This article is brought to you by Destination Central Coast.
There’s a certain thrill in trading a well-worn highway for scenic backroads that whisper history and adventure. Tourist Drive 33 offers exactly that, an enticing journey through the lush hinterland of the New South Wales Central Coast. More than just a road trip, this route showcases a seamless blend of nature, heritage and gourmet experiences. The Central Coast is already a leading ECO Certified Destination, recently acheiving ‘Ecotourism’ status – a promotion from its previous ‘Nature Tourism’ status and a testament to the region’s commitment to sustainable travel and environmental conservation.
Mooney Mooney: Pearls and oysters by the water
My journey kicks off at Mooney Mooney, a peaceful riverside village where Broken Bay Pearl Farm offers a glimpse into NSW’s only pearl farm. Joining a tour, I watch in awe as experts deftly extract lustrous gems from oysters – an age-old craft that feels worlds away from modern hustle. The onsite shop tempts with elegant pearl jewellery, each piece telling a story of the Hawkesbury River’s pristine waters.
Next up is a truly unique experience: Sydney Oyster Farm Tours. Clad in waders, I walk into the water for a dining adventure in the oyster lease.
The briny scent of the Hawkesbury mingles with the taste of freshly shucked oysters, each one a salty burst of pure indulgence. It’s a sensory moment that reminds me how deeply connected this region is to its waterways.
Mount White: Culinary gems and a nostalgic pit stop
Following the Old Pacific Highway north, the first stop in Mount White is Saddles, an elegant gourmet restaurant and bakehouse set around a tranquil dam. It was recently named one of the world’s most beautiful restaurants. Inside, the scent of fresh bread with smoked butter and house-made pork and sage sausage rolls fills the air. The menu is a nod to local produce, with head chef Reece Collins curating a menu that focuses on the paddock-to-plate philosophy.
But Saddles is as much about the ambience as it is about the cuisine. Leather saddles crafted by master saddler and horse trainer Heath Harris are used as bar stools, evoking the rural charm of the region. The Saddles Barn, a newly opened function centre, is also enchanting, artfully melding timeless elegance and rustic charm.
Just down the road, The Old Road Cafe beckons as a favourite haunt for motorcyclists and road-trippers alike enjoying the wending road through stands of eucalypts. A classic pit stop open from 7am daily, it’s a place where espresso machines hum and conversation flows between travellers sharing stories of the open road.
Somersby: Wildlife wonders and cascading falls
No Central Coast hinterland adventure is complete without a visit to the Australian Reptile Park. Its enclosures brim with delightful native characters (think kangaroos, koalas, wombats, dingoes… and the enormous and iconic saltwater croc, Elvis). Don’t miss the recently opened Weigel Venom Centre, where spiders and snakes are milked to make antivenom.
“The Australian Reptile Park is Australia’s original hands-on zoo,” says park director Tim Faulkner, emphasising its unique approach to animal encounters. “It’s about Australian wildlife and the conservation of threatened Australian species. That’s why the bush setting is important too. And it’s why you won’t see lions, tigers or bears here.”
A 10-minute drive from the reptile park, and nestled within the bushy embrace of Brisbane Water National Park, is the Bulgandry Art Site Aboriginal Place, which features Aboriginal rock engravings estimated to be more than 200 (if not thousands of) years old. The site’s namesake, Bulgandry, refers to a prominent engraving believed to depict an ancestral hero adorned with an elaborate headdress. The site also showcases engravings of native fauna such as wallabies, fish and a dolphin, as well as depictions thought to represent a canoe and a bird. Nearby, you can observe stone tool sharpening grooves, further illustrating the daily lives of the area’s original inhabitants.
When you’re done imbibing the history of Bulgandry, make a beeline for the enticing tumble of Somersby Falls, also located in the national park. Somersby Falls picnic area is your jumping-off point. Here you’ll follow an 800m walking track through rainforest, the sound of rushing water growing louder until you reach the three-tier falls. The air is thick with the scent of eucalyptus. Local wildlife, including water dragons, frogs and goannas, are often oblivious to your presence.
Mangrove Mountain: Farm-fresh goodness and community spirit
Further inland, the rolling hills of Mangrove Mountain reveal a hidden gem – Fanelli Organics. A working farm set on 45 acres, it grows a diverse range of certified organic, seasonal fruit and veggies using regenerative farming practices.
On Sundays, there’s a steady stream of locals arriving at the farm stand to pick up their fresh pre-ordered produce boxes. Eden, Fanelli’s fourth-generation farmer, and his wife Louise also run on-farm workshops and tours. You can also find the couple at Carriageworks Farmers Market in Sydney every Saturday.
For a taste of local hospitality, The Hub of Mangrove Mountain is a must-visit. This charming community cafe is the heart of the village, where homemade cakes (the cheesecakes are delectable) and locally roasted coffee fuel lively conversations. It’s a place where travellers and locals mingle, sharing tales of country life and road trip adventures.
Wisemans Ferry: Stepping back in time
The final leg of my journey brings me to Wisemans Ferry, where history and nature collide. I stretch my legs on Devines Hill loop – part of the Old Great North Road, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed convict-built trail – which passes by towering walls of sandstone that were carved out and engraved by up to 720 convicts between 1826 and 1836. Historic graffiti is etched into the rock face.
The panoramic views of the Hawkesbury River and the spectacular sandstone walls in Dharug National Park make for the penultimate experience on my Central Coast hinterland exploration. Before heading home, I make a stop at The Anchor Spencer. This riverside dining spot, in the historic suburb Spencer, is the perfect place to reflect on the journey. With a plate of freshly caught seafood before me and the Hawkesbury River glistening in the mid-afternoon light, I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude.
The Central Coast hinterland awaits
Tourist Drive 33 isn’t just a road; it’s an experience. A place where rugged wilderness meets refined dining, where history whispers through the landscape, and where every stop reveals a new slice of the Central Coast’s charm. With its recent ecotourism certification, this hinterland route stands as a shining example of how travel can be both sustainable and unforgettable. Pack your bags, fill up the tank and take the road less travelled. The Central Coast hinterland is waiting.
This article is brought to you by Destination Central Coast.
