17 November 2023
7 mins Read
You might have taken a Sydney to Newcastle road trip in the past, only thinking of getting to your destination. This is understandable – Newcastle is a thriving city filled with great cafes, plenty of family fun, and loads of pubs, breweries and nightlife to enjoy. But if you choose the slow driving route from Sydney to Newcastle, you’re in for a treat. Populated with some of the best NSW beaches, national parks and up-close nature experiences, the drive is one worth relishing. Here is our guide to the perfect Sydney to Newcastle road trip.
The third oldest national park in Australia, Kur-ring-gai Chase National Park is a beautiful wilderness inside of Sydney popular with locals but often missed by those not in the know. Spend a day exploring the various walking trails and relaxing under leafy trees with a picnic.
Bobbin Head is a great spot for kids and adults alike, with lovely picnic areas shaded by trees, on the banks of Cowan Creek. There is a playground for little ones, and it’s worthwhile getting out on the water via the paddle boats for hire down at the marina.
Relax by the water at Bobbin Head. (Image: Destination NSW)
Killara Hotel and Suites is a comfortable place to lay your head nearby. Recently renovated, it’s close to the excellent dining and boutique shopping of Sydney’s North Shore.
Stay for the night at Killara Hotel and Suites.
Take the exit off the highway past Mooney Mooney and travel down to Patonga Beach and its beautiful surroundings. Stay a few days and beach-hop between Patonga Beach, Pearl Beach and Ettalong Beach, enjoy the cafe and dining scene, and relish in the tranquillity of this coastal region.
The food rivals the views at The Boathouse Hotel in Patonga. (Image: Destination NSW)
From Patonga Beach, you can jump on the ferry across to Palm Beach on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. It’s a short trip and, on a sunny day, makes for a beautiful cruise. At Palm Beach, you’ll find hikes, water activities and relaxed cafes for a leisurely lunch.
Palm Beach is just a ferry ride across the water from Patonga. (Image: Destination NSW)
This boutique hotel and famous restaurant is very popular and worth booking ahead. Did you miss out on a room? Treat yourself to a delicious, relaxed lunch or dinner at the restaurant downstairs.
Bed down at The Boathouse Hotel for a cosy stay. (Image: Destination NSW)
The Central Coast of NSW is worthy of its own weekend itinerary, but its proximity to the M1 highway makes it a fantastic place to take a break, too. Taking the Gosford turn-off will see you on a road that winds along the coast, right up to Newcastle if you want to beach-hop your way there. Otherwise, Terrigal Beach is a short 15-minute drive and features a pristine, kid-friendly shoreline and plenty of cafes worth enjoying lunch at.
Views of The Haven across the water in Terrigal. (Image: Destination NSW)
Kids and tourists will find their native Australian wildlife encounters at The Australian Reptile Park, which is located near the M1. Yes, there are plenty of scaly critters to observe, but visitors can also get photos with koalas, feed kangaroos and watch free animal shows daily.
Spot koalas up close at The Australian Reptile Park.
Drive a few minutes up the road from Terrigal Beach, and you’ll find peaceful Forrester’s Beach. The Quarters is a relaxed, well-placed hotel with plenty of room options, including family accommodation and upscale options for couples after a romantic stay.
Australia’s largest coastal saltwater lake has something for everyone, really. Fishing enthusiasts will love the 174 kilometres of lake foreshore and will surely catch a few at Swansea, where Lake Macquarie meets the ocean.
A stop at Lake Macquarie offers a laid-back and tranquil setting to stretch your legs.
Wallarah National Park is nearby and features serene bike riding tracks, and kids will love Speers Point Park and its award-winning playground.
Rewarding views await you at Wallarah National Park. (Image: Destination NSW)
The stunning Caves Beach is a hive of activity in summer thanks to crystal-clear waters and its stunning, rocky backdrop, but it’s also worth visiting during cooler months. Aside from swimming, the beach is famous for its caves, which visitors can explore at their leisure.
Ingenia Holiday Park Lake Macquarie is a pet-friendly holiday park popular with families and nature enthusiasts. Its position right on the water, with access to walking trails and national parkland, means you’ll never be short on things to do. Relax and enjoy the sunset in a waterfront cabin, or pull up the RV at one of the grass-covered powered sites.
Settle in a waterfront cabin at Ingenia Holiday Park Lake Macquarie.
Though technically within Newcastle’s bounds, Merewether Beach is a lovely stop worth adding to your Sydney to Newcastle road trip itinerary before you reach the city. This top-rated beach has rockpools, ocean baths and a lengthy boardwalk, making it a popular swimming spot for locals and tourists alike.
Find rock pools on the stunning coast of Newcastle at Merewether Beach. (Image: Destination NSW)
One of the best ocean pools in NSW (and the largest in the southern hemisphere), Merewether Ocean Baths caters to all kinds of swimmers, from those looking to practice laps to families after a safe swimming area for the kids. There are warm showers, plenty of areas to sit and relax, and the baths are close to some wonderful cafes.
Plunge into Merewether Ocean Baths. (Image: Destination NSW)
Pick from bed-and-breakfast style accommodation or the self-contained cottage at Merewether Beach House B&B, a period home just 150 metres from the beach. Rooms are tastefully decorated, come with free wi-fi and air-conditioning, and can be converted into family-style suite accommodation.
Fall asleep to the calming sound of waves crashing on the shores by Merewether Beach House.
You’ve made it! With a wealth of things to do and see, dining options that will delight even the most high-brow of foodies, and beaches galore, your stay in Newcastle will undoubtedly be jam-packed. First, settle in, kick up your feet and relax after your Sydney to Newcastle road trip.
Drop by Romberg’s for a nightcap. (Image: Destination NSW/ Crystalbrook Kingsley)
Part of the Worimi Conservation Lands, these dunes run for 32 kilometres and offer something for everyone, from the daredevils to nature lovers. There are many ways to experience the Stockton sand dunes, but a particularly memorable choice is the Aboriginal Culture Sandboarding and Quad Bike tour, which blends cultural education with the thrills of dune adventures.
Explore Stockton Sand Dunes on a Quad Bike tour. (Image: Destination NSW)
As Newcastle’s first five-star hotel, it’s worth splurging for at least one night at Crystalbrook Kingsley, which tops our list of the best Newcastle accommodation. The hotel recently won the Hotel of the Year at the Australasia-Pacific Hotel Design Awards for its tasteful interiors and architecture.
Enjoy a luxury stay at Crystalbrook Kingsley.
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