village close to their loved ones while living independently.
Distance from Lochinvar: 10 minutes.
Signature Gardens has 150 architecturally designed two and three-bedroom units, where residents have 24-hour on-call emergency monitoring managed by on-site staff. From line dancing to bowls, afternoon movie marathons and a swimming pool, residents always have something to do here.
Distance from Lochinvar: 10 minutes.
House & Land Packages For Sale in Hereford Hill, Lochinvar NSW
Montgomery Homes has multiple house and land packages available for sale in Hereford Hill — a 25-hectare parcel of land in Lochinvar, just off the New England Highway.
Hereford Hill’s name is tied to its rolling hills, picturesque location, and rich history of cattle farming by the local “Hill” family. Ultimately, “Hereford Hill” is a tribute to the family’s history and success, leading to long-term growth in the area.
With hills to the southern aspect of the site, homeowners in Hereford Hill can look forward to a quiet countryside location with incredible views! Our blocks range from 460 to 480+ square metres, providing ample space to build the home of your dreams — designed for entertaining, spacious living, and creating lifelong memories with your friends and family.
Choose from our expansive portfolio ofhome designs ranging from three-bedroom havens to six-bedroom paradises, with luxurious designs available from Australia’s leading interior designer, Shaynna Blaze! Our team can provide professional recommendations based on the scale of the block you have your eye on, so you can make the most of your new location.
In the meantime, head to our Hereford Hill display homes to get a feel for the local area and see the potential for your new home — our team will be on hand to answer any questions and provide brochures you can take home for the research process!
Plus, keep an eye out for Montgomery Homes’ Lochinvar house and land packages in the following estates: Lochinvar Downs, Arrowfield
Lochinvar House and Land Packages
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