It takes just over two hours to get from Sydney to the Hunter Valley, but what’s the rush? There are plenty of places along the way where you can break the journey with a bushwalk, reptile encounter, oyster tour, delicious meal or sky-high adventure.
Jul 2023 -
3
min readCrack open an oyster
The pristine waters of the Hawkesbury River produce some of the country’s best oysters. Plump Sydney rocks are grown on oyster leases at Mooney Mooney, just 45 minutes from the city on the Central Coast. Head out with Sydney Oyster Tours for a cruise along the river, then slip on some waders and sample a dozen of the best while standing at a private table right in the water. If you’re short on time, drop into the waterfront Hawkesbury River Oyster Shed for a seafood feast.
Sydney Oyster Farm Tours, Mooney Mooney - Credit: Sydney Oyster Farm Tours
Saddle up for a long lunch
Tucked away among 28 acres of bushland, Saddles Mount White is a restaurant and bakehouse set inside a quintessential Australian homestead, less than an hour north of Sydney. Make a quick stop for coffee and pastries to eat on the sunny verandah overlooking the dam. Or settle into the huge dining room for a lazy lunch of charcuterie, freshly shucked oysters and a roast scotch fillet. Be sure to test out one of the bespoke saddle stools at the bar and grab a freshly baked sourdough loaf for the road.
Bar at Saddles Mount White, Gosford area
Talk to the animals
The giant statue of Ploddy the Diplodocus was Australia’s first ‘big thing’ and has been looking out over the Pacific Highway since the 1960s. She’s inviting you to take a detour to the Australian Reptile Park in Somersby, home to crocodiles, turtles, snakes, lizards, frogs and even a Galapagos tortoise. If you’d prefer something fluffier, there are also kangaroos, koalas, wombats and quokkas. There are more native animals nearby at the Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary, plus a petting zoo where the kids can feed an alpaca, pat a pig and snuggle a rabbit.
Australian Reptile Park, NSW Central Coast
Lace up your walking boots
Much of the area between Sydney and the Hunter Valley is national or state park, so take some time to get out into nature before all the wining and dining. Walk a section of the convict-built Old Great North Road in Yengo National Park, admire the 40-metre drop of the dramatic Gap Creek Falls in Watagans National Park, and take a dip in the waterholes at The Basin in Olney State Forest. You’ll also find bushwalking, mountain biking and 4WD tracks in all three parks.
Watagans National Park, Lake Macquarie
Step back in time Wollombi
Just on the edge of the Hunter Valley on the scenic Calga Road drive, the village of Wollombi was once a major stop on the Old Great North Road. Things move more slowly here today, but it’s a great place to stop and soak up a little colonial charm. Wander the quiet main street, where buildings like St Michael’s Church, St John’s Church and the courthouse (now the interesting Endeavour Museum) date back to the 19th century. The cosy Myrtle & Stone cafe is housed in a cottage from the 1930s and serves breakfast and lunch with local wines.
Wollombi, Hunter region
Make time for an adventure
Quadbiking, abseiling, kayaking, axe throwing, horseriding and more await in the lush surrounds of the Glenworth Valley. It’s just a 20-minute detour off the highway, but you could be in another world. The team at
Glenworth Valley Outdoor Adventures, Glenworth Valley
Be charmed by Morpeth
It’s not technically on the way, but a short detour north of the Hunter Valley will take you to one of NSW’s hidden gems. Sitting on the bank of the Hunter River, the town of Morpeth dates back to the 19th century and is the birthplace of an Australian icon – Arnott’s biscuits. Learn about its fascinating history along the Morpeth Heritage Walk; browse the interesting boutiques and antique shops; or sample the latest drops at the craft brewery and small-batch distillery.
The Morpeth Bridge over the scenic Hunter River in Morpeth, Hunter Valley
Let the kids run wild
There’s nothing like a car ride to send the kids stir crazy, so take a break to burn off some energy. Little ones will love Amazement Farm and Fun Park near Wyong. There are hedge mazes, pony rides, a tiny train, amusement rides and a petting zoo. Bigger kids (and even the grown-ups) will prefer Treetops Adventure just down the road. Climb through the trees on ropes courses suspended up to 25 metres off the ground or bounce around the nets, trampolines and ballpits of Networld.
TreeTops Central Coast, Wyong Creek
Grab some sweet and savoury treats
Wyong is roughly the halfway point between Sydney and the Hunter Valley, so it’s a good spot to refuel. The century-old Wyong Milk Factory has been reborn as a charming gourmet hub with a pub, cafe and handful of local producers. Pick up some indulgent handmade chocolates at Luka – the honeycomb slab is always a crowd pleaser. Then stock up for tonight’s cheese board at Little Creek Cheese where the goat fetta and cheddar are national award winners.
Little Creek Cheese, Wyong
Get wet in Lake Macquarie
Lake Macquarie is around twice the size of Sydney Harbour, making it Australia’s largest coastal saltwater lake. It’s also just a 15-minute detour off the Princes Highway. Turn off towards Morisset and the waterfront playground of Trinity Point Marina. You can book free kayaks and stand-up paddleboards to explore the placid waters of the lake, cook your own lunch on a pontoon barbecue boat, or learn how to fly above the water with an eFoil Fliteboard lesson. Afterwards, relax with lunch on the lawn at the Balinese-inspired 8 at Trinity restaurant.
Jetbuzz Watersports, Lake Macquarie
