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Sydney to Newcastle: A Roadtrip in 5 Stops

When heading to Newcastle from Sydney, many people hit the freeway and get there as fast as possible.

While that might be ideal if you’re driving to Newcastle for a weekend getaway, it means you miss out on a lot of beautiful scenery.

Another option is to turn the journey into a road trip by taking a few detours along the way. Here’s how to do just that. 

STOP ONE: BEROWRA 

40 Minutes from Sydney 

Head north on the M2, then M1, exit left at Windybanks interchange for Berowra. A peaceful town on Berowra Creek (a Hawkesbury River tributary), surrounded by national park wilderness.

Things to do in Berowa:

  • Take in panoramic views from Barnetts Lookout.
  • Picnic by the creek or relax in nature.
  • If time allows, boat across to Berowra Waters Inn for a waterfront lunch.
Central Coast harbour
Image credit: Broken Bay Pearl Farm

STOP TWO: BROKEN BAY PEARL FARM

20 Minutes from Berowa 

Cross the Hawkesbury River and stop at Broken Bay Pearl Farm on the northern shore.

Things to do at Broken Bay Pearl Farm 

  • Join a 1-hour cruise to the farm’s “saltwater paddocks” and learn about oyster farming and why the Hawkesbury is perfect for it.
  • Upgrade with extras: fresh oyster tasting, pearl grading, or pearling insights.

STOP THREE: AUSTRALIAN REPTILE PARK

20 Minutes from Broken Bay Perl Farm 

A quick M1 detour to the Australian Reptile Park — home to over 2,000 animals.

Things to do at Australian Reptile Park

  • See reptiles like American alligators, freshwater crocodiles, and Galapagos tortoises.
  • Meet Aussie icons: wombats, kangaroos, koalas, plus frogs, spiders, owls, and kookaburras.
  • Enhance your visit: dingo puppy encounter, koala photo, or snake safety seminar.

STOP FOUR: TREETOPS ADVENTURE CENTRAL COAST

20 Minutes from the Australian Reptile Park 

Break up the drive and get an adrenaline rush at Treetops Adventure in Ourimbah State Forest among towering eucalypts.

Things to do at Treetops Adventure Central Coast 

  • Tackle a 500m zipline, treetop ropes courses, and a trampoline park.
  • Guided climbs available for kids 8–12 during school holidays and select weekends.
Toronto Lake Macquarie
Image credit: Hullwarren

STOP FIVE: TORONTO, LAKE MACQUARIE

There are two route options: stay on the M1 then Cessnock Road, or take B53 to Morisset and follow the lake’s western shore. Toronto sits on beautiful Lake Macquarie with plenty of waterside fun.

Things to do in Toronto and Lake Macquarie 

  • Stroll the shared pathway to Fassifern Railway Station — see the ancient petrified forest (250 million years old, volcanic origin).
  • Visit the Museum of Art and Culture for Aboriginal artworks, Sir William Dobell pieces (three-time Archibald Prize winner), and a sculpture garden.

After another 30 minutes on the road, you’ll be in Newcastle, where you’ll have a host of experiences to choose from – including some you might not expect.

GETTING TO NEWCASTLE

To road trip in style and comfort, hire a car at one of SIXT’s many branches across Sydney. 

We offer one-way hire, so you could drop off your vehicle at one of our offices in Newcastle – you’ll find us at Williamtown Airport Newcastle, and in Beresfield and Charlestown.