Sydney to Gosford drive: Distance, time and road trip stops

The Sydney to Gosford drive covers a 76km distance in a driving time of an hour, traffic permitting. Good road trip stops along the route include Lane Cove National Park, Rose Siedler House and the Bobbin Head picnic ground.

The drive from Sydney to Gosford connects the New South Wales capital to the commercial hub of the Central Coast. It’s not a long drive, and many people completing it will be on the way to somewhere else – either other Central Coast suburbs such Terrigal and Forresters Beach or further north to Newcastle and Port Stephens.

Sydney’s enormous collection of experiences includes all-inclusive sunset dinner cruises, behind-the-scenes tours of the Opera House, jet boat thrill rides and historic walking tours. To get the best deals on Sydney accommodation, book here. To find Sydney tours and experiences that suit your tastes, step this way.

Sydney to Gosford distance and driving time

By car, the distance from Sydney to Gosford is 76km. The driving time depends heavily on traffic – expect around an hour with a clean run, or 90 minutes-plus when the Sydney traffic snarls.

The Sydney to Gosford drive leaves Sydney on the M1, connecting to the M2 at Artarmon after crossing Sydney Harbour Bridge. The drive then runs west of Lane Cove National Park – one of the possible options for a walk and explore if you decide to turn the journey into a road trip.

You’ll branch off along the Lane Cove Road – aka the A3 – at Macquarie Park, then the Pacific Highway at Gordon.

Sydney to Gosford road trip stops: Rose Siedler House

After passing through Pymble, Turramurra and Wahroonga, it becomes the Pacific Motorway. Architecture enthusiasts can make the slight detour to the distinctively modernist Rose Siedler House.

The motorway threads between national parks, with Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park offering most for visitors. The scenic drive to the Bobbin Head picnic ground brings wildlife, delightful views and the 4km return Birrawanna walking track.

Sydney to Gosford drive: Berowra Waters National Park and Muogamarra Nature Reserve

To the west, the Berowra Valley Lookout and Galston Gorge are the highlights of Berowra Waters National Park. There are several lookouts and walking trails further north – they’re just a little further off the Pacific Motorway.

Just before you reach the Hawkesbury River, you’ll pass the Muogamarra Nature Reserve. This only opens for six weeks a year, during the spring wildflower season.

Attractions between Sydney and Gosford: Hawkesbury River

Before crossing the Hawkesbury River Bridge, you’ll pass Brooklyn. This is where the quirky Riverboat Postman cruises depart from. It’s a cruise, but it’s also the mail run for several Hawkesbury River communities such as Dangar Island.

On the other side of the bridge is Mooney Mooney, where the Broken Bay Pearl Farm opposite Spectacle Island runs tours.

Central Coast attractions on the drive to Gosford

You’re now on the Central Coast and skirting the edge of Brisbane Water National Park. There are a couple of wildlife attractions just off the motorway before you enter Gosford, too. The Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary and Australian Reptile Park are big hits with kids.

Just before peeling off down the Central Coast Highway, there are a couple of Brisbane Water walking track worth considering. The Girrakool Loop Track and Piles Creek Loop to the Piles Creek Lookout should get the blood flowing.

Things to do in Gosford include the Central Coast Aqua Park and kayak hire. Gosford accommodation options include the pool-equipped Gosford Resort, plus the convenient but comfortable Galaxy Motel.

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