Goulburn to Newcastle road trip: Best stops, distance & drive time

Where to stop between Goulburn and Newcastle: Hawkesbury River and the Central Coast

Before crossing the Hawkesbury River in Brooklyn, you might wish to join the Riverboat Postman cruise. This postal boat brings tourists along as it delivers mail to small river communities like Dangar Island.

The Central Coast is on the other side of the Hawkesbury Bridge, although beach towns such as Terrigal or The Entrance require a substantial detour.

Stay near the Pacific Motorway, though, and the Broken Bay Pearl Farm in Mooney Mooney shows how pearls are cultivated on its pearl farm tour.

Nearer Gosford, you’ll find the Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary, Australian Reptile Park and Girrakool Loop walking track.

3 experiences to book in Gosford

Australian Reptile Park day pass – learn (safely) about Australia’s snakes and spiders.
Try your hand at flying with a jetpack – or try flyboarding instead.
Soap-making experience – make your own smellies.

Glenworth Valley near Popran National Park, meanwhile, runs activities such as abseiling, horse-riding and quad biking.

Pleasant photo stops before hitting Newcastle include Somersby Falls, Strickland Falls and the Jilliby Lookout. Treetops Adventure Central Coast and Amazement Farm and Fun Park will eat a bit more of your time.

Why visit Newcastle?

The Goulburn to Newcastle drive continues between Morriset and Cooranbong, veering west of Lake Macquarie and near the southern end of Watagans National Park.

Once in Newcastle, pay a visit to the magnificent ocean baths, such as Merewether Baths.

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.

The best way to enjoy Newcastle’s beaches is the 6km Bathers Way walk from Nobbys Beach to the Merewether Ocean Baths. This goes past Newcastle Beach and Bar Beach along the way, and you can tackle the short but visually impressive Newcastle Memorial Walk too.

Other things to do in Newcastle include watching wildlife at Blackbutt Reserve, whale-watching tours and visiting several good quality museums.

Newcastle also offers coastal boat tours, street art walks and evening true crime tours.

Newcastle accommodation stars include the lavish Crystalbrook Kingsley, the peppy QT Newcastle and the heritage-drenched Grand Hotel.