Sydney to Nelson Bay road trip: Distance, driving time & stops

Sydney to Nelson Bay road trip: Central Coast attractions

On the other side of the Hawkesbury River Bridge in Mooney Mooney, the Broken Bay Pearl Farm shows how pearls are cultivated on its pearl farm tour.

The route north along the Pacific Motorway skips the coastal sections of the Central Coast – it’s a significant detour to the likes of Terrigal or The Entrance. But there are some attractions worth considering near the motorway’s path.

These include the Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary, Australian Reptile Park and Girrakool Loop walking track near Gosford. There’s also abseiling, horse-riding and quad biking at the Glenworth Valley activity centre near Popran National Park.

Somersby Falls and Strickland Falls should keep waterfall-lovers happy, while there are a few attractions near Alison also worth considering. The Jilliby Lookout provides the views, Treetops Adventure Central Coast donates the action fix while the Amazement Farm and Fun Park is all about mazes and cute animals.

After skimming between Morriset and Cooranbong, near the southern tip of Watagans National Park, the Sydney to Nelson Bay drive keeps west of Newcastle.

Next section: Newcastle.