Newcastle to Canberra road trip: Best stops, distance & drive time
Things to do between Newcastle and Canberra: North Sydney
You then cross into Sydney over the Hawkesbury River Bridge. Nearby, a visit to the Broken Bay Pearl Farm in Mooney Mooney, the Riverboat Postman Cruise and the Dangar Island Ferry are all worth considering.
The Pacific Motorway heads south into Sydney between the Berowra Valley National Park to the west and Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park to the east. The delightful Bobbin Head section of the latter, plus the Kalkari Discovery Centre, don’t take much of a diversion.
Architecture enthusiasts will want to include the striking Rose Siedler House in the itinerary before joining the North Connex and heading west.
13 brilliant experiences in Sydney you should book
- (💲Great value 💲) Tick off several bucket list items on a highlights-packed Blue Mountains day tour.
- Get perfect views of the world’s most beautiful city on a Sydney Harbour helicopter tour.
- Save money with a multi-attraction pass.
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Enjoy the romance of a tall ship cruise on Sydney Harbour.
- Eat all you can at the Skyfeast at the top of Sydney Tower.
- See migrating humpbacks – on a whale-watching cruise.
- (Highly recommended ✅) Go behind the scenes of Australia’s most famous building on an Opera House tour.
- Dine as the city lights up on sunset dinner cruise around the harbour.
- Combine beers and stories on a historic pubs tour through the convict-era Rocks district.
- Stand on your board and catch waves during Bondi Beach surfing lessons.
- Go to wombat and kangaroo-spotting hotspots on a Southern Highlands tour.
- Enjoy Sydney’s wild side on a Manly snorkelling & nature walk.
- (🥇Top choice in Sydney) And, best of all, paddle to hidden beaches on a harbour kayaking adventure.
Good stops along this section include the walks of Cumberland State Forest in West Pennant Hills. You then join the M2 Motorway at Carlingford and continue west.
There are more surprisingly good walking trails around the Bidjigal Reserve near Castle Hill before joining the M7.
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Skip the queues – and get the best prices – with mobile-friendly advance tickets for these top Sydney attractions.
- Taronga Zoo – the zoo with harbour views (and plenty of cute Aussie animals)
- Sydney Opera House – official walking tour. See behind the scenes!
- Wild Life Sydney – Aussie animal favourites in convenient Darling Harbour location. Perfect if on limited time.
- Sydney Cricket Ground – behind the scenes secrets tour.
- Sydney Tower Eye – 360 degree views from 250 metres above the city.
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There are several parks and reserves nearby, with the Faulkland Crescent Reserve Lookout arguably the best bet for a photo stop.
Next section: Western Sydney.