Take This Scenic Route from Sydney to Newcastle

With many of New South Wales’ best beach towns along the route, turning your Sydney to Newcastle drive into an experience is a must.

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.

Kur-Ring-Gai Chase National Park

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.

Must See: Bobbin Head

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.

an aerial view overlooking Bobbin Head Picnic Ground and CowanCreek — Relax by the water at Bobbin Head. (Image: Destination NSW)

Accommodation: Killara Hotel and Suites

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.

the executive king room interior at Killara Hotel and Suites — Stay for the night at Killara Hotel and Suites.

Patonga Beach

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.

A table full of meals ordered at The Boathouse Hotel Patonga — The food rivals the views at The Boathouse Hotel in Patonga. (Image: Destination NSW)

Must See: Palm Beach by Ferry

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.

Women at the Palm Beach Lighthouse trail summit looking out over the views — Palm Beach is just a ferry ride across the water from Patonga. (Image: Destination NSW)

Accommodation: The Boathouse Hotel

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.

a bedroom in an apartment suite located at The BoathouseHotel, Patonga — Bed down at The Boathouse Hotel for a cosy stay. (Image: Destination NSW)

Gosford

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.

Dolphins in the water at Terrigal Beach — Views of The Haven across the water in Terrigal. (Image: Destination NSW)

Must See: The Australian Reptile Park

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.

a koala hugging a tree branch — Spot koalas up close at The Australian Reptile Park.

Accommodation: The Quarters

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.

Lake Macquarie

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.

Wallarah National Park is nearby and features serene bike riding tracks, and kids will love Speers Point Park and its award-winning playground.

friends enjoying a coastal walk through Wallarah National Park, Lake Macquarie — Rewarding views await you at Wallarah National Park. (Image: Destination NSW)

Must See: Caves Beach

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.

Accommodation: Ingenia Holiday Park Lake Macquarie

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.

Merewether Beach

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.

an aerial view of Merewether Baths — Find rock pools on the stunning coast of Newcastle at Merewether Beach. (Image: Destination NSW)

Must see: Merewether Ocean Baths

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.

an aerial view of Merewether Ocean Baths — Plunge into Merewether Ocean Baths. (Image: Destination NSW)

Accommodation: Merewether Beach House B&B

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.

the Merewether Beach House — Fall asleep to the calming sound of waves crashing on the shores by Merewether Beach House.

Newcastle

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.

the rooftop bar at Romberg's Crystalbrook Kingsley — Drop by Romberg’s for a nightcap. (Image: Destination NSW/ Crystalbrook Kingsley)

Must See: Stockton Sand Dunes

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.

friends enjoying a Quad Bike tour on Stockton Sand Dunes — Explore Stockton Sand Dunes on a Quad Bike tour. (Image: Destination NSW)

Accommodation: Crystalbrook Kingsley

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.

the lobby at Crystalbrook Kingsley — Enjoy a luxury stay at Crystalbrook Kingsley.

For more inspiration, insider tips and itineraries, read our travel guide to Newcastle.

From serene natural beauty to vibrant nightlife, with plenty of arts and culture in between, the NSW Central Coast has been enjoying a serious glow up.

Just one hour from Sydney, the Central Coast has long been the perfect seaside getaway. And with its ECO Destination certification with a focus on sustainability, it’s a trip travellers can feel good about, too. Recently, new and exciting openings have turned the Central Coast into a place where incredible natural beauty is still on the table, but so is a vibrant and sophisticated arts, dining and nightlife scene.

Find out what’s new to discover on the Central Coast.

1. Gosford’s glow up

room at voco gosford — Book into voco and experience the best of Gosford.

Long-time Central Coast lovers will hardly recognise Gosford these days. While always boasting gorgeous water views, a range of revamps and new openings have turned it into a busy hub of arts and culture, with an increasingly diverse and vibrant nightlife.

Landmark lifestyle hotel voco Gosford is the perfect home base for a Central Coast getaway. At this IHG hotel overlooking sparkling Brisbane Water, guests can spend sunny days soaking in the rooftop pool (or just sipping a cocktail beside it). When it comes to meals, you can enjoy multiple venues serving up everything from modern Australian fare to fine-dining Japanese.

Venture out to lay eyes on the Central Coast’s first permanent Moving Image Gallery (MIG) . Opened this year inside the Gosford Regional Gallery , the immersive space is a showcase of screen-based and digital art. While at the gallery, wander around the Edogawa Commemorative Garden, a traditional Japanese strolling garden complete with teahouse, koi pond and an ornamental bridge.

Meanwhile, the revamped Gosford Regional Library has even more than books to discover. Now, it’s one of the best in the southern hemisphere – find exhibitions, historical archives and community initiatives for all ages at this perfect family-friendly escape.

2. Newcomers to the dining scene

table full of food at Amarilla restaurant terrigal — Treat yourself to sundowners and snacks at Amarilla.

The Central Coast has long been the perfect destination for gourmands, with everything from casual eats to fine dining elevating the local offerings. And three new destinations have been added to the map.

Amarilla at The Haven in Terrigal is the perfect seaside venue for sundowners, with blissed-out beats providing the soundtrack. Book in for golden hour and choose bites from a Spanish tapas menu made for sharing. Do as the locals do and wash it all down with sangria – the Sunday Sangria Sessions have become a local institution.

Also in Terrigal, Little Miss has brought a premium Mediterranean menu to the waterfront. Try the wagyu tartare with Greek caviar or butter-poached lobster and tomato bisque, paired with inventive cocktails and a handpicked selection of Lebanese wines.

Over in Ettalong, Bar Toto is perfect for pre- or post-dinner drinks. This award-winning cocktail bar is known for its creative concoctions, along with craft beer, wine and antipasti platters to snack on. The interior sets the mood, with dim lighting and wooden furnishings.

3. New Central Coast experiences

winemaker at Firescreek Botanical Winery — Book an experience at Firescreek Botanical Winery.

It’s entirely possible (and recommended) to spend a Central Coast getaway relaxing on one of its many peaceful and pristine beaches. But for those who crave more, there’s a long list of options to keep you busy.

Pop into the iconic Australian Reptile Park to see the new Weigel Venom Centre, a state-of-the-art facility that’s home to over 200 of the country’s most venomous snakes.

Get out on the water with Sail Central Coast , which offers 20 years of expertise in yacht charters. Book the Sunset Sail & Dine yacht charter for a private afternoon cruising the waterways of Bouddi National Park and Brisbane Water, stopping at Anchor on Hardys for a two-course meal with a cocktail.

For something completely different, Firescreek Botanical Winery is now offering an Aboriginal Storytelling and Wine Tasting Experience. Learn about local cultures, stories and traditions from an Aboriginal Elder, then enjoy a botanical-inspired wine tasting led by a local winemaking expert.

4. Central Coast accommodation

view from a cottage at Noonaweena — Sleep in the hinterland at Noonaweena.

There’s simply too much to experience on the Central Coast to only stay for one day. Turn your trip into a relaxing getaway by the beach.

Allawah , a retreat on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, is accessible only by boat. This secluded two-bedroom cottage is the perfect place to unwind, allowing you to spend lazy days fishing, kayaking, paddling or unwinding with a book on your own private jetty.

In the Kulnura hinterland, Noonaweena features a range of accommodation styles, from a luxe glamping bell tent to cottages and a treetop suite. It’s a leader in green travel, with 10 years of certification from Eco Tourism Australia. Relax in the onsite wellness centre or get active on various courts and in the gym facilities.

To stay by the ocean at Toowoon Bay, book into Kim’s Beachside Resort . This adults-only property offers a luxury escape nestled within a sub-tropical rainforest. Along with 36 private timber bungalows, indulge in massages or reiki treatments at the dedicated spa, or stop by the cocktail bar and à la carte restaurant.

5. Shopping on the Central Coast

Umina’s Centred Ceramics central coast — Try your hand at Umina’s Centred Ceramics’ pottery courses.

For those after unique trinkets, handmade treasures and beautiful homewares, the Central Coast is a haven.

Markets on the Central Coast have a special flavour. Wander the Umina Beach Markets at twilight, where you’ll find small businesses from the local areas, and the Norah Head Ocean View Markets , where you can soak up good food, live music and artisan finds by the beach after sunset. ‘Tis the season for the Christmas twilight edition of the Avoca Beachside Markets, celebrating the season with pop-up bars, tasty treats and plenty of unique gift options from local artists and producers.

Galleria Ettalong has also added to the Central Coast’s recent makers and creators renaissance, wrapping cinemas, a dining precinct and over 40 boutique shops into one area.

Sign up for a pottery course at Umina’s Centred Ceramics , or peruse the shop for a range of one-of-a-kind pottery made on the premises for a special souvenir.

For more eclectic arts and homewares, pop into Blue Bird Collective Co . This marketplace supports over 35 small, local and handmade businesses, artists and creatives. Take the time to check out fashion, jewellery and homewares that won’t be found anywhere else.

Start planning your coastal getaway at lovecentralcoast.com .

Take this scenic route on your next Sydney to Newcastle road trip