Tourist Drive 33

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When visiting the Hunter Valley take the Scenic Route

Originally linking Sydney to the fertile soils of the Hunter Valley, the Great North Road was convict built in the 1800’s, traversing stunning sandstone gorges, razorback ridges and towering passes all featured along Tourist Drive 33. Already a popular route for motorbike riders and day trippers, Tourist Drive 33 showcases some of the most stunning countryside in NSW and steps back in time as you meander through the convict stone walls, bridges and culverts still in use today.

Stop in one of the many vibrant townships of Peats Ridge, Kulnura, Laguna, historic Wollombi and the wine regions of Broke Fordwich, Lovedale and Branxton that have loads on offer! Everything from horseriding, farmgate sales of seasonal fruits and vegetables, quirky retail outlets, cafes and restaurants, country pubs, art galleries, boutique cellar doors, walking and cycling to a myriad of festivals and events on throughout the year.

For those looking to stay and explore, an abundance of accommodation choices are available for couples, families and groups from self-contained, farmstay, B&B to luxury guesthouses. Come and discover what’s on offer on Tourist Drive 33!

Videos

Wollombi (part 1)

Wollombi (part 2)

Finchley

REVIEWS

Pandy D

2022-04-29

Great country road drive through picturesque towns Tourist Drive 33, Sydney to Hunter ValleyGreat alternative to driving up the highway is to take Tourist Drive 33 through some really nice farmland and towns. There are a few places to stop such as Thompsons Bridge, Trading Post (for coffee or a drink in the rustic terrace, then just walk around), then there is the town of Wollombi, where you have a variety of cafes, a pub (where they were playing 2-up on Anzac Day), and restaurants including Myrtle & Stone which has a good selection of meals and great service, with 2 wrap around balconies and garden terrace out back.#TouristDrive33#MyrtleandStone

Nia O

2020-08-09

Amazing drive but be careful with potholes! This is a nice and long drive along farms and animals.There are many things to see but be careful as the street is narrow and the speed is different depending on the area so you could go at 100km/h and suddenly it changes to 60 km/h. There are many road curves so and it's only one line in each direction so you can't overtake other vehicles ( there are few overtaking lines along the way but they're quite short).If you're lucky enough, you won't have any other cars behind you and you'll be able to drive slow enough to enjoy the scenic view.

Tony W

2020-07-16

A great drive from Cessnock to the Central Coast While it is faster to take the M1 motorway it is much more enjoyable to take Tourist Drive 33 as its a great drive from Cessnock to the Central Coast. Its an easy drive and you get to enjoy the village of Wollombi on the way.

littlerae0fsunshine

2019-10-10

Beautiful country drive Just decided to take off with my grandson from Maitland & go where the road will take us. Found ourselves at Wollombi & a lovely spot to stop & explore. Noticed a couple of nice wineries on the way, so will return to check those out. Be on the watch for motorcycle enthusiasts though on this meandering lovely long road & sharp corners.

Regular Traveller

2019-10-02

Nice drive The drive between the M1 and Wollombi is lovely. Though the Cessnock council doesn’t maintain road after Wollombi so do be careful as a lot of motor bikes drive through these roads where there are pot holes, blind spots on very narrow roads.

Arlene Q

2019-09-09

Fabulous drive along the river I walked up to stage 13 the stockade on the convent trail - vertical at times it was great walking back down this fabulous road packed full of information about the early days of the colony

emdeme

2019-08-23

Beautiful drive This was a surprising alternative drive from the Peats Ridge turn off through to Wollombi, on our way to Newcastle. A long way round but worth it. There is so much to see along here, from beautiful countryside, convict ruins, cute and historic towns, and the amazing aboriginal engravings near Wollombi. The Central Coast Plateau Harvest Trail runs though here too, so its also a thrill for foodies.

Julie T

2019-03-23

Take the drive In beautiful weather we left the freeway at Calga and drove to Wollombi stopping first at Peats Ridge café. Then drove through lovely countryside to town of Wollombi for lunch, we choose Harp of Erin Beautiful lunch with homemade carrot cake to finish. We then continued to Cessnock..

Subodh Raje

2018-11-27

Romantic Drive It is really nice drive with 80 to 100km/hr speed limit and scenic view. Sometimes there are bikes and motorcycles around but you can enjoy drive.

Em K

2018-11-16

Nice ride A nice easy ride on a motorbike, with pleasant scenery. Watch out for single lane sections with tight corners and cars coming the other way!