13 Must-dos While Driving Tourist Drive 33

See a different side to the Central Coast by cruising along Tourist Drive 33: a lesser-driven road that winds through the hinterland region where rural life is the antithesis to that of its well-known bustling beachside towns.

Starting in the south at the mouth of the Hawkesbury River and ending at the northern tip of the coast where dense forest rolls into the Watagan Mountain Range, breathe in country air as you drive through a scene of hinterland, farmland and charming villages, and be sure to make time for these incredible experiences found along the way.

1. Shuck oysters in the Hawkesbury River

Picture this. You’re standing at a white-clothed table, knee-deep in bottle green waters, surrounded by hilly vista, the only sound is the drone of cicadas from the enfolding bush. A platter abundant in freshly plucked Sydney Rock Oysters and prawns sits on the table before you, you are served a glass of Perrier Jouet and spend the next hour in the very waters that the delicious oysters you’re slurping down have been farmed.

Sydney Oyster Farm Tours in the Hawkesbury River — Shuck fresh oysters knee-deep in the Hawkesbury River.

Starting the drive from Sydney, Sydney Oyster Tours should be your first stop – and what an experience it is. The family-owned and -run oyster business runs three regular tours to its Hawkesbury River farm, including a scenic cruise with oyster-tasting, a unique in-water experience, and a seafood lunch on a secluded beach. Host and oyster farmer Sheridan Beaumont shares her knowledge and gives tips on how to shuck these tasty morsels yourself throughout the tour.

2. Dine at a luxury country-style restaurant

This elegant but relaxed restaurant is an idyllic pit-stop for a cockle-warming meal among 11 hectares of quintessential Australian bushland in Mt White – it is also one of the best places to eat on the Central Coast, full stop! Saddles Mount White is inspired by a traditional bakehouse but elegantly styled like a first-class restaurant with leather and velvet furniture, sandstone and timber and brass accents.

Inside the lush interiors of Saddles at Mount White.

The breakfast and lunch menu comprises modern Australian cuisine, including home-grown favourites such as pork and fennel sausage roll and a beef, red wine, onion and mushroom pie, alongside a six-week dry-aged T-bone. Or if you’re after a sweet treat, try the lamington with chocolate ganache or strawberry jam donut and cream. Takeaway coffee and bites are also available to enjoy by the dam or to take for your road trip.

Saddles Mt White — Visitors can eat in or grab takeaway. (Image: Destination NSW)

3. Learn about indigenous culture and wildlife conservation

A brilliant combination of culture and conservation, Australian Walkabout Wildlife Park at Calga is a sanctuary for native animals including the Tassie devil, koala and wombat, as well as a breeding program for endangered animals. Visitors can learn about wildlife and environmental conservation, as well as connect with Country through many Aboriginal cultural activities. The park is steeped in Indigenous history, home to significant sites where you can view rock art and stone arrangements, join a bush tucker tour, or immerse in dance and culture workshops.

Feed kangaroos at Walkabout Park Central Coast — Help feed the animals at the Walkabout Park.

4. Visit the iconic Australian Reptile Park

The Australian Reptile Park has been an icon of the Central Coast for more than 60 years – keep an eye out for its giant diplodocus ‘Ploddy’ which greets you on the M1 at Somersby. The famous park delights families with its 2000-plus residents, including legendary saltwater croc Elvis and 71-year-old Galapagos tortoise Hugo, and is involved in important antivenom and conservation work.

Australian Reptile Park on the Central Coast — Both kids and adults alike will get a thrill at the Reptile Park. (Image: Destination NSW)

Kids and wildlife lovers of all ages can watch daily shows, including feeding the famous cranky croc, a Tasmanian Devil talk, and the chance to pat a cuddly koala. You can even get behind-the-scenes with one of the zookeeper programs or on an animal encounter with a wombat, a Komodo dragon or enter the venom room to get up close with snakes and spiders.

Tasmanian Devil joeys at Australian Reptile Park — Get up close to the animals at the Australian Reptile Park.

5. Chase waterfalls on an easy loop track

Located in Brisbane Water National Park, near the reptile park, Girrakool Walking Track is an easy two-kilometre walk but for a short track it sure packs a punch. The track weaves through bushland and thick forest, past waterfalls and creeks, an important Aboriginal engraving site, and a spectacle of wildflowers in spring. It starts and ends at Girrakool Picnic Area, so pack some food and make this a snack stop on your drive. (Find more hikes around the Central Coast in our guide.)

Somersby Falls in Brisbane Water National Park in NSW — Admire waterfalls on your walk through Brisbane Water National Park.

6. Take a stroll around a sculptural garden

Mt Penang Parklands is a community park that comprises 12 individual gardens on a vast sculptural plateau, featuring ponds, fountains, cascades and a footbridge, with more than 70 per cent of the plants and trees native to Australia. To stretch your legs, enjoy a picnic, or grab a bite to eat at the onsite cafe that overlooks the dam. The park is found at the exit to Gosford and Terrigal, so it’s an easy one to add to your itinerary if you’re heading to the coast.

Mt Penang Parklands on the Central Coast — Take a peaceful stroll through the park. (Image: Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation)

7. Get your heart pumping with some outdoor adventure

Glenworth Valley Outdoor Adventures is the coast’s premier adventure hub, a sprawling 3000-acre property just north of Calga, made up of rainforest, creeks and bushland where you can pick your own adventure from a thrill-inducing list. Explore the property on a quad bike, propel down escarpments with an abseiling experience or take a gentle kayak down a eucalypt-lined creek. It’s one of the state’s largest horse-riding centres with more than 200 horses and 50 kilometres of trail: join a riding lesson, take a gourmet picnic ride or join the cattle drive where you’ll muster a herd through the scenic green valley.

Glenworth Valley Central Coast — Take in the sights of the Hinterland at Glenworth Valley. (Image: James Vodicka)

8. Play on one of the Coast’s best golf courses

Nestled among the rural landscape of Peats Ridge, The Springs is home to a championship 18-hole golf course, which is designed for golfers of all abilities. After your game, head up to Sitting Duck, a rustic restaurant that offers an ever-changing farm-to-table menu of homely food served elegantly with a peaceful vista of the rolling hinterland, a cosy fireplace for winter and an alfresco deck perfect for sun-drenched days. If you’re here on the weekend, high tea is available at 11am and 2pm.

The Springs Golf Course in Peats Ridge — The sprawling golf course covers 18 holes. (Image: Andrew Cooney)

9. Buy organic fruit and veggies direct from the farmer

Set on 45 acres of regenerated farmland in Mangrove Mountain, this certified organic farm is owned by a fourth-generation farmer. Growing a diverse range of fruit and vegetables using sustainable farming practices, Fanelli Organics sells direct to the customer at local markets and at their farm shop. Stop by to pick up provisions for your road trip or get your hands dirty on one of the regular farm tours, which allows you a glimpse into organic farming life; check out their website for future tour dates.

Fruit market (Getty) — Fanelli Organics offers a range of fruit and veggies.

10. Help with farm chores on a private tour

Grace Springs Farm is a small family-owned farm in Kulnura that ethically produces pork, beef, chicken, duck, vegetables, and honey, focusing on healthy chemical-free soil and pastures. Visitors are invited to join in on the afternoon chores on a private tour, which includes feeding the pigs, getting up close with the chooks and collecting eggs, watching calves as they feed, and sometimes allowing for cuddles with chicks and ducklings. Young farmhands will love the animal encounters while adults can experience farm life and learn more about where their food comes from.

Grace Springs Farm on the Central Coast — Cuddle with friendly chickens. (Image: Storyteller Photography NSW)

11. Swing through the treetops

Located in Ourimbah State Forest at the northern end of the Central Coast section of Tourist Drive 33, TreeTops Adventure Park is a thrilling end to your journey. This network of rope courses and zip lines is for young and old alike to channel their inner Tarzan or Jane as they soar through the treetops. The park’s NetWorld is a series of nets and ball pits elevated in the trees, where kids as young as three (and their fun-loving adults) can bounce, leap and play among the trees. The entire park has been constructed in a way that allows the forest to grow around it.

Treetops Adventure Park on the Central Coast — Swing through the treetops at Treetops Adventure Park. (Image: Destination NSW)

12. Fall asleep among nature at Glenworth Valley

Adventure by day and tranquillity by night, Glenworth Valley has several different options for staying overnight . You can camp by the riverfront in your own tent or stay in one of the luxury bell tents, equipped with plush mattresses. Or opt for an eco-cabin, a supremely comfortable and modern villa nestled in remote bushland, or one with a woodfired hot tub to soak in among nature. There is a cafe and essentials store on-site.

Glenworth Valley in NSW — Stunning scenic views across Glenworth Valley. (Image: Destination NSW)

13. Sleep soundly at Noonaweena

Located in the leafy suburb of Kulnura, Noonaweena is an ECO Certified stay that comprises four lodges that can accommodate 32 guests. Its green cred is impressive: the property is powered by solar, is self-sufficient with natural water and recycles grey water, composts green waste, and keeps chickens for eggs and bees for honey.

Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.

When it comes to consuming the culture of a city, digesting it (in the literal sense) is an appropriate place to start. But it’s not just a world-class wining and dining scene that’s on the menu (not to mention all the new restaurants in Newcastle ). Newcastle – just two hours north of Sydney – offers the perfect blend of arts, culture and culinary experiences that make it a prime destination for an extended escape. The city’s creative future looks even brighter with the reopening of the highly anticipated Newcastle Art Gallery on the horizon.

aerial of Nobbys beach in newcastle nsw — Newcastle offers the perfect coastal setting for the arts and delicious eats. (Image: City of Newcastle)

Given Newcastle’s compact size – many venues are within easy walking distance or a quick drive away – you can immerse yourself fully. From decadent patisseries to fine diners and casual coastal eats, here’s a fresh taste of Newcastle: where to eat, drink and soak up the coastal city’s good vibes.

1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle

pastries next to a pastry box from crumb cafe in newcastle — Lean into Newcastle’s pastry renaissance at Crumb. (Image: Jemma Donkin)

Pastry is having a moment, with a quietly booming scene led by CRUMB, the brand-new pastry cafe in Lambton led by legendary Gareth Williams (of Covered in Crumbs, EXP) and Ben Richardson (Autumn Rooms). Gareth describes his style of food as ‘creative chaos’. Enjoy that abstract artisanal approach over a savoury chorizo, bechamel, cheddar and poppy pastry, or a layered mortadella and pesto mayo croissant sandwich.

Meanwhile, Leibe European Pastries, Pekárna, Union St Pastry and Praise Joe also have their own flair and loyal followings. While Liebe European Pastries is famed for layered German pastries such as Franzbrötchen, Pekárna’s signatures (like cardamom pastries) are tethered to Czech traditions.

Head a few blocks west to Wickham, where Union St Pastry is the pinnacle for lovers of European-style viennoiseries, such as croissants and Danishes. A getaway to Newcastle also looks pretty fabulous with a mega brownie or chicken little toastie from Praise Joe .

2. Destination dining

Blanca resuarant in newcastle nsw — Step inside Mediterranean-inspired eatery, Blanca. (Image: Destination NSW)

Life looks pretty peachy from a table at the breezy Mediterranean-inspired eatery Blanca , which would not be out of place in Mykonos – when it swooped into the Honeysuckle Precinct a few years ago, it caused heads to swivel. Say yasou to mezedes of crudo di mare and sheftalia and grilled Abrolhos Islands’ octopus.

One may also fantasise about being back in Europe – specifically the 10th arrondissement in Paris – at Frenchie , the oh-so-French bistro that offers Euro-chic elegance with an inventive Australian flair. Indulge in the Date Night set menu, available every Thursday.

Peregrin is another stand-out. Listen to the sound of the ocean from the rooftop terrace, and order a Summertime Sour during aperitivo hour. Followed by the yellowfin tuna with pickled cucumber and market fish. And brand new on the scene is Papalote – a joint venture from the incredibly talented owners of Humbug and Flotilla serving up tasty Mexican classics.

3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks

people swimming at Newcastle Ocean Baths — Follow Newcastle’s coastline for stunning views and tasty eats. (Image: David Diehm)

What better way to soak in Newcastle’s legendary coastline and stunning beaches than by visiting its casual coastal eateries while on the Bathers Way?

Enjoy hot chips and scallops on the sand at Swell Kiosk Bar Beach . Or a housemade sausage roll after a morning surf at Newcastle Beach, thanks to Southy Canteen , which is open from 6am.

Bring your furry travel companion to Sunnyboy Kiosk for a piccolo and puppuccino with views out to Dixon Park Beach. Try light eats, like acai bowls, or more substantial meals like nasi goreng at Blue Door in Merewether. Do a few lazy laps at Merewether Ocean Baths (the largest in the southern hemisphere) before tucking into swordfish skewers and salad at Merewether Surfhouse .

You can also watch the ocean compose a bit of magic from your perch at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach , where a matcha latte looks even better with the beach fresco.

Pause between eats to take in the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths and Bogey Hole – perfect for a digestive swim or scenic picnic spot.

4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle

couple eating at Flotilla newcastle — Flotilla serves up delicious meals. (Image: Destination NSW)

In recent years, Newcastle’s restaurant scene has evolved to include venues that have elevated the city’s reputation for culinary excellence. In addition to its cafes and kiosks, there’s now an exciting wave of hatted favourites putting Newcastle on the map.

Humbug is the epitome of Novocastrian dining; the mafaldine with brisket and beef cheek braised in Pedro Ximenez is emblematic of what the owners aim for here. Flotilla neatly knits the Newcastle wining and dining scene together, with young gun Josh Thurston showcasing the art of cooking proteins and produce over fire.

Bistro Penny is another sophisticated, hatted dining destination in Newcastle. Order the barbecued king prawns swimming in a saffron broth and the oxheart tomato salad.

5. Newcastle nightlife

Bartholomew's small bar in newcastle nsw — Stop by Bartholomew’s for a drink. (Image: Destination NSW)

As the sun dips in the west, so the city of Newcastle’s nightlife springs to life. Maru Hi-Fi is the next-gen small bar that’s redefining a night out in Newy – the sleek space serves great cocktails and embraces Newcastle’s alt attitude. Next door, Jams Karaoke & Bar is also bringing the vibes.

If a small bar in a grand old building is more your style, check out Roxanne , Bar Mellow and Bartholomew’s .

Start planning your Newcastle culinary coastal getaway this summer at visitnewcastle.com.au.

13 must-dos while driving Tourist Drive 33