This month we’re taking the well-trodden path from Sydney to Newcastle with a quick pit-stop in NSW Central Coast’s much-loved destination Terrigal that’s likely to make you wish you were staying for longer! All up the trip should take about three hours (or just under) making it very doable for a weekender if you’re wanting a pretty awesome change of seascapes and scenery without having to travel too far from home.
A few directions…Hop on the M1 from Sydney, past the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and head for the coast. The first lap (to Terrigal) is 96km and can usually be done in just under one and a half hours (traffic and roadworks permitting of course!) – with the second half of the trip on to Newcastle (also on the M1) being a further 88km or so.
Let’s talk tyres…Before heading off on a road trip it’s super important check your tyre pressures, as well as being a great time to get a tyre expert to ensure they’re perfectly balanced and that the tread meets (or exceeds) Australian legal standards. And if you’re needing to replace your tyres, our network of Maxxis dealers are located nationally so that there’s always one convenient to where you happen to be and are ready to assist with making the best choice for you and your vehicle. Maxxis tyres (including our hugely popular RAZRs now also available in an all-terrain) are created to ensure there’s the right Maxxis tyre for just about every vehicle and requirement, offering peace of mind that they’re built and tested to stringent global and Australian safety standards.
Touch-down in Terrigal…While for this trip, Terrigal is a convenient half-way mark, in itself this is one awesome destination that we’re tipping you’ll want to come back to and explore! Beautiful from just about every angle, Terrigal’s got heaps of restaurants, cafes and some of the region’s best beaches, perfect for swimming, surfing, paddle boarding and fishing – just take your pick. While there’s all this on offer, if you only have time for one thing this time round, the famous Skillion is a landmark you absolutely can’t leave without a trek to the top. There are stunning views from the summit (which you can reach using the paved walkway) as well as being the perfect place to spot a humpback whale in migration season or enjoy amazing sunsets, while kids can be kept entertained for ages rolling down its grassy green slopes. And you can’t pass through Terrigal without having an incredible ice cream or some seriously fresh fish and chips — there are plenty of great options to choose from, some complete with spectacular water views.
Let’s get going to Newcastle…Getting back on the M1 at Terrigal, it’s just one more hour and 30 minutes to the harbourside city of Newcastle, which is absolutely buzzing with things to see and do! With a long history in shipping and as a very significant trade gateway, Newcastle is the largest port on Australia’s east coast, with the harbour central to this destination. Often affectionately talked about as “Newy” (or Newey) by the locals, Newcastle is also a great base to explore the Hunter Valley and other surrounding coastal area (but that’s for another trip). Here are a few pointers of what’s on offer to get your wonderful weekend in Newcastle started.
The lighthouse…Nobby’s Head lighthouse on Nobby’s Head (headland) is an impressive landmark that has been operating since 1854 — and it’s still going strong! While you’ll be able to spot it from just about anywhere in the area, to take a closer look, walk from Nobby’s Beach (800m) along the breakwater. The lighthouse grounds are open on Sundays (with free entry to the site) with sensational views from the top (yes, it is really worth the climb)!
The ocean baths…Newcastle has two ocean baths, Newcastle and Merewether, which as the town’s locals will tell you, are brilliant places to have a swim (in all seasons!) in ocean water but in a protected area. The baths are open year-round, however may be closed on certain days for maintenance and cleaning (but not usually over weekends). These are icons of Newcastle, so even if it’s just to to take a look, the baths are something you definitely won’t want to miss!
The Bogey Hole…The simply stunning Bogey Hole ocean rock pool in King Edward Park is also a renowned Newcastle watering hole and photographer’s dream. It offers spectacular views and can be a great option for a swim on a hot day at low tide when the waves are not too rough (please note that there are no lifeguards in attendance). There are steep steps that lead down to the pool.
Take a tour at Fort Scratchley…If you’re keen on learning about more of Newcastle’s past, Fort Scratchley (originally built to protect the coastline from attack) is now a museum. It’s packed with history from the 1800s, with a daily 1pm firing of guns (in maritime tradition) when weather permits. There are also fascinating tours available of both the site and its narrow tunnels beneath – and we can confirm that the views of Newcastle and its surrounds from the fort are once again, pretty awesome!
The beaches…When it comes to an abundant choice of amazing sandy beaches for your weekender – Newcastle truly delivers! In addition to Nobbys (which is a great all-rounder for both swimming and surfing) there’s Newcastle Beach (very popular with surfers) as well as Merewether, Dixon Park, Stockton and Bar Beach also in the Newcastle area. While all these beaches are lifeguard patrolled (at certain times), make sure you keep safe and only swim between the flags and only when the lifeguard stations are operating.
Shop up a storm at Olive Tree Market…Brimming with goods from artists, designers, jewellery creators and artisan food producers, this monthly market (held in Civic Park) is a real happening place with heaps on offer for buying, browsing and tasting or just kicking back and joining in the relaxed weekend vibe. Open on the first Saturday of the month most of the year, the Olive Tree has additional markets on the third Saturday in November and December.
Get back to nature at Blackbutt Reserve…Set on over 180 hectares of pristine bushland (8km from Newcastle’s city centre), Blackbutt Reserve is home to koalas, wombats, emus and other native birds and animals. It offers animal encounters, nature trails and is perfect for a picnic or BBQ while enjoying the Great Australian outdoors.
Newcastle food festival happening in April…There’s always something on in Newcastle and coming up in April is Newcastle Food Month! Whether you’re already a foodie (or a foodie in the making!) this promises to showcase exactly what Newcastle’s chefs have to offer throughout the town. For more information you can check out the website here.
Where to stay…As you’d expect, Newcastle has a great range of accommodation catering for exactly the type of stay that meets your budget and requirements. Whether you want to be right in the midst of the action at a Honeysuckle Foreshore hotel or apartment, or prefer a quiet, grassy spot where you can set up your tent, Newcastle has you covered!
Before you go, a bit more tyre talk… If you’re towing a caravan, trailer or boat for this drive you’ll likely need to adjust the pressures accordingly before you set off. You’ll find tyre pressure information on the panel on the inside of the driver’s door or in your vehicle owner’s manual. Our network of expert and friendly Maxxis dealers are always ready and waiting to assist with any advice or tyre help you may need — you can find a dealer closest to you by using the handy dealer locator tool.
