Sydney to Gold Coast road trip: Stops, distance & driving time

Sydney to Gold Coast road trip: Newcastle and Port Stephens

The drive then passes between Morriset and Cooranbong, running west of Lake Macquarie and near the southern tip of Watagans National Park. Close to the Mount Sugarloaf Lookout, you might choose to leave the Pacific Motorway and head east into Newcastle.

Once in Newcastle, you can go on boat tours along the Hunter coast, street art walks, whale-watching cruises and after dark true crime tours.

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.

Newcastle accommodation picks include the deluxe Crystalbrook Kingsley, the energetically stylish QT Newcastle and the heritage-stuffed Grand Hotel.

After Newcastle comes a good potential detour to Port Stephens. Here, you can admire Fighter Jets at Fighter World and take a quad biking tour over the Worimi Sand Dunes.

Other Port Stephens attractions include Oakvale Wildlife Park, the Shark, Ray and All Creatures Rescue Centre and Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters.

Camel rides on Birubi Beach near Anna Bay, nude bathing at Samurai Beach and the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary are also on the menu.