Sydney to Nelson Bay road trip: Distance, driving time & stops
Sydney to Nelson Bay drive: Is Newcastle worth visiting?
However, you may decide to go into Newcastle, as there is plenty to do in New South Wales’ second largest city. The city is famed for its ocean baths, such as Merewether Baths,
Other things to do in Newcastle include admiring the wildlife at Blackbutt Reserve, whale-watching tours and museum-hopping.
You can also try boat tours along the Hunter coast, after dark true crime tours and street art walks.
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 options include the luxurious Crystalbrook Kingsley, the stylish QT Newcastle and the heritage-laced Grand Hotel.
If skipping Newcastle, the exit from the Pacific Highway comes just after crossing the Hunter River in Tomago. The Hunter Region Botanic Gardens and Hunter Wetlands National Park are close by.
Continue along Tomago Road and Cabbage Tree towards Williamtown, where you’ll find Newcastle Airport.
Here, you can admire Fighter Jets at Fighter World or take a quad biking tour over the Worimi Sand Dunes.
Next up: Port Stephens.