Sydney to Port Macquarie road trip: Distance, drive time & stops
Sydney to Port Macquarie drive: Central Coast and Newcastle
Some sections of the Central Coast, such as Terrigal, Forresters Beach, Patonga and Bouddi Coastal Walk, are a little too far out of the way. But the Australian Reptile Park near Gosford and the horse-riding tours at Glenworth Valley are pretty close to the Pacific Motorway. You can also try the Broken Bay Pearl Farm in Mooney Mooney, the ziplines at TreeTops Central Coast in Ourimbah or the South Sea Islands Museum in Cooranbong.
It’d also be perfectly reasonable to nip into Newcastle, checking out Newcastle’s best museums and going for a swim at Bogey Hole.
9 cool Newcastle experiences you need to book in advance
- An Adventure boat cruise along the Hunter coast – with thrills and scenery.
- A mobile phone-based scavenger hunt – explore the city differently.
- An architecture and street art walking tour – see all the best murals.
- A whale-watching tour – get close to the migrating humpback whales.
- A two hour city highlights tour by bus – get orientated when you first arrive.
- A scenic helicopter flight – see the spectacular coastline from above.
- A three hour craft beer and food-matching tour – get a taste of the drinking and dining scene.
- A food, drink and history walking tour – hear stories and indulge at the same time.
Things to do in Newcastle include boat tours along the Hunter coast, street art walks, whale-watching cruises and after dark true crime tours.
Newcastle accommodation favourites include the five star Crystalbrook Kingsley, the busily stylish QT Newcastle and the heritage-paced Grand Hotel.
Click through to the next section: Newcastle to Taree.