The Ultimate Road Trip from Cessnock, NSW to Boat Harbour, NSW
Are you ready for an adventure that will take you through the beautiful countryside of New South Wales? Look no further than a road trip from Cessnock to Boat Harbour. This journey will take you on a scenic drive filled with outstanding natural beauty and exciting places to visit and explore. You will take a detour to Wallsend, in the heart of the Hunter Region, before continuing towards the coastal villages of Boat Harbour, with plenty of opportunities to stop and appreciate the landscape. Below are the top five things to do on this fantastic journey.
1. Enjoy a Wine Tasting Tour in the Hunter Valley
If you're a wine-lover, then a visit to the Hunter Valley is a must-do for you. There's no better place to taste wine than where it's grown, and the Hunter Valley is one of Australia's most important wine regions. The Valley is renowned for producing some of the best Semillon, Shiraz, and Chardonnay wines in the country. You can take your pick of one of the many tours available where you will experience an unforgettable wine tasting experience as you sip on their finest wines.
Interesting fact: The Hunter Valley is home to over 150 wineries and cellar doors - it's safe to say you'll be spoiled for choice.
2. Hike through the Stunning Watagans National Park
For nature enthusiasts, the Watagans National Park boasts breathtaking views and some of the best hiking trails in the state. The park is a nature lover's paradise surrounded by numerous waterfalls, glistening creeks, and an abundance of wildlife. The views at Heaton Lookout are unforgettable and well worth the short hike.
Interesting fact: Watagan State Forest, which is part of the national park, is home to the elusive platypus.
3. Experience the Thrill of Fighter World
Make a pit stop in Williamtown to pay a visit to an aviation enthusiast's dream - Fighter World. The museum has an impressive collection of aircraft and memorabilia from both Australian and international aviation history, including a Boeing 747 jumbo jet, which you can climb on board. Kids (and adults) will love the interactive displays, flight simulators and the thrilling 'Mirage' Fighter Jet experience.
Interesting fact: Fighter World was established to preserve the history of fighter squadrons based at RAAF Williamtown.
4. Take a Surf Lesson at One Mile Beach
No coastal road trip would be complete without a lesson in surfing! One Mile Beach, situated in the picturesque town of Anna Bay, is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Port Stephens area. Book a lesson with the friendly folks at Port Stephens Surf School and learn to ride the waves like a pro. They offer lessons for all skill levels, so it doesn't matter if you've never ridden a surfboard before.
Interesting fact: One Mile Beach was used as the set location for the popular TV show 'Home and Away.
5. Whale Watching Tour in Nelson Bay
If you happen to travel the route between June and November, then you are in for a treat. Nelson Bay is one of the best spots on the east coast of Australia to see the annual humpback whale migration. Book a whale watching tour and head out to sea to witness these gentle giants of the ocean as they travel north.
Interesting fact: Humpback whales are known for their 'singing' and can produce complex songs lasting for as long as thirty minutes.
Overall, the journey from Cessnock to Boat Harbour will take approximately two and a half hours, not including stops. Wallsend, which is located halfway on the trip, is renowned for its active coal mining history, with the Wallsend Heritage precinct offering a glimpse into the historical mining days.
All in all, this road trip offers something for everyone, from wine-tasting to hiking, surfing to aviation, and whale-watching. It's an adventure that you won't forget anytime soon! So pack your bags, hit the road and let the beautiful New South Wales landscape speak for itself.