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!

A Tiny Town with a Big Itinerary

A short, scenic drive from Sydney, Tourist Drive 33 will allow you to amble to Wollombi Valley on one of the most historic roads in NSW. Dotted with fruit stalls – a must stop is the kebab truck at Peat’s Ridge (who would’ve thought some of the best kebabs you’ll eat are at a local servo) or a grab burger at Jerry’s at Kulnura – either way, it’s a great opportunity to stretch the legs and fuel up the car.

On reaching the valley, head straight to Wollombi village for a wander – filled with local characters, it’s the ‘heartbeat’ and historic centre. Established in 1830, it’s full of early settler history as seen in the village architecture, museum and cemetery. Grab a coffee in the historic general store where the walls speak of times past.

On Saturday, after an early morning gravel ride on country backroads, enjoy a hearty breakfast and country welcome at Myrtle and Stone Café in Wollombi, then wander down to the Tavern circa 1830, for a late pub lunch and Dr Jurd’s Jungle Juice. If your taste buds hanker for a dessert, walk back up the hill for a triple decker ice cream cone at The General Store. Immerse yourself in the history that’s part of life here in the village.

Plans for Saturday night? Why not pair our local wines with a boutique dining experience cooked ‘in house’ at your accommodation by local Chef Nathan Cooper. Spend your Sunday morning exploring Where Pigs Fly Farm Sanctuary at Laguna or the valley’s boutique vineyards scattered a few minutes away from town. If you’re keen on a not so lazy weekend, try our magnificent tennis courts to work off all that good food and wine or head out on another gravel ride on one of the many scenic backroads. Finish off
your weekend with a massage from one of the State’s best therapists at the Hunter Massage Co before heading back to reality www.huntermassageco.com.au.

We have many beautiful accommodations that can be booked via the Visit Wollombi website www.visitwollombi.com.au to make your stay memorable.

We can’t wait to show you why we love Wollombi. A tiny town with a big history.

REVIEWS

    
 
 
       Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Pandy D 
 
 
 
 Verified 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
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Nia O 
 
 
 
 Verified 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.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Tony W 
 
 
 
 Verified 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.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   littlerae0fsunshine 
 
 
 
 Verified 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.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Regular Traveller 
 
 
 
 Verified 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.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Arlene Q 
 
 
 
 Verified 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
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   emdeme 
 
 
 
 Verified 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.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Julie T 
 
 
 
 Verified 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..
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Subodh Raje 
 
 
 
 Verified 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.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Em K 
 
 
 
 Verified 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!